Planning Commission Zoning Public Hearing

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Planning Commission convened on August 24, 2017, at 1:30 PM in the Council Chamber on the 2nd floor of the LFUCG Government Center at 200 East Main Street in Lexington, Kentucky. The meeting addressed two primary agenda items, both involving zoning map amendments that were ultimately approved by the commission.

During the session, the commission conducted five motions and votes while hearing one public comment from community members. The two main items of business were the Afton Community Development, LLC Zoning Map Amendment and the Newton's Attic Zoning Map Amendment, both of which received approval from the commission. The meeting demonstrated the commission's ongoing work in reviewing and approving zoning changes within Fayette County's urban service area.

Attendance

The following members were present at the meeting on August 24, 2017:

• Frank Penn
• Karen Mundy
• Carolyn Plumlee
• Will Berkley
• Mike Owens
• Patrick Brewer
• Mike Cravens
• Larry Forester
• Carolyn Richardson
• Bill Wilson

All members were present with no absences or late arrivals recorded.

Votes and Decisions

The meeting included five motions, all of which were decided by voice vote.

Minutes Approval 0:30 Ms. Plumley motioned to approve the minutes from the July 27, 2017 and July 13, 2017 meetings, seconded by Ms. Mundy. The motion passed by voice vote.

ZOTA 2016-5 Postponement 2:00 Mr. Mike Craven motioned for indefinite postponement of the amendment to Article 23A-10: Supportive Uses as a Special Provision in the Economic Development (ED) Zone, seconded by Mr. Mike Owens. The motion to postpone passed by voice vote.

Newton's Attic Zoning Map Amendment (PLN-MAR-17-00025) 10:00 Mr. Lawrence motioned to approve the Newton's Attic Zoning Map Amendment, seconded by Mr. Patrick Brewer. The motion passed by voice vote with three reasons provided by staff.

Newton's Attic Property Development Plan (PLN-MJDP-17-00082) 12:00 Mr. Lawrence motioned to approve the Newton's Attic Property Development Plan, seconded by Ms. Carolyn Richardson. The motion passed by voice vote with 11 conditions provided by staff.

Afton Community Development Zoning Map Amendment (PLN-MAR-17-00016) 45:00 Ms. Carolyn Richardson motioned to approve the Afton Community Development, LLC Zoning Map Amendment, seconded by Mr. Mike Owens. The motion passed by voice vote with reasons provided by staff.

All motions were approved unanimously through voice votes, with no recorded individual vote counts or dissenting votes.

Public Comment

The public comment period included one speaker addressing a zoning matter before the board.

Mr. Jacob Wallburn spoke regarding the Greendale Properties, LLC Zoning Map Amendment 120:00. Mr. Wallburn indicated that he was representing several interested neighbors in the matter. He informed the board that the neighbors he represented had successfully reached an agreement with the applicant concerning the proposed zoning conditions. Mr. Wallburn did not elaborate on the specific terms of the agreement or detail the particular concerns that had been addressed through the negotiation process.

No other members of the public provided comments during this portion of the meeting.

Contested Items

The meeting featured one primary contested item that generated community discussion and opposition.

Drive-through facilities on Lucille Drive

The main point of contention centered on a proposal regarding drive-through facilities within 150 feet of Lucille Drive. The disagreement focused on whether such facilities should be permitted in this location, with community members expressing concerns about the potential negative impacts on nearby residential areas.

The opposition raised specific issues about noise pollution and increased traffic that would result from allowing drive-through operations in close proximity to Lucille Drive. Residents appeared concerned that these facilities would disrupt the character and livability of the surrounding neighborhood.

The discussion highlighted the tension between commercial development interests and residential quality of life considerations. Community members who opposed the proposal emphasized how drive-through facilities could generate additional vehicle traffic and noise throughout operating hours, potentially affecting the peace and safety of nearby homes.

*Note: Specific transcript timestamps, participant names, and the final outcome of this contested item were not available in the provided meeting data.*

Afton Community Development, LLC Zoning Map Amendment

45:00

The commission reviewed a zoning map amendment request from Afton Community Development, LLC to rezone property from Single Family Residential to a combination of High Density Apartment and Professional Office zones.

Key speakers during the discussion included Tracy Wade and Tom Martin, who presented details about the proposed zoning changes and their implications for the development project.

The amendment represents a significant change in the intended use of the property, transitioning from lower-density single-family housing to higher-density residential units combined with commercial office space. This type of mixed-use zoning typically allows for more intensive development and can accommodate both residential and business uses within the same area.

Following consideration of the proposal, the commission approved the zoning map amendment for Afton Community Development, LLC. The approval allows the developer to proceed with plans that align with the new High Density Apartment and Professional Office zoning designations rather than the previous Single Family Residential classification.

Newton's Attic Zoning Map Amendment

10:00

The commission reviewed a zoning map amendment for Newton's Attic involving a zone swap between Agricultural Rural and Neighborhood Business designations. The proposed amendment would facilitate the expansion of an existing school by exchanging zoning classifications on different portions of the property.

Key speakers during the discussion included Tracy Wade and Tom Martin, who presented details about the zoning change request. The amendment involves swapping zones from Agricultural Rural to Neighborhood Business on one area while changing another section from Neighborhood Business to Agricultural Rural.

The commission ultimately approved the Newton's Attic zoning map amendment, allowing the school expansion project to move forward under the new zoning configuration.