Planning Commission Meeting

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Planning Commission met on September 8, 2011, at 1:33 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Urban County Government Building, 200 East Main Street, Lexington, Kentucky. Mike Owens presided over the meeting, which addressed 14 agenda items. The Commission took 10 motions and votes during the session and heard 5 public comments. All 14 agenda items on the docket were approved, including amendments and property-related matters such as the Michael Gentry Property, Riddell Plaza, multiple subdivisions and property units, Baptist Healthcare System's Central Baptist facility, and the Coldstream Research Campus.

Attendance

Present: Mike Owens, Marie Copeland, Frank Penn, Eunice Beatty, Carla Blanton, Derek Paulsen, Patrick Brewer, Lynn Roche-Phillips

Absent: William Wilson, Mike Cravens

Late: None

Votes and Decisions

All votes taken during this meeting passed unanimously with 8 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 abstentions.

Approval of Minutes 1:30 The minutes from August 11, 2011 were approved. Motion by Eunice Beatty, seconded by Lynn Roche-Phillips.

Postponement of PLAN 2011-90F: Coldstream Research Campus, Unit 3, Lots 8, 9-A & 9-B (AMD) 4:17 The plan was postponed. Motion by Lynn Roche-Phillips, seconded by Derek Paulsen.

Indefinite Postponement of PLAN 2011-74F: Sable Holdings II, LLC 5:54 The plan was indefinitely postponed. Motion by Lynn Roche-Phillips, seconded by Patrick Brewer.

Approval of Consent Agenda Items 11:05 Consent agenda items were approved except for DP 2011-78: Lakeview Estates, Unit 2, Block J, Lot 7 & Block K, Lots 2, 2-E & 3. Motion by Patrick Brewer, seconded by Derek Paulsen.

Approval of PLAN 2011-95F: Tuscany, Unit 6, Section 1 (AMD) 40:36 The plan was approved including a waiver to Article 6-8(n)(1) of Land Subdivision Regulations. Motion by Patrick Brewer, seconded by Eunice Beatty. Nine conditions were attached.

Approval of DP 2011-62: Riddell Plaza, Lots 1 & 4 1:03:36 The development plan was approved with 12 staff conditions. Motion by Lynn Roche-Phillips, seconded by Derek Paulsen.

Approval of DP 2011-78: Lakeview Estates, Unit 2, Block J, Lot 7 & Block K, Lots 2, 2-E & 3 1:19:53 The development plan was approved as amended with 13 staff conditions. Motion by Lynn Roche-Phillips, seconded by Eunice Beatty.

Approval of DP 2011-79: Coldstream Research Campus, Lots 7 & 8 1:53:04 The development plan was approved with 10 staff conditions. Motion by Eunice Beatty, seconded by Patrick Brewer.

Release and Call of Bonds 1:53:45 Bonds dated September 11, 2011 were released and called. Motion by Lynn Roche-Phillips, seconded by Eunice Beatty.

Adjournment 1:54:16 The meeting was adjourned. Motion by Lynn Roche-Phillips, seconded by Eunice Beatty.

All voting members present were: Mike Owens, Marie Copeland, Frank Penn, Eunice Beatty, Carla Blanton, Derek Paulsen, Patrick Brewer, and Lynn Roche-Phillips.

Public Comment

Five members of the public provided comments on two main topics during the meeting.

Lakeview Estates Redevelopment

Maureen spoke in support of the Lakeview Estates redevelopment project 1:16:18. She applauded the developer for undertaking the redevelopment of a previously underperforming property and expressed excitement about the project's potential to improve the area and make it more livable.

Coldstream Research Campus Parking

Four speakers addressed concerns and support regarding parking provisions at the Coldstream Research Campus.

Marie Copeland raised concerns about the large amount of parking being permitted 1:33:25. She noted that the parking allowance could discourage mass transit use and set a problematic precedent. She requested that the condition be revised to include compliance with common practice.

Jim Hodge responded in defense of the parking plan 1:39:15. He explained that the P2 zone was designed for low-parking uses such as labs and that the open space requirement already limits development density, making excessive parking unlikely.

Carla Blanton expressed support for the project and opposed adding parking restrictions 1:50:22. She stated that Coldstream has already faced significant challenges and characterized the company as a good employer to retain.

Chris King provided additional context on the zoning design 1:50:54. He explained that the P2 zone was intentionally designed with low parking minimums and high open space requirements to encourage a campus-like environment. He noted that parking decisions were meant to be left to individual businesses.

Contested Items

Parking at Coldstream Research Campus

Commissioners engaged in a heated discussion regarding the parking provisions proposed for the Coldstream Research Campus. The central disagreement focused on whether the large amount of permitted parking—particularly when accounting for a future phase of development—would discourage the use of mass transit and establish a problematic precedent for future projects. Commissioners expressed concerns about this approach, while staff and the developer provided assurances regarding open space preservation and future compliance with transit-oriented standards. The debate reflected broader tensions between accommodating parking needs and promoting sustainable transportation alternatives.

Sidewalk Waiver for Old Rosebud Road

Commissioners held a heated discussion about a proposed sidewalk waiver for Old Rosebud Road. The disagreement centered on the environmental and safety implications of removing sidewalks on what was identified as a collector street. Commissioners raised concerns about pedestrian access and potential erosion issues resulting from the waiver. Staff supported the waiver, citing topographic constraints that made sidewalk installation impractical or infeasible in certain areas. This dispute highlighted the tension between accommodating site-specific physical limitations and maintaining pedestrian infrastructure standards on collector-level streets.

Michael Gentry Property (AMD)

Identifier: 2011-79F

Type: Discussion (Consent Agenda)

Outcome: Approved

The Michael Gentry Property subdivision plan was presented for consideration 6:28. Bill Sallee addressed the item, which involved approval to subdivide one lot into two parcels.

The subdivision was approved with the following conditions:

• Utility approvals
• Drainage approvals
• Traffic approvals
• Landscaping approvals
• Address approvals

The item was considered under the consent agenda, indicating it was processed as part of a group of routine or non-controversial matters requiring approval.

Riddell Plaza (AMD)

Item Identifier: 2011-81F

Overview

The Riddell Plaza project was considered under the consent agenda. Bill Sallee presented the item, which involved a plan to consolidate lots and adjust building lines for the development.

Key Conditions for Approval

The plan was approved with the following conditions:

• Resolution of stormwater retention issues
• Clarification of Burley Park ownership

Outcome

The proposal was approved.

Lansdowne Subdivision, Unit 8-B, Lot 15 (AMD)

Overview

This agenda item (2011-91F) addressed an amendment to the building line requirements for Lot 15 in Unit 8-B of the Lansdowne Subdivision.

Discussion

Bill Sallee presented the amendment, which proposed changing the building line from 45 feet to 40 feet 6:28.

Outcome

The amendment was approved with conditions. The approval required:

• Correction of adjacent setbacks
• Addition of required certifications
• Addition of required information

Calumet Terrace Subdivision, Lots 7 & 9 (AMD)

Agenda Item 2011-92F

Bill Sallee presented the plan for Calumet Terrace Subdivision, Lots 7 & 9, which involved the dedication of public right-of-way and easements. 6:28

The proposal was approved with conditions. The approval required satisfaction of utility, fire, and traffic approvals before the dedication could be finalized.

Outcome: Approved

Gess Property, Unit 6-H

6:28

Discussion

Bill Sallee presented on the Gess Property, Unit 6-H matter.

Outcome

The plan was approved with conditions. The approval included the following requirements:

• Utility easements
• Adjacent property information
• Exaction details

Gess Property, Unit 11-E

6:28

The plan for Gess Property, Unit 11-E was presented for discussion and approval. Bill Sallee was the key speaker on this agenda item.

The plan was approved with the following conditions:

• Environmental review
• Utility easements
• Clarification of sidewalk details

The outcome of the discussion was approval of the plan.

Gess Property, Unit 7-A, Section 2 (AMD)

Identifier: 2010-82F

Type: Discussion

Bill Sallee presented this agenda item regarding the Gess Property, Unit 7-A, Section 2. 6:28

The discussion centered on a one-year extension of a prior approval. The extension was granted with conditions carried forward from the original approval, with one modification: the removal of a lot was excluded from the conditions.

Outcome: The item was approved.

Baptist Healthcare System, Inc. (Central Baptist) (AMD)

Overview

The board considered a proposal by Baptist Healthcare System, Inc. (Central Baptist) to add access to adjacent property. 6:28

Presentation and Discussion

Bill Sallee presented the matter to the board.

Outcome

The plan to add access to adjacent property was approved. The approval included conditions related to utility, traffic, and environmental approvals that must be satisfied.

Kirklevington North (AMD)

Overview

This agenda item addressed a plan to revise site layout and drive-through access for the Kirklevington North project.

Presentation and Discussion

Bill Sallee presented on this matter 6:28.

Outcome

The plan was approved with conditions. The approval included the following requirements:

• Floodplain labeling must be included
• Stormwater infrastructure clarification was required

Sharkey Property, Unit 1, Lots 9 & 18 (AMD)

Agenda Item 2011-77

The proposal to add an extended-stay hotel at the Sharkey Property, Unit 1, Lots 9 & 18 was presented for discussion. 6:28

Bill Sallee presented the agenda item. The plan received approval, subject to specific conditions addressing access, encroachment, and utility approvals.

Outcome: Approved with conditions

Lakeview Estates, Unit 2, Block J, Lot 7 & Block K, Lots 2, 2-E & 3 (AMD)

Agenda Item 2011-78

The proposal for Lakeview Estates, Unit 2, Block J, Lot 7 and Block K, Lots 2, 2-E, and 3 was discussed in detail 1:04:58. The plan involved adding a fitness center to the development and revising the parking configuration.

Key speakers in the discussion included Tom Martin and Tony Barrett, who presented and addressed questions about the proposed amendments.

Discussion and Concerns

The discussion focused on several aspects of the proposal. Concerns were raised regarding gatehouse easements and their implications for the project. Additionally, questions about park access were addressed during the deliberation.

Outcome

The proposal was approved with 13 conditions attached to the decision.

Coldstream Research Campus, Lots 7 & 8

Agenda Item 2011-79

The meeting included discussion of a proposal for the Coldstream Research Campus involving Lots 7 & 8 1:21:28. The plan centered on adding access and constructing a new office building at the site.

Key Participants

The discussion involved Chris Taylor, Sarah Tuttle, Jim Hodge, and Chris King.

Issues Discussed

The primary areas of debate included parking levels and environmental impact considerations related to the proposed development.

Outcome

The proposal was approved with 10 conditions attached to the decision.

Tuscany, Unit 6, Section 1 (AMD)

Identifier: 2011-95F

Discussion Type: Amendment

The meeting included discussion of a plan to extend Old Rosebud Road, with particular attention to terrain-related challenges. 12:26

Key Speakers: - Tom Martin - Rory Kahly

Main Topic:

The primary focus of the discussion was a waiver request related to sidewalk requirements. Due to steep terrain in the project area, a waiver from standard sidewalk requirements was proposed as part of the development plan.

Outcome:

The waiver and plan were approved. The approval included two additional conditions that were imposed on the project.

Riddell Plaza, Lots 1 & 4

42:11

Item 2011-62

The council discussed a proposal to develop an apartment building on Riddell Plaza, Lots 1 & 4. Jimmy Emmons presented on this agenda item.

Key Issues Discussed

The discussion centered on several planning and environmental concerns:

• Open space requirements and allocation
• Stormwater management and drainage
• Ownership and status of Burley Park in relation to the development

Outcome

The proposal was approved with 12 conditions attached to the decision.