Commission authorizes two surveys for Harrison Drive vacation petition and Center Track lease area

The Lawrence Redevelopment Commission on Nov. 20 authorized two survey contracts to advance potential redevelopment projects.

First, the commission approved a $15,000 contract with HWC Engineering to prepare legal descriptions and exhibits needed for a vacation petition affecting a city-owned parcel at 8101 Harrison Drive. Counsel said the parcel is irregular and currently limited by unvacated alleys and old plats, and that vacating those rights-of-way would create a developable residential lot. Counsel explained the vacation work will be followed by appraisal and a public RFP process if the parcel is to be sold.

Second, the commission authorized a survey — not to exceed $15,000 — to identify and carve out a lease area on the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) property known locally as the Center Track north of 59th Street. Staff said the DNR has been receptive to a multi-year lease for public uses such as a concert pavilion or restroom improvements but emphasized that any lease and subsequent capital work would require separate approvals and funding decisions. "A survey is gonna be a necessary requirement of this, to get to a lease," counsel said, framing the survey as the next logical step in negotiations.

Commissioners asked whether the Center Track survey could result in the loss of public access; staff and counsel said there is no intent to close the track and that improvements would aim to preserve and enhance public use. The commission approved both authorizations by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will execute contracts, proceed with the surveys, and report back on survey results and any lease or vacation petition steps required for public review.