The long-debated question of zip line operation in Fayette County will come again before Lexington's city council. The issue of how to proceed on the matter was debated Tuesday.
The Fayette County zip line operation has been in and out of service since 2013 as it was scrutinized by the council and in the courts. The public hearing is set for Jan. 19. The Boone Creek Properties’ canopy tour business received conditional use approval from the planning commission in late October. The council still must approve a zoning change.
Attorney Dick Murphy represents the zip line operator. “One of the council members stated there had never been a case that they recalled that the planning commission had unanimously recommended approval of a zone change and then the council would still have a hearing of it,” Murphy said.
Representing a nearby rural neighborhood, attorney Don Todd said his clients weren’t given their day in court. He said such a matter typically would have been heard by the board of adjustments. Todd believes the council could impose new conditions on the zip line firm.
Council acted Tuesday to schedule a January public hearing on the matter. Council member Susan Lamb cast one of the nine votes in favor of a hearing. “If we stop listening to our constituents, they’re the ones that put us on this desk and I think that we need to make sure that we recognize our rules and procedures are set up for this,” argued Lamb.
Council member Kevin Stinnett cast a no vote. He said a public hearing is not required by council rules. “We had one a week ago and the neighborhood wanted to ask additional questions,” said Stinnett. “I get that. But doesn’t mean we have to.”
