Demolition has begun at Lewis Elementary School following unanimous approval of the site plan by Excelsior Springs City Council. The site and plat plan for the new school was presented by Excelsior Springs City Planner Shantele Frie, who explained the new development will comply with the city codes and design standards. “The site plan required a traffic study,” said Frie, noting a goal of the new school is to address traffic flow issues. She said public improvements will be made to Leavenworth Avenue and the public alley on the north side of the site. Improvements will include mill and overlay areas with the addition of crosswalks. The north half of the alleyway, which will be used for public safety vehicles, will be improved and no parking signs will be posted. She noted the plan includes de-emphasizing the alley from traffic circulation, and residents will still be able to utilize the alley to access to their driveways. Chillicothe Avenue will be the primary means of access to…