May 2026 meeting minutes

April 13th, 2026
Neighborhood Meeting Minutes
Started: 7:00pm
Attendance: 8
Ted welcomed everyone in attendance and stated that the spring summer newsletter is in the works and the garage sale will be the weekend of May 16th, 2026. Ted is already getting calls from Topeka residents to confirm the date of the garage sale and the map will be created for shoppers. You can call in your address, email or Facebook message to be added to the map. Ted voiced that Midco has lost 4 to 5 channels and the Lawrence Journal World is not running the classified advertisements. Tenants to Homeowners was originally going to put up 5 to 10 regular houses however they have changed the plan and are putting in smaller houses on Lincoln St without notifying the NLIA of the change in plans. Ted stated that in the past Tenant to Homeowners contacted the NLIA to discuss and notify the building of homes however the small homes being built between 3rd and Lincoln and 3rd and Lyon’s by Tenant to Homeowners are going up without any communication with the NLIA.
Ted talked about flooding potential and the warning lights that were installed that cost a significant amount of money. Ted voiced the need for focus on flooding potential.
A neighbor brought up a house that was photographed in the LJWorld looking like another house build in North Lawrence and wondering if this was the type of house Tenant to Homeowners is building. Ted explained that the house he was referring to is an energy efficient house and it is a “regular” sized house not a tiny house.
Ted talked about air B & B’s and said the ones in North Lawrence have the stipulation that the owner needs to live on the property.
A neighbor asked about the air B & B above the architects business. Ted said that it qualifies because a business operates under the air B & B.
Ted said he did speak up for neighbors as the rules for air B & B’s is being relaxed due to the World Cup coming to town and he asked the city if the rules will go back to the original state after the World Cup.
Ted stated that a sidewalk needs to be installed when houses are build and he said that Tenants to Homeowners are going to cut into an embankment to install a sidewalk. Ted stated that none of the property owners were notified of this plan and the construction. Ted stated that this will require an extensive excavation and a retaining wall. A 60 year old tree has already been removed. Ted was asked by the neighbors being affected to come and see what was happening. The neighbor/neighbors being affected found out about the project by asking the surveyor working on the Tenants to Homeowners project.
A neighbor asked who put up the sign about future development on Locust Street and is it still in the works? Ted stated the development is in the works and the train cars are being worked on and “yes” the project is in process. The neighbors at the meeting voiced being excited about the development. Ted stated that the developer will be attending the June meeting to show neighbors the plans.
A neighbor stated it would be fun to do something with the airplane on 2nd street in North Lawrence. All in attendance agreed that the plane is a curiosity.
A neighbor asked what is going to be done about creating a safer crossing for children walking to the splash pad at Lyon’s Park? . The neighbor explained that the speed on N 7th street is excessive and the cars need to be slowed down with 4 ways stops. Neighbors at the meeting agreed. Ted appealed to the neighbors to reach out to the commissioners and tell them their concerns as the need for 4 way stops has been brought up for numerous years and landed on deaf ears. Another neighbor voiced the saftey of children is a concern due to the speed on N 7th Street. Ted stated that the newsletter will have the commissioners and Mayors contact information.
Ted stated that he will invite the Mayor to attend the May meeting so neighbors can voice their concerns directly to the Mayor. Ted stated if the Mayor is not available then he will invite the commissioners and he stated that only 1 to 2 commissioners can attend a neighborhood meeting.
Ted stated that there will be an article in the LJWorld thanking North Lawrence Businesses for their generous donations that take care of neighbors, Ballard center and Woodlawn during the holiday season.
Ted stated he had a conversation with Lawrence Transit about the need for bus shelters in North Lawrence.
Ted shared that Woodlawn is getting a new principle. Ted also shared that Woodlawn has started a preschool which is a positive to support increase enrollment.
Ted stated that neighbors need to pay attention to the corridor development to make sure that the development stays in the corridor and does not creep into the neighborhood. Ted shared that the plans to develop behind Johnny’s is still an active plan.
A neighbor shared that there is still an active homeless camp located close to the Highway Patrol office.
A neighbor shared that they are hoping for the pedestrian bridge over the railway road in North Lawrence. Ted shared that there is no longer a crossing guard on 4th street. Neighbors at the meeting continue to express that they want a quiet zone and the safety improvements included in the development.
Ted thanked all in attendance.
Meeting adjourned: 8:pm