While construction is not slated to begin until 2018, Lexington’s Town Branch Commons trail and park project continues to get attention downtown. It’s on Tuesday’s agenda of the Urban County Council.
Jonathon Hollinger is senior administrative officer in planning, preservation, and development. He says council is being asked to approve a memorandum of understanding with the city, Bluegrass Community Foundation, Lexington Center, and the Downtown Management District.
Hollinger says it doesn’t set out financial implications, but does spell out responsibilities for groups. “It’s essentially targeting at giving donors to the park some certainty what everybody’s responsibility will be in the project going forward,” said Hollinger.
Private funds are being raised for the Town Branch Commons Park. Hollinger says government funds are already committed for the trail portion of the project. No construction is expected during 2017. "That being said, we’ll be doing public engagement and they’ll be opportunities for people to learn about the project and have input on the project within in the next year,” noted Hollinger.
Hollinger says dates have not yet been set for the community engagement meetings. The total price tag for the trail and park comes to some $67 million.