Lawrence, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Lawrence planning commissioners have approved a development plan for New Boston Crossing, set to feature the Kaw Valley Sports Complex, housing units, and commercial spaces. The project covers 177 acres and includes recreational facilities, an entertainment district, and concerns raised about environmental impacts.
Lawrence. Planning commissioners approved a new request from developers for the New Boston Crossing south of Lawrence, which is set to include a sports complex.
What was approved
The development plan encompasses about 177 acres of land southeast of the Kansas Highway 10 interchange at Iowa Street. The latest iteration of the project will feature the Kaw Valley Sports Complex, consisting of approximately 38 acres with six full-size turf soccer fields and a 200,000-square-foot building for indoor sports. The complex will also include parking, concessions, and restroom facilities.
The overall plan comprises an approximately 14-acre entertainment district and a 32-acre commercial district that will house a hotel, gas station, and restaurants. The development will also introduce an apartment complex with 300 to 400 units and roughly 70 acres of open space, as outlined in updated documents from the developers.
Approval process and next steps
The approval consisted of a comprehensive plan amendment to the revised southern development plan under Plan 2040. The proposal must now be reviewed by the Lawrence City Commission and Douglas County Commission.
The vote for approval saw planning commissioners Rexroad, Duvvur, Crawford, Wilson, and Kelso in favor, while Hayden, Eldredge, and Brian voted against it. The Lawrence City Commission approved the annexation of the land into city limits in 2023 and earlier zoning requests for the project in 2024.
Community response
Nearly 30 community members expressed opposition during public comments, citing concerns about environmental impacts, potential harm to wildlife, light pollution from the sports complex, and the historical significance of the land. Courtney King, a member of the Indigenous community, stated concerns regarding the impact on the natural environment and public health and safety.
Planning commissioners pointed out the contentious history surrounding potential development in the area, noting divergent community opinions. Advocates opposing the development argue that including subsidized housing is a strategy to distract from the project’s environmental consequences. The board of regents of Haskell Indian Nations University has urged developers to search for potential unmarked graves on the site, reflecting concerns about historical injustices.
Supporters of the proposal argue it could address critical housing needs while providing recreational opportunities for the community.
Design, timeline and public engagement
Upcoming meetings will share updates on the design and progress of the New Boston Crossing project. Developers and local officials will present updated documents and design details at those meetings as the review proceeds through the Lawrence City Commission and Douglas County Commission.
Key points at a glance
- Project name: New Boston Crossing south of Lawrence
- Site size: about 177 acres
- Sports complex: Kaw Valley Sports Complex; approximately 38 acres; six full-size turf soccer fields; 200,000-square-foot indoor sports building
- Other districts: approximately 14-acre entertainment district; 32-acre commercial district
- Housing: apartment complex with 300 to 400 units
- Open space: roughly 70 acres
- Approvals so far: planning commission approval for the comprehensive plan amendment; Lawrence City Commission annexation in 2023 and earlier zoning approvals in 2024
- Next reviews: Lawrence City Commission and Douglas County Commission
Background and context
The New Boston Crossing proposal has followed a multi-step local review process that included annexation and zoning approvals in prior years. The current approval by planning commissioners addresses a comprehensive plan amendment to the revised southern development plan under Plan 2040, moving the project to the next stage of local government review.
Public comment at the planning commission meeting reflected divided public sentiment and a range of concerns, including environmental effects, impacts on wildlife and light pollution, cultural and historical sensitivity, and housing needs. Local institutions and community members have asked developers to consider additional studies and searches related to historic and cultural resources on the site.
FAQ
What did the planning commissioners approve?
Planning commissioners approved a new request from developers for the New Boston Crossing south of Lawrence, which is set to include a sports complex.
How large is the development site?
The development plan encompasses about 177 acres of land southeast of the Kansas Highway 10 interchange at Iowa Street.
What will the Kaw Valley Sports Complex include?
The latest iteration of the project will feature the Kaw Valley Sports Complex, consisting of approximately 38 acres with six full-size turf soccer fields and a 200,000-square-foot building for indoor sports.
Will the complex have amenities?
The complex will also include parking, concessions, and restroom facilities.
What other districts and housing are planned?
The overall plan comprises an approximately 14-acre entertainment district and a 32-acre commercial district that will house a hotel, gas station, and restaurants. The development will also introduce an apartment complex with 300 to 400 units and roughly 70 acres of open space, as outlined in updated documents from the developers.
What approvals are required next?
The proposal must now be reviewed by the Lawrence City Commission and Douglas County Commission.
How did the community respond?
Nearly 30 community members expressed opposition during public comments, citing concerns about environmental impacts, potential harm to wildlife, light pollution from the sports complex, and the historical significance of the land.
Were there cultural and historical concerns raised?
The board of regents of Haskell Indian Nations University has urged developers to search for potential unmarked graves on the site, reflecting concerns about historical injustices.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project name | New Boston Crossing south of Lawrence |
| Site size | about 177 acres |
| Sports complex | Kaw Valley Sports Complex — approximately 38 acres; six full-size turf soccer fields; 200,000-square-foot indoor sports building |
| Entertainment district | approximately 14-acre entertainment district |
| Commercial district | 32-acre commercial district (hotel, gas station, restaurants) |
| Housing | apartment complex with 300 to 400 units |
| Open space | roughly 70 acres |
| Planning commission vote | Rexroad, Duvvur, Crawford, Wilson, and Kelso in favor; Hayden, Eldredge, and Brian against |
| Next review | Lawrence City Commission and Douglas County Commission |
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Additional Resources
- Lawrence Times: Planning Commission Approves New Boston Amendment
- Wikipedia: Urban Planning
- Lawrence Journal-World: Major Retail and Housing Plans
- Google Search: New Boston Crossing Lawrence
- Lawrence Times: New Boston Update Meeting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Impact Assessment
- Kansas Reflector: Baker Wetland Threat and Floodplain Development
- Google News: Development in Lawrence
- Lawrence Journal-World: Development Plan Near SLT Interchange
- Google Scholar: Community Opposition Development Lawrence
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