Once again, Lexington’s Council Chamber filled up late Tuesday afternoon for a long-standing discussion. The Council met as a committee of the whole to take public comment on Fayette County’s comprehensive plan.
Specifically, the focus was supposed to be on goals and objectives of the comp plan. It’s the guiding document for planning development. Jim Host is known for pioneering collegiate sports marketing and production services. Host said the bluegrass community is in, quote, “deep trouble,” with a dip in population.
“I’m not in favor of encroaching on any horse farms, which have made us the attraction for many years, as it is. But, there’s land in this county that can and should be developed that doesn’t cause any damage to our horse farms,” said Host.
Developing outside the urban service boundary is always a debated issue. Judy Worth, of the Planning Commission, told Council there is a list of criteria that should be used to determine whether specific parcels of land should be added when a new process dictates expansion is necessary.
Former Vice Mayor Steve Kay spoke about an alternative being voiced to bring in 5000 acres now and let market forces determine what, when, and how it will be developed. Kay doesn’t think that’s a good idea.
“This alternative fails to provide a rationale for the number of acres, a description of the specific community needs that would be met, a timetable for development, and perhaps most tellingly, it fails to provide any safeguards for the rural activities, should any of that land be developed,” said Kay.
Kay suggests moving forward with implementation of a process for considerating expansion upon approval of the comp plan goals and objectives.
Several speakers suggested some expansion occur. Carla Blanton with Lexington For Everyone said less than 4% of land inside the boundary is truly vacant and developable. Commerce Lexington President Bob Quick said business leaders’ concerns include a lack of affordable land for jobs, a lack of workforce housing, and the difficulty and expense of infill projects. Council is expected to vote on the goals and objectives in June.
*This story was updated to correct a quote by former Vice Mayor Steve Kay*
