Residents, youth speakers ask Lawrence City Council to back Lawrence Community Works Dye Works appropriation transfer

Jessica Anders, a Lawrence resident speaking for Lawrence Community Works, urged the Lawrence City Council on Nov. 7 to approve item 506/24, an appropriation transfer to support the Lawrence Community Works Dye Works project. "I'm actually not here to talk to you about housing today. This is a complete economic development project," Anders said, describing the plan as "a 100% commercial and community space" that will host an expansion of La Fruteria Supermarket, new dentistry and optometry services by the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, and a new home for the Movement City youth program.

Why it matters: Anders told the council the project would pay more than $50,000 a year into the city's tax base and, she said, "within 5 years time will more than repay the investment that we're asking for and then we'll continue to generate income for the city." She also said the project would bring "probably close to 40 new jobs, possibly more than that into the city and jobs that are accessible for our residents." The comments were made during the public participation section of the Nov. 7 meeting; no council vote on item 506/24 is recorded in the public-comment transcript excerpt.

Speakers at the meeting included youth and staff from Movement City, who described the program's role in serving and training local young people. "They provided me with a space where I could let my frustrations out and kinda express myself creatively," said Marcelo Perez Guzman, who identified himself as a teaching assistant with Movement City. Kiera Gutierrez, a program participant, said the new building "will provide a safe space" for members aged roughly 10 to 18 and help "keep other children off the streets." Justin Borrome, another participant, described Movement City as a place that taught him skills including public speaking and financial literacy.

Mandy Guevara, identifying herself as a lifelong Lawrence resident and a member of the Lawrence Community Works board, told the council the board and members support the Dye Works project and asked for council backing. "This project will revitalize the city. It will bring in new opportunities, new services for both youth and adults," she said.

Discussion vs. decision: The transcript captures public testimony urging approval but does not show a council motion or recorded vote on the appropriation transfer during the public-comment portion. Speakers requested the council "approve it tonight," and expressed urgency for the project to complete redevelopment in the Mill District area.

Background details: Anders said Lawrence Community Works is a nonprofit and that the Dye Works project is a final piece of redevelopment in the Mill District. Speakers emphasized services to youth and the community, and the potential tax and job benefits cited above.

Next steps noted by speakers: Advocates asked the council to approve item 506/24; the public-comments record does not include council action on that item in the provided transcript excerpt.