Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works Department

TO:	Charles Soules, Public Works Director
FROM:	Mark Thiel, Assistant Public Works Director
CC:	Diane Stoddard, Tarik Khatib, Mark Bradford
DATE:	October 7, 2014
RE:	Right of Way permit First Construction - (9^th and New Hampshire St. – North Project)

Background

First Construction, LLC has requested a right of way permit to partially close a portion of the 800 block of New Hampshire Street and to partially close the 200 block of East 9^th Street starting in late October to early November 2014 for a 24 month period for the construction of a building on the NE corner of the intersection of 9^th Street and New Hampshire Street. (See attached traffic control plan and project plan sheet).

They are also anticipating multiple full closure of the 800 block of New Hampshire during construction to facilitate some of the construction phases for access and to install a new water main, currently located approximately under the center lane in the 800 block of New Hampshire Street.

First Construction, LLC has also submitted a frequently asked question sheet that explains some of the anticipated issues with construction. Such as access for the Farmers Market, access to the city parking lot on the west side of the 800 block of New Hampshire Street and Art Center access (See attached FAQ).

First Construction, LLC has sent notice of this item being considered by the City Commission to the adjacent property owners, Downtown Lawrence, The Lawrence Farmers Market and the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association. In addition, the City hosted a meeting between Downtown Lawrence, The Lawrence Arts Center, East Lawrence Neighborhood Association President, The Lawrence Farmers Market and First Construction, LLC management to discuss impact from the project. That meeting was held October 3, 2014 at City Hall.

It should also be noted that the current partial closure of the 900 block of New Hampshire would possible still be in effect at the onset of this project, meaning both the 800 and 900 blocks of New Hampshire could have partial closures.

Action Requested

If appropriate, pending commission discussion and consideration authorize staff to approve a right of way permit for First Construction, LLC to partially close a portion of the 800 block of New Hampshire Street and to partially close the 200 block of East 9^th Street for a 24 month period for the construction of a building on the NE corner of the intersection of 9^th Street and New Hampshire Street.