The Lexington Fayette Urban County Council approved a zone change Tuesday that clears the way for a housing development in northeast Lexington.
The development would be built on the former grounds of Transylvania University’s old baseball field in the Radcliffe-Marlboro neighborhood. It would include a group of 26 homes, 29 townhomes and three apartment buildings meant for low-income families. It would also include a senior living facility.
Members of the neighborhood voiced concerns about traffic density and flooding problems during a lengthy public comment period.
That includes resident Diane Cahill, who says nearby traffic is already dangerous.
“I've seen pedestrians be hit by automobiles on Radcliffe, speeding is a big problem. We saw some fire trucks earlier, and Station 8 is already overwhelmed. They're one of the busiest in the city, and I can't imagine what this is going to add to their burden on their caseload,” she said.
Councilmember Whitney Elliott Baxter was among the majority of councilmembers who voted in favor of the zone change in hopes to address Lexington’s housing shortage.
“In all of Fayette County, there are 130 homes for sale under $330,000 in the entire county. This development alone will provide roofs for more people than there are currently houses available,” she said.
Multiple councilmembers voiced plans to address concerns brought by the neighborhood as the development plan moves forward. Eleven councilmembers approved the zoning change, with three absent.
The lone dissenting vote came from Councilmember Tyler Morton, who represents the district the development will be built in.
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