July 14, 2020
Through many conversations and hearing the good thoughts and concerns from Lawrence residents and business owners alike, the City is making changes to the Temporary Downtown Parking Reconfiguration Plan to restore the angled parking configuration. The City wants to be responsive to the needs and concerns of downtown businesses, and will work with businesses on a case-by-case basis to utilize the right-of-way, rather than the uniform downtown-wide parking plan.
Since the implementation of this plan started, the rise in positive COVID-19 cases in Douglas County — along with other unforeseen challenges — has resulted in less business interest than originally assumed in utilizing the parking area for other activities. In the same way that businesses that drive Lawrence’s economy have been flexible through the COVID-19 pandemic, the City realizes that being flexible with this plan is important to meet the needs of all stakeholders through this exceptionally difficult time.
The temporary right-of-way program is continuing, but the City will return the angled parking spots directly outside of businesses that do not wish to utilize the program. Angled parking will automatically be restored to all businesses that are not currently participating in the temporary right-of-way program.
Per Resolution 7329, the temporary right-of-way program will be available until October 31, 2020, unless the City Commission decides to end the program early.
The temporary right-of-way program streamlines processes for businesses that want to utilize the right-of-way next to their building and within the parking area in front of their business. The City will work with those who have already completed the process for a right-of-way permit under this program and will continue to accept new permit applications.
Businesses that wish to have the parking in front of their building reverted to angled parking, but later decide to use the temporary right-of-way will still be able to submit permits and utilize that space in the future if they desire. Businesses interested in utilizing the temporary right-of-way program can visit lawrenceks.org/downtown-reconfiguration for more information.
The City will resume offering businesses the ability to utilize free curbside parking stalls in Downtown Lawrence, allowing customers access to quick curbside and/or carry out orders. Businesses interested in utilizing curbside parking spaces should follow the instructions included in the press release issued in March, or they can email parking@lawrenceks.org for more information.
City crews will begin removing barricades, rubber curbs, signs and pavement markings at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, starting with the 600 block and working south. There will be short durations of restricted traffic where a single lane may be closed to accommodate the work. The City does not anticipate the need for a full closure of the street at any time during the work.
Contact: Josh Carson, Public Information Officer, Municipal Services & Operations – jcarson@lawrenceks.org | 785-832-7822