Planning Commission Subdivision Meeting
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Summary
Meeting Overview
The Urban County Planning Commission met on September 13, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Urban County Government Building, 200 East Main Street, Lexington, Kentucky. Mr. Will Berkley presided over the meeting, which addressed 15 agenda items including property development proposals, amendments, and informational presentations.
The Commission took action on seven motions during the session. Of the 15 agenda items considered, four were postponed (Zandale Shopping Center & Greenleaf Motor Lodge Properties, Southern & Jones Property LLC, Beaumont Forest Unit 2, and one withdrawn item—Hamburg Place Farm, Sir Barton Way Office Park, Phase 2, Lot 18-A). The Commission approved nine items, including projects for Green Property Holdings LLC, Highwood Center Lot 4 (Panda Express Lexington), NDC Property Unit 1B Lot 19B (Staybridge Extended-Stay Hotel), Greyline Station & Market, Covenant Church Inc (Milk & Honey Daycare/Preschool), Santa Barbara Land Company Lot 1, Indian Hills Subdivision Unit 1, Lexmark International Inc, and a TIF Report on Statement of Compliance with Comprehensive Plan. Two items were presented for informational purposes: the Lexington Police Canine Facility and Bluegrass Airport.
The meeting included five public comments from attendees regarding the agenda items under consideration.
Attendance
Present (16): - Will Berkley - Karen Mundy - Bruce Nicol - Frank Penn - Carolyn Plumlee - William Wilson - Jim Duncan - Traci Wade - Tom Martin - Cheryl Gallt - Denice Bullock - Vaughan Adkins - Captain Greg Lengal - Captain Joshua Thiel - Tracy Jones - Andrea Brown
Absent (4): - Headley Bell - Patrick Brewer - Larry Forester - Mike Owens
Late: None reported.
Votes and Decisions
Postponement of PLN-MJDP-17-00070: Zandale Shopping Center & Greenleaf Motor Lodge Properties (AMD) 34:20
Motion by Frank Penn, seconded by Karen Mundy. The item was postponed to October 11, 2018. All six members voted in favor: Will Berkley, Karen Mundy, Bruce Nicol, Frank Penn, Carolyn Plumlee, and William Wilson.
Postponement of PLN-MJDP-18-0061: Southern & Jones Property, LLC 35:57
Motion by Carolyn Plumlee, seconded by Will Berkley. The item was postponed to October 11, 2018. All six members voted in favor: Will Berkley, Karen Mundy, Bruce Nicol, Frank Penn, Carolyn Plumlee, and William Wilson.
Withdrawal of PLN-MJSUB-18-00025: Hamburg Place Farm, Sir Barton Way Office Park, Phase 2, Lot 18-A (AMD) 37:30
Motion by Karen Mundy, seconded by Carolyn Plumlee. The item was withdrawn. All six members voted in favor: Will Berkley, Karen Mundy, Bruce Nicol, Frank Penn, Carolyn Plumlee, and William Wilson.
Postponement of PLN-MJDP-18-0072: Beaumont Forest, Unit 2 (KMSF Parking Expansion) 39:11
Motion by Carolyn Plumlee, seconded by Karen Mundy. The item was postponed to October 11, 2018. All six members voted in favor: Will Berkley, Karen Mundy, Bruce Nicol, Frank Penn, Carolyn Plumlee, and William Wilson.
Acceptance of Consent Agenda with Findings for Green Property Holdings and Grayline Station & Market 46:00
Motion by Frank Penn, seconded by Carolyn Plumlee. The consent agenda was passed. All six members voted in favor: Will Berkley, Karen Mundy, Bruce Nicol, Frank Penn, Carolyn Plumlee, and William Wilson.
Release of Collateral Bonds 47:13
Motion by Will Berkley, seconded by Karen Mundy. The motion passed. All six members voted in favor: Will Berkley, Karen Mundy, Bruce Nicol, Frank Penn, Carolyn Plumlee, and William Wilson.
Approval of TIF Statement of Compliance with Comprehensive Plan for Lexington Center Development Area 1:01:19
Motion by Frank Penn, seconded by Will Berkley. The motion passed. All six members voted in favor: Will Berkley, Karen Mundy, Bruce Nicol, Frank Penn, Carolyn Plumlee, and William Wilson.
Public Comment
Five public comments were made during the meeting, addressing topics related to TIF district expansion and airport operations.
TIF District Questions
Mr. Will Berkley asked whether a property could be annexed into an existing TIF district after establishment 54:17. He was informed that such annexation would require a full public process.
Mr. Casey Bolton inquired about the Salvation Army property and why it was not included in the TIF district 55:18. He noted that while discussions about the property have been ongoing, there has been no redevelopment interest. Bolton clarified that any expansion of the TIF district would require a full public process.
Mr. Frank Penn asked about the rationale for including a park in the TIF district 56:26. He noted that infrastructure improvements such as parking can be reimbursed through the TIF mechanism even if the park itself does not generate tax revenue.
Airport Operations
Mr. Mark Dam addressed two airport-related matters. First, he confirmed that the exit across from Keeneland is permanent rather than temporary and supports potential future operations involving horse cargo 1:17:54.
Second, Mr. Dam explained the baggage system upgrade project, clarifying that it involves replacing the conveyor system within the existing terminal footprint without any expansion of the terminal building 1:19:01.
Appointments
Bruce Nicol was appointed to the Urban County Planning Commission.
Contested Items
TIF District Expansion and Salvation Army Property
A procedural question arose regarding whether the Salvation Army property could be included in the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. Staff explained that the property had been excluded from the district due to a lack of demonstrated redevelopment interest. According to staff clarification, any expansion of the TIF district to include additional properties would require a full public process to be completed.
TIF District and Park Infrastructure Inclusion
A second point of contention involved the potential inclusion of park infrastructure within the TIF district. Concerns were raised about whether a park could appropriately be included given that parks typically do not generate tax revenue. Staff clarified the distinction between park inclusion and the reimbursement of infrastructure improvements, explaining that while the park itself might not generate revenue, infrastructure improvements such as parking facilities could be eligible for reimbursement through the TIF district mechanism. This discussion resulted in a split vote among the body.
Zandale Shopping Center & Greenleaf Motor Lodge Properties (AMD)
Identifier: PLN-MJDP-17-00070
Brandon Gross presented this agenda item, which involved a discussion of the Zandale Shopping Center and Greenleaf Motor Lodge Properties amendment. 34:20
Key Issues and Concerns
The Subdivision Committee had recommended disapproval of the proposal, citing traffic and safety issues on Lowry Lane as primary concerns. Additionally, sewer line matters required further attention and coordination with staff.
Applicant Request
The applicant requested a 30-day postponement to allow additional time to continue working with staff on resolving the identified sewer line and traffic concerns.
Outcome
The item was postponed to permit the applicant to address the outstanding issues with city staff before returning for further consideration.
Southern & Jones Property, LLC
Identifier: PLN-MJDP-18-0061
Overview
This agenda item involved a discussion of a project by Southern & Jones Property, LLC. The applicant requested a postponement of the matter to allow time for investigating a newly discovered sewer line.
Key Speaker
Taylor Steele participated in the discussion of this item.
Staff Recommendation
The Technical Committee and staff recommended approval of the project with conditions.
Applicant Request
Despite the staff recommendation for approval, the applicant sought additional time to address the sewer line issue that had recently been discovered. The applicant determined that further investigation was necessary before proceeding.
Outcome
The matter was postponed 35:57 to allow the applicant time to investigate the newly discovered sewer line and address related concerns.
Hamburg Place Farm, Sir Barton Way Office Park, Phase 2, Lot 18-A (AMD)
Identifier: PLN-MJSUB-18-00025
The applicant requested withdrawal of this subdivision plan due to client changes. 37:30
Key Speaker: - Stephanie Blain
Background: The Subdivision Committee had previously recommended postponement of this agenda item, citing concerns regarding easement realignment and sewer service issues.
Outcome: The plan was withdrawn.
Beaumont Forest, Unit 2 (KMSF Parking Expansion)
Identifier: PLN-MJDP-18-0072
Overview
The meeting included discussion of the Beaumont Forest, Unit 2 project, which involves a parking expansion at KMSF. 39:11
Key Speaker
Mr. Martin participated in the discussion of this agenda item.
Action Taken
The applicant requested a postponement of the item to allow time to address missing Article 21 zoning information. The Technical Committee and staff recommended approval of the postponement request.
The item was postponed.
Green Property Holdings, LLC
Case Number: PLN-MJSUB-16-00005
Outcome: Approved
This consent agenda item involved the reapproval of a previously approved plan for Green Property Holdings, LLC, with updated conditions. 40:17
Ms. Wade presented the item to the Planning Commission. The reapproval included Landscape Examiner approval and was processed as part of the consent agenda.
The Planning Commission approved the reapproval with a finding regarding access easement use. No additional concerns or debate were documented during the discussion of this item.
Highwood Center, Lot 4 (Panda Express Lexington) (AMD)
Identifier: PLN-MJDP-18-0063
Overview
This item addressed approval of an amended development plan for Highwood Center, Lot 4, which involves a Panda Express location in Lexington. The matter was presented as part of the consent agenda.
Presentation
Ms. Wade presented the item 40:47. The amended development plan included several conditions for approval:
- Tree protection measures
- Site statistics documentation
- Royal Springs Aquifer review
Outcome
The amended development plan was approved under the consent agenda with the specified conditions in place.
NDC Property, Unit 1B, Lot 19B (Staybridge Extended-Stay Hotel) (AMD)
Identifier: PLN-MJDP-18-0065
Overview
This agenda item concerned approval of an amended development plan for the NDC Property, Unit 1B, Lot 19B, which involves a Staybridge Extended-Stay Hotel. The item was presented as part of the consent agenda. 41:19
Presentation and Conditions
Ms. Wade presented the amended development plan. The approval included several conditions, specifically addressing building height and requirements for information regarding adjacent properties. The plan also required Board of Adjustment approval as part of the conditions.
Outcome
The amended development plan was approved under the consent agenda.
Greyline Station & Market (FKA Transit Authority of the LFUCG)
Project Identifier: PLN-MJDP-18-0066
Item Type: Consent Agenda
Presentation Time: 41:57
### Overview
The meeting addressed approval of an adaptive reuse project for Greyline Station & Market, formerly known as the Transit Authority of the LFUCG.
### Key Speaker
Ms. Wade presented information on this agenda item.
### Project Requirements and Conditions
The approval included the following conditions:
- Royal Springs Aquifer approval requirement
- A finding on compliance with Article 8-21(o)(4)
- Verification of sign posting and affidavit
### Outcome
The project was approved by the body.
Covenant Church, Inc (Milk & Honey Daycare/Preschool) (AMD)
Project Identifier: PLN-MJDP-18-0069
Item Type: Consent Agenda
Ms. Wade presented an amendment to the Covenant Church, Inc proposal for Milk & Honey Daycare/Preschool 43:02. The amendment sought approval to add building square footage and a pavilion to the project.
Conditions of Approval
The approval included the following conditions:
- Site statistics documentation
- Sidewalk labeling requirements
- Removal of subdivision references from project materials
Outcome
The amendment was approved.
Santa Barbara Land Company, Lot 1 (AMD)
Identifier: PLN-MJDP-18-0070
Item Type: Consent Agenda
Overview
This agenda item addressed an amendment to the Santa Barbara Land Company, Lot 1 project. The proposed amendment involved removing outdoor courts from the original design and adding parking and a loading dock in their place.
Presentation
Ms. Wade presented this item to the body 43:36.
Conditions
The approval included specific conditions for the project:
- Tree canopy inventory requirement
- Retaining wall details to be provided
Outcome
The amendment was approved.
Indian Hills Subdivision, Unit 1, Block 'A,' Lots 8, 9 & 10 (AMD)
Identifier: PLN-MJDP-18-0031
This consent agenda item involved continued discussion of a plan to reconfigure the building and parking layout for Indian Hills Subdivision, Unit 1, Block 'A,' Lots 8, 9 & 10. 44:17
Recommendation and Outcome
The Subdivision Committee recommended approval of the amendment with updated conditions, including structure offsets. The item was approved.
Key Speaker
Ms. Wade presented information on this agenda item.
Lexmark International, Inc
Identifier: PLN-MJDP-16-00003
Item Type: Consent Agenda
Ms. Wade presented this agenda item, which involved approval of a one-year extension of a prior approval for Lexmark International, Inc. 47:13
The proposal included an added condition requiring Landscape Examiner approval as part of the extension terms.
The item was approved under the consent agenda.
Outcome: Approved
TIF Report – Statement of Compliance with Comprehensive Plan
Presentation Overview
Ms. Wade presented a compliance statement for the Lexington Center Development Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district 48:17. The presentation addressed a 54-acre project area located in downtown Lexington.
Project Scope
The TIF project includes three primary components:
- Redevelopment of the convention center
- Construction of a new hotel
- Infrastructure improvements throughout the district
Outcome
The compliance statement was approved.
Lexington Police Canine Facility
Ms. Galt presented a public facility review for a proposed 30-acre canine training facility located on Bird Thurman Drive. The facility is designed to support police dog training and operations for the Lexington Police Department.
Facility Details
The proposed canine facility would be situated adjacent to a pump station. The 30-acre site is intended to provide dedicated space for training and housing police dogs used in department operations.
Outcome
This agenda item was presented as informational, with no formal action taken during the meeting.
Bluegrass Airport
Ms. Gallt presented a public facility review for Bluegrass Airport, which is located in a rural activity center. The presentation outlined six short-term improvement projects planned for the facility 1:08:58.
The proposed improvements include:
- A new firehouse
- Baggage system upgrade
- Runway repaving
- Parking expansion
This agenda item was presented for informational purposes. No formal action or decision was required at this meeting.
Decisions
- Motion — postponed: Postponement of PLN-MJDP-17-00070: Zandale Shopping Center & Greenleaf Motor Lodge Properties (AMD) to October 11, 2018
- Motion — postponed: Postponement of PLN-MJDP-18-0061: Southern & Jones Property, LLC to October 11, 2018
- Motion — withdrawn: Withdrawal of PLN-MJSUB-18-00025: Hamburg Place Farm, Sir Barton Way Office Park, Phase 2, Lot 18-A (AMD)
- Motion — postponed: Postponement of PLN-MJDP-18-0072: Beaumont Forest, Unit 2 (KMSF Parking Expansion) to October 11, 2018
- Motion — passed: Acceptance of the consent agenda with findings for Green Property Holdings and Grayline Station & Market
- Motion — passed: Release of collateral bonds
- Motion — passed: Approval of TIF statement of compliance with comprehensive plan for Lexington Center Development Area