Lexington’s Urban County Planning Commission recommended Thursday against a proposal that would rezone the historically Black neighborhood of Pralltown and allow for the construction of a college apartment complex.
It was proposed by the St. Louis-based real estate company Subtext to address growing enrollment at the University of Kentucky, and would be built across campus along S. Limestone, Prall Street and Montmullin Street. Much of the neighborhood’s makeup has steadily shifted to college students since the 1980s.
It’s also meant to address the city’s plan to add more housing density by 2045.
The planning commission narrowly voted against the proposal with four yes votes, five no votes and one absent. The final recommendation said the complex didn’t respect the context of the surrounding neighborhood, and would be less affordable for residents.
That comes despite the company making changes to the proposal since the last time it was presented. It would have reduced the number of residential units, reduced the height of the building by one floor and added a longer buffer area between the complex and the historical family houses.
Commissioner William Wilson spoke in favor of Pralltown during the group’s final remarks.
“Our guideline indicated even within our comprehensive plan that we should do what we can to protect communities in our city, because it's to the benefit of our total community that we do so,” Wilson said.
Others, like Robin Michler, noted the difficulty of the decision.
“It's across the street from the university, and I’m struggling with this decision, as are some of the other commissioners, with balancing the historic and neighborhood sensitivity with our desires for more places for people to live, where they can walk,” Michler said.
Rolanda Woolfork is the President of Lexington’s Historical Black Neighborhood Association and spoke against the proposal. She argued it would have gentrified the area and displaced residents.
“We're excited. We appreciate them voting in honor on the behalf of saying no to approving the zone change, they knew it didn't fit the community, it did not preserve the community, it is not an example of the community,” Woolfork said.
The commission’s recommendation will now go to city council. They can agree with the decision, or decide to override it after holding a public hearing for more information.
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