LAWRENCE, Indiana — The City of Lawrence is in the process of creating a citizens advisory group, made of leaders in the faith community, public safety and neighborhood advocates to better understand what residents need and to understand "how to better serve the entire city," according to chief of staff Zach Brown.
Earlier this month, 13News reported on a $78 million development project coming to the Fort Harrison area that would include luxury apartments, retail and parking.
Some people commented online that they wished the city would also focus development efforts on other areas of Lawrence.
One person said they want to see less focus on Fort Ben and more on "old Lawrence."
"This is actually an issue that Mayor Whitfield often heard and addressed on the campaign trail last year," Brown told 13News in an email. "The new administration is committed to working in those (other) areas to help redevelop and provide better amenities and opportunities in those neighborhoods."
Mayor Deborah Whitfield began her term in office earlier this month.
"We are very supportive of The Benjamin project and view it as an integral part of the redevelopment of the Fort and the transformation of The Fort into Lawrence's downtown-area," Brown said. "But of course, as important as that is, we don't plan on only pursuing development along 56th Street or the surrounding area – we want to serve every corner of our city."
Brown said city leaders will have an announcement in February regarding the formation of the citizens advisory committee and the first round of members.