Planning Commission Public Hearing WINBURN SMALL AREA PLAN

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Planning Commission met on June 30, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the 2nd Floor of the LFUCG Government Center, located at 200 East Main Street in Lexington, Kentucky. Mike Owens presided over the meeting, which included three agenda items and resulted in one vote. The commission heard eight public comments during the meeting. The primary action taken was the approval of the Winburn Russell Cave Small Area Plan, which was the substantive focus of the session.

Attendance

The following 22 individuals were present at the meeting on June 30, 2016:

• Mike Owens
• Will Berkley
• Mike Cravens
• David Drake
• Carolyn Plumlee
• Carolyn Richardson
• Frank Penn
• Bill Wilson
• Joe Smith
• Karen Mundy
• Patrick Brewer
• James Duncan
• Christopher Woodall
• Bill Sallee
• Chris Taylor
• Megan Jennings
• Denice Bullock
• Brandi Peacher
• Janice Westlund
• Barbara Rackers
• Tracy Jones
• Andrea Brown

No absences or late arrivals were recorded.

Votes and Decisions

Adopt the Winburn Small Area Plan as an element of the 2013 Comprehensive Plan 1:46:55

The body voted to adopt the Winburn Small Area Plan as an element of the 2013 Comprehensive Plan. The motion was made by Frank Penn and seconded by Joe Smith.

The motion passed by voice vote. Eleven members voted in favor: - Mike Owens - Will Berkley - Mike Cravens - David Drake - Carolyn Plumlee - Carolyn Richardson - Frank Penn - Bill Wilson - Joe Smith - Karen Mundy - Patrick Brewer

One member abstained from the vote. No members voted against the motion.

Public Comment

Eight speakers addressed the Commission during the public comment period, presenting perspectives on the proposed Citation Boulevard extension and its impacts on the UK Ecological Research and Educational Center (EREC) and the Winburn neighborhood.

EREC Preservation Concerns

Dave Westneat 1:00:28 expressed concern that the proposed road through EREC would destroy the field station and hinder community engagement and research activities. Megan Seifert 1:05:10 highlighted the educational and community outreach programs at EREC, including youth research and citizen science initiatives, and urged the Commission to consider alternatives to preserve the field station. James Shaffer 1:16:02 argued that compromising EREC would be an injustice to future generations and urged the Commission to uphold the land ethic by preserving the ecological and educational integrity of the site. Dr. James Wagner 1:27:01 warned that cutting through EREC would destroy a vital research and education facility and disrupt long-standing academic collaborations.

Winburn Connectivity and Community Needs

Richard Gaines 1:11:11 stressed the urgent need for full connectivity via Citation Boulevard to address inhumane conditions in the neighborhood and warned against displacing residents during redevelopment. Lewis Brown 1:28:04 emphasized that the neighborhood needs full connectivity now, not a temporary solution, and urged the Commission to act decisively to secure the future of the community.

Additional Perspectives

Amy Clark 1:19:56 called for the plan to include printer-friendly versions and sufficient affordability guidelines, and urged the Commission to ensure the plan provides clear direction for development decisions. Tom Harris 1:25:24, representing UK administration, affirmed support for the plan and the extension of Citation Boulevard, while emphasizing the need for safe access to the research station during construction.

Appointments

Christopher Woodall was appointed to the Division of Planning.

Contested Items

Citation Boulevard Alignment Through EREC

A significant disagreement emerged regarding the proposed alignment of Citation Boulevard through the Ecological Research and Educational Center (EREC). University faculty and staff opposed the proposed route, arguing that it would destroy a vital research and community engagement facility. They expressed concern about the loss of this important institutional resource.

In contrast, neighborhood advocates insisted that full connectivity along Citation Boulevard was essential for public safety and equity in the community. They prioritized the need for complete street access and connectivity to serve residents' transportation and safety needs.

This dispute reflected a fundamental tension between preserving an existing educational and research facility and achieving broader community connectivity goals through infrastructure development.

Introduction

5:37

The meeting opened with Chair Mike Owens introducing Christopher Woodall, the new Long Range Planning Manager. Woodall addressed the group and commended the community's engagement with the Winburn Small Area Plan, emphasizing its significance for neighborhood revitalization efforts.

The introduction was informational in nature, serving to present the new staff member and highlight the importance of ongoing community participation in the planning process. No concerns were raised during this segment, and the outcome was to inform attendees of Woodall's role and the value placed on community involvement in the Winburn Small Area Plan initiative.

Winburn Russell Cave Small Area Plan

Chris Taylor and EHI Consultants presented the Winburn Small Area Plan to the council 7:44. The presentation emphasized three core themes: connectivity, public input, and specific recommendations for infrastructure, housing, and park improvements in the area.

A key infrastructure recommendation involved extending Citation Boulevard to Russell Cave Road. This extension was presented as a means to improve access and safety for the community.

The plan incorporated public input gathered during the planning process and addressed multiple aspects of community development, including housing options and park enhancements alongside the proposed transportation improvements.

Key speakers during the discussion included Chris Taylor, Rachel Phillips, and Ed Holmes.

The Winburn Russell Cave Small Area Plan was approved by the council.

Public Comment

During the public comment period, residents and university representatives expressed strong support for improved connectivity while raising significant concerns about the proposed route of Citation Boulevard through the UK Ecological Research and Educational Center (EREC).

Speakers and Positions

The following individuals provided comments: Dave Westneat, Megan Seifert, Richard Gaines, James Shaffer, Amy Clark, Tom Harris, Dr. James Wagner, and Lewis Brown.

Key Concerns

Commenters argued that the proposed Citation Boulevard route would destroy the field station at EREC and hinder community engagement efforts. The ecological research center's role in the community was emphasized as a reason to reconsider the planned routing.

Outcome

This agenda item was informational in nature, with no formal action taken. The public comments were received and noted for consideration in ongoing discussions about the connectivity project and Citation Boulevard routing.

1:00:28