Lexington leaders are preparing for the stretch drive in setting objectives as they plan for future development.
At least one council member wants more attention given to infill and redevelopment.
Planning commission recommendations of goals and objectives in the comprehensive plan should come to the council by year’s end. Any move to expand the urban service boundary could be included in that report.
While it may not come this year, Council Member Kevin Stinnett think’s it’s just a matter of time.
“We need a plan to where we’re going to expand in the future because it’s not a question of if anymore, it’s a question of when,” said Stinnett. “And, it may not be this time, but in five years we’re going to have a major housing problem here in Lexington and we’re going to force a lot of low income people not to be able to live here.”
Stinnett believes more should also be done to see commercial infill and redevelopment. He says it’s those businesses inside the city boundary which will create jobs.
Planning, Preservation, and Development Commissioner Derek Paulsen got questions about the process at last week’s work session. He says the boundary for city services is just one item up for review.
“The boundary is often a discussion point. Jobs are often a discussion point. Infill and redevelopment was a big point today. The agricultural economy. How do we preserve those things? How do we do those things the way we want? What do we want over the next few years as we go forward?” asked Paulsen.
A second and final phase of the comprehensive plan update process is scheduled next year.
