June 2026 NLIA Minutes

Neighborhood Meeting Minutes
June 8, 2026
Attendees: 16
Time: 7:00pm
Minutes
Ted began the meeting by talking about the funds from the railroad association that will pay for the pedestrian bridge over the railroad, quiet zone and generator to keep pumps running in case of a power outage. He stated that he and fellow NLIA neighbor found out that the funds could be obtained through a grant however the grant needed to be supported and approved by the city and could not be written by the NLIA. Ted stated that the NLIA brought this opportunity to the city two years ago and due to no action being taken the funding is gone. Ted explained that the pedestrian bridge should not be held up as part of the corridor plan as this bridge is for the neighborhood however the city may be encompassing it into the corridor plan. Ted stated it has been two years since the NLIA brought the grant opportunity to the attention of the city.
Ted shared the history of flooding in the North Lawrence in the 50’s. Ted talked about the storm water study that was done in ’05 demonstrating that a pump is needed by Teepee junction.
A neighbor asked who was responsible for putting in pumps. Ted stated the city and the county are responsible for putting in the pump. Ted stated that the solar project has not added storm water runoff management into their plans.
Ted talked about the constant fight to get the city to listen when it comes to the opportunity to get funding from the railroad.
Ted shared that it has been brought to his attention that the Union Pacific has some funding and he reached out to a city employee and they said they will need to review the opportunity. Ted stated that the improvements that railroad money will pay for a generator in case of loss of power to support the pumps, a pedestrian bridge and a quiet zone.
Ted talked about the concern of people backing up on the railroad track when the railroad underpass is flooded and cars are been detoured through the neighborhood.
Mr. Dorcee recommended a different approach when discussing the railroad funding.
Ted shared that Corridor Planning meetings are continue and there will be an upcoming open house meeting that will bring in residents from the South side to give their opinion and thoughts about the corridor plans.
A neighbor stated that there was not a valid corridor study because there was no “none of the above” which gave a false result. They went on to say it was a pro-business study.
A neighbor expressed frustration with trying to get help from the city.
A neighbor stated he had some positive response from Forestry. He stated they took down a tree that was posing a risk.
Ted shared that a neighbor had a limb from a city tree fall on their house and onto the sidewalk and they were not able to get any help.
Neighbor shared concerns about the 5ft sidewalk on 2nd and 3rd. Ted expressed other neighbors have also shared concerns about the 5ft sidewalk that is planned. The neighbor expressed that this would affect access to his property. Neighbor stated “my point is I am not opposed to a 3ft or 4ft to help people to get to the coffee shop however it is not necessary to be 5ft wide. The neighbor requested to talk to Ted about this sidewalk after the meeting.
Neighbor asked about the discussion from a past meeting about the speed of drivers on N7th Street and the need for 4 way stops to slow down traffic flying up and down N 7th.
A neighbor also brought up the need for a railing to protect pedestrians walking on the side walk, off the bridge heading north to cross the intersection of Locust on the east side, because of the speed of drivers trying to make the light coming off the bridge.
A neighbor brought up their concerns that downtown may lose parking to build housing.
Ted encouraged neighbors to reach out to city commissioners.
Ted stated that neighbors want speed humps on Walnut Street.
Ted shared that the Sandrat reunion had 100 attendees. He also shared some history that is housed in the Depot and the want to preserve the history as it supports pride in the neighborhood.
A neighbor voiced concerns about an “annex” that they heard was planned for North Lawrence by the airport. Ted stated that it is not in the works. Ted stated that all development around the airport has to be aviation related and there is no word that a data center is planned.
No meeting in July and the next meeting will be in August.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:57pm