A newly formed organization in Lexington is describing itself as advocating for balanced, common-sense land policies. The non-profit group is called “Lexington for Everyone”. Board Member Ray Daniels said the aim is to further a conversation about housing opportunities in a diverse, vibrant economy. Daniels noted COVID recovery dollars may help provide a boost short-term, but city coffers will continue to be stressed long-term. “We have more people that live outside of Fayette County right now than live in county and work. And we’ve had 1500 job losses over the past year and a possibility of another thousand staring us right in the face. So, the concern is real, the budgetary concern is real and the shortfall will be real once COVID dollars go away,” said Daniels.
Daniels said too few starter homes are being constructed in the Lexington area and purchasing housing is becoming even more difficult for those in lower income brackets.
Whether or not to expand the city’s urban service boundary is an ongoing debate. Ray Daniels said opening up five -to-ten percent more land seems essential. “Well I think there is a common sense approach. I don’t think you have to expand the whole boundary, but we all have to realize that we currently live on 30% of the land available to us and 70% of it is not developed for home ownership growth and that’s a reality that I don’t know how much longer we can live with those kind of numbers,” explained Daniels
The chair of Commerce Lexington noted the formation of “Lexington for Everyone” will entail social media, videos, and commercials focusing on land use and economic issues.
Daniels, in addition to owning a strategic sourcing company, is also a horse owner. He said he understands the focus on preserving what’s unique about the bluegrass community. But, Daniels added, there are housing and economic diversity issues to address as well.
