Urban County Council - Zoning Public Hearing

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Council met on August 18, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, 200 E. Main St, Lexington, KY 40507. Steve Kay presided over the meeting. The council took action on one agenda item: an ordinance to change the zoning of property at 3900 Boston Rd from a Professional Office (P-1) zone to a Planned Neighborhood Residential (R-3) zone, which was approved. During the meeting, the council took 2 votes and heard 2 public comments.

Attendance

Present: Evans, Farmer, Gibbs, Kay, Lamb, Moloney, Mossotti, Scutchfield, Stinnett, Bledsoe, F. Brown, and J. Brown

Absent: Henson and Akers

Late: None reported

Votes and Decisions

Ordinance 0799-15: Zone Change for 3900 Boston Rd. 1:13:57

The Planning Commission voted to change the zoning designation for property at 3900 Boston Rd. from Professional Office (P-1) zone to Planned Neighborhood Residential (R-3) zone. Motion by Mossotti, seconded by Farmer. The ordinance passed by roll call vote with 12 ayes and 0 nays.

Voting in favor: Evans, Farmer, Gibbs, Kay, Lamb, Moloney, Mossotti, Scutchfield, Stinnett, Bledsoe, F. Brown, and J. Brown.

The zone change is subject to approval and certification of ZDP 2015-25: Ted R. Osborn & Thomas Wood Property/Millpond, Unit 1-B, Section 2A (formerly known as Willow Oak) prior to forwarding a recommendation to the Urban County Council. This certification must be accomplished within two weeks of the Planning Commission's approval.

Adoption of Findings of Fact for Ordinance 0799-15 1:12:53

The Planning Commission voted to adopt the findings of fact in support of the zone change request. Motion by Mossotti, seconded by Farmer. The adoption passed by roll call vote with 12 ayes and 0 nays.

Voting in favor: Evans, Farmer, Gibbs, Kay, Lamb, Moloney, Mossotti, Scutchfield, Stinnett, Bledsoe, F. Brown, and J. Brown.

Public Comment

Two residents provided public comments during the meeting, addressing concerns about environmental impacts and neighborhood effects of a proposed development.

Donna Kwon 43:23 spoke about environmental and green space concerns. She expressed concern about the impact of construction on a nearby pond that has been recently restored. Kwon emphasized the importance of preserving the natural habitat and wildlife in the area, specifically mentioning turtles and herons.

Stephanie Follensbee 48:29 addressed home value and neighborhood impact concerns. She voiced concern that the development could reduce property values in her neighborhood and expressed fear about the loss of green space and trees. Follensbee noted that these natural features are vital to her home's equity and long-term retirement plans.

Contested Items

Environmental and Neighborhood Impact of Development

Two residents from the Willow Oak subdivision expressed opposition to a proposed development project, citing concerns about environmental and neighborhood impacts. The residents raised specific objections regarding potential degradation of a nearby pond, loss of green space in the area, and negative effects on local wildlife.

The applicant responded to these concerns by committing to additional screening measures and environmental protections as part of the project. Despite these commitments, the residents maintained their opposition to the development proposal.

The contested issue centered on whether the applicant's proposed environmental safeguards would be sufficient to mitigate the community's concerns about habitat loss and ecological impacts in the Willow Oak subdivision area.

Ordinance changing the zone from a Professional Office (P-1) zone to a Planned Neighborhood Residential (R-3) zone for property at 3900 Boston Rd.

The Urban County Council held a public hearing on a zone change request for 1.3385 net acres located at 3900 Boston Rd. 9:46. The proposal sought to rezone the property from Professional Office (P-1) to Planned Neighborhood Residential (R-3) to accommodate a residential development.

Presentations and Proposal Details

The Division of Planning presented the zone change request, followed by the applicant Boston Rd., LLC. The proposed development included 25 townhouse units and two single-family homes. The applicant made extensive commitments to project design and site management, including screening, fencing, and stormwater management measures that exceeded regulatory requirements.

Key Speakers

The discussion involved presentations from Bill Sallee, Bruce Simpson, Donna Kwon, and Stephanie Follensbee. Two objectors also presented concerns during the public hearing portion.

Outcome

The ordinance was approved by the Urban County Council.