In this issue:
City and University cooperation produce successes
Sharing interests in long term health and vibrancy
The City of Lawrence and University of Kansas have a long history of cooperation focused on their shared mutual interests in a b and vibrant University and Lawrence community.
Biosciences Incubator
Researchers at KU will soon have a place where they can turn inventions into startup companies in Lawrence. Construction of a wet-lab business incubator on KU’s west campus is set to start in July. The 20,000-square-foot facility will be ready in 2010 and marks a milestone in economic development cooperation between the university and the community.
The incubator will also provide space for existing companies to collaborate with KU faculty. A pharmaceutical company, for example, could rent space for a year and fund a special project that utilizes KU expertise.
The incubator is a coalition of local, university, private and state resources. KU is providing $1.5 million in support of the project over five years. KU Endowment is leasing the land, valued at $500,000, at no charge. Together, Douglas County, the City of Lawrence and Lawrence Douglas County Bioscience Authority are providing $2 million. The Kansas Bioscience Authority has committed $3.25 million over three years. The incubator will be owned by the Lawrence Douglas County Bioscience Authority, a not-for-profit corporation created by the City of Lawrence, Douglas County, University of Kansas, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Boathouse in Burcham Park
Opened in February, the KU Boathouse in Burcham Park is an example of town-gown cooperation. The boathouse will serve the university’s rowing team for years to come while the park is receiving an infusion of activity and a focal point on the river.
The $6 million permanent facility was built by KU Athletic Department on city land under a 25 year lease agreement. The boathouse will be used by KU’s rowing teams and other teams for practices and meets.
Transit
The reciprocal pass program is a success from last fall. Ridership on the T was up 20 percent and more than double on KU on Wheels buses in the first month of the agreement. In August 2009, a coordinated route will launch serving students and the community with resources from both the T and KU on Wheels.
Transit cooperation is resulting in access to service on Saturdays and weeknights for students and T riders are able to access more locations throughout the community.
Fire Medical Station #5
Located at nearly the geographic center of the Lawrence, and opened in 2006, Station #5 sits at 19th and Stewart Avenue on land owned by KU Endowment.
The addition of Station #5 added greater efficiency in providing community coverage with a goal of reducing overall emergency response times and houses a ladder truck critical in responding to the nearby dormitories.
Land use cooperation
Four years ago, the city and KU developed a set of mutual promises and covenants related to land use regulations. The agreement recognizes the influences and impacts land use changes by both have on the Lawrence. Called a landmark in Lawrence intergovernmental relations, the agreement pre- determined how land use is approached.
Law Enforcement
For more than 40 years, the Lawrence Police Department and KU Public Safety have worked closely on many issues. Collaboration is the easiest way to define each agency’s role during investigations, sporting events and mayor city-wide events.
Summer Events Calendar
- May 27 – Lawrence City Band Concert
- June 3 – Lawrence City Band Concert
- June 4 – Brown Bag Concert
- June 10 – Lawrence City Band Concert
- June 11 – Brown Bag Concert
- June 11 – Downtown Movie
- June 17 – Lawrence City Band Concert
- June 18 – Brown Bag Concert
- June 18 – Ride the T free, National Dump the Pump Day
- June 24 – Lawrence City Band Concert
- June 25 – Brown Bag Concert
- June 25 – Downtown Movie
- July 1 – Lawrence City Band Concert
- July 2 – Brown Bag Concert
- July 8 – Lawrence City Band Concert
- July 9 – Brown Bag Concert
- July 9 – Downtown Movie
- July 15 – Lawrence City Band Concert
- July 16 – Ride the T free, Downtown Sidewalk Sale
- July 16 – Brown Bag Concert
- July 23 – Brown Bag Concert
- July 23 – Downtown Movie
- July 30 – Brown Bag Concert
- Aug. 13 – Downtown Movie
- Aug. 27 – Downtown Movie
- Sept. 9 – Pooch Plunge, Outdoor Aquatic Center
- Sept. 13 – Fall Arts and Crafts Festival, South Park
Brown Bag Concerts
Location: 900 Massachusetts St.
Time: noon
Downtown Movies
Location: 9th & New Hampshire Streets
Time: 9 p.m.
Lawrence City Band Concerts
Location: South Park
Time: 8 p.m.
