Planning Commission Subdivision Meeting

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Planning Commission convened on October 14, 2021, at 1:30 PM in the Council Chambers of the Urban County Government Building at 200 East Main Street in Lexington, Kentucky, with Larry Forester presiding as the meeting officer. The commission addressed 11 agenda items during the session, taking 13 motions and votes throughout the proceedings. The meeting included 2 public comments from attendees regarding items under consideration.

The commission accomplished significant business, approving 8 of the 11 agenda items presented, including the approval of meeting minutes and several development projects such as the Fayette County Public Schools Polo Club Middle School project and multiple amendment requests (AMD) for various properties and subdivisions. Three items were postponed for future consideration: Hamburg East Section 1 Lot 2-E, LFUCG Millcreek Subdivision Unit 3 & Jonestown, and the Ramsey/Sullivan Property Lot 4.

Notable approvals included development amendments for the Waits/Moore Ltd. Partnership Property, Stonewall Shopping Center, Michler Jennings & Shelton Property, Bluegrass Aspendale (LFUC Housing Authority), Mapleleaf Subdivision Lot 3, and Greendale Hills Unit 3 (Oakdale Development). The session demonstrated active community engagement with public input on planning matters affecting Lexington and Fayette County development projects.

Attendance

The following members were present at the October 14, 2021 meeting:

• Larry Forester
• Ivy Barksdale (arrived late)
• Headley Bell
• Zach Davis
• Anthony de Movellan
• Jan Meyer
• Robin Michler
• Bruce Nicol
• Frank Penn
• Graham Pohl
• Judy Worth

All members were in attendance, with Ivy Barksdale arriving after the meeting had begun. No members were absent from the meeting.

Votes and Decisions

The Planning Commission took action on 13 items during the October 14, 2021 meeting, with all votes passing unanimously with 11 members present.

Administrative Items The commission first approved the minutes of the May 20, 2021 Planning Commission meeting on a motion by Jan Meyer, seconded by Judy Worth 0:30.

Public Facility Review The commission affirmed that PFR 2021-1 for Fayette County Public Schools' Polo Club Middle School is in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. Frank Penn made the motion, seconded by Graham Pohl 1:30.

Postponements Three items were postponed to future meetings: - PLN-MJDP-21-00048 (Hamburg East, Sec 1, Lot 2-E) was postponed to October 28, 2021 on a motion by Frank Penn, seconded by Ivy Barksdale 2:30 - PLN-MJDP-21-00039 (LFUCG, Millcreek Subdivision, Unit 3 & Jonestown) and PLN-MJDP-21-00050 (Ramsey/Sullivan Property, Lot 4) were both postponed to November 11, 2021 on motions by Anthony de Movellan, seconded by Jan Meyer [timestamps: 03:30, 04:30]

Approved Development Plans The commission approved six development plans with conditions: - PLN-FRP-19-00014 (Waits/Moore Ltd. Partnership Property) with 14 conditions and an associated waiver with Option 1 conditions [timestamps: 05:30, 06:30] - PLN-MJDP-19-00061 (Stonewall Shopping Center) with nine conditions 7:30 - PLN-MJDP-21-00032 (Michler, Jennings & Shelton Property) with 14 conditions 8:30 - PLN-MJDP-21-00043 (Bluegrass Aspendale LFUC Housing Authority) with 13 conditions and an associated waiver [timestamps: 09:30, 10:30] - PLN-MJDP-21-00044 (Mapleleaf Subdivision, Lot 3) with revised conditions 11:30 - PLN-MJDP-21-00053 (Greendale Hills, Unit 3) with 15 conditions 12:30

All 11 commission members voted in favor of each item: Larry Forester, Ivy Barksdale, Headley Bell, Zach Davis, Anthony de Movellan, Jan Meyer, Robin Michler, Bruce Nicol, Frank Penn, Graham Pohl, and Judy Worth.

Public Comment

Two residents addressed the board during the public comment period, raising concerns about local development projects.

Billie Mallory spoke at 13:30 regarding public engagement for development projects. Mallory expressed disappointment over the lack of community involvement in the development planned for Shropshire Avenue. She emphasized the importance of ensuring residents have meaningful opportunities to participate in planning decisions that affect their neighborhoods.

James Baker addressed the board at 14:30 to voice his opposition to the Greendale Hills development project. Baker raised several specific concerns about the proposed development, including:

• Issues related to affordable housing provisions
• Potential impacts on surrounding property values
• The need for proper fencing between the development and existing properties

Both speakers highlighted ongoing community concerns about development processes and the importance of resident input in planning decisions affecting their neighborhoods.

Contested Items

Two development-related issues drew community opposition during the October 14, 2021 meeting.

Greendale Hills Development Opposition

James Baker voiced strong opposition to the proposed Greendale Hills development project. Baker raised multiple concerns about the project's impact on the surrounding community, specifically citing issues related to affordable housing provisions, potential effects on local property values, and infrastructure needs. He emphasized the necessity of installing a fence between the new development and existing properties to address boundary and privacy concerns for current residents. The specific outcome of Baker's objections was not detailed in the available meeting materials.

Shropshire Avenue Development - Public Engagement Concerns

Billie Mallory expressed significant disappointment regarding the lack of adequate public engagement for a development project planned for Shropshire Avenue. Mallory criticized the planning process, arguing that community members had insufficient opportunity to participate in or provide input on decisions that would directly affect their neighborhood. She stressed the importance of meaningful community involvement in planning decisions, particularly for developments that impact existing residential areas. Mallory's comments highlighted broader concerns about transparency and public participation in the municipal development approval process.

Both contested items reflected ongoing tensions between development interests and community concerns about growth management, with residents seeking greater voice in planning decisions that affect their neighborhoods. The meeting materials did not specify the final disposition of either issue or any formal responses from municipal officials to the raised concerns.

Approval of Minutes

0:30

The commission reviewed minutes from previous meetings during this agenda item. Jan Meyer and Judy Worth were the key speakers in the discussion.

The commission focused on approving the minutes from the May 20, 2021, meeting. After discussion, these minutes were successfully approved by the commission.

However, the commission postponed approval of minutes from two other recent meetings - the July 8, 2021, meeting and the September 9, 2021, meeting. The specific reasons for postponing approval of these minutes were not detailed in the available information.

The outcome for this agenda item was mixed, with the May 20 minutes receiving approval while the July 8 and September 9 minutes were deferred to a future meeting for consideration.

Fayette County Public Schools – Polo Club Middle School

1:30

The commission considered Resolution PFR 2021-1 regarding the construction of a new middle school at Polo Club Boulevard by Fayette County Public Schools. The item focused on determining whether the proposed school construction complies with the county's Comprehensive Plan.

Key speakers during the discussion included Frank Penn and Graham Pohl, who presented information about the project and its alignment with planning requirements.

The commission reviewed the proposed middle school development to ensure it meets the standards and guidelines established in the Comprehensive Plan. This type of review is standard procedure for public school construction projects to verify they are consistent with the county's long-term planning objectives and zoning requirements.

Following discussion and review of the project details, the commission affirmed that the construction of the new middle school at Polo Club Boulevard is in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. The resolution was approved, allowing the school construction project to move forward in accordance with county planning requirements.

The approval represents the commission's formal determination that the Fayette County Public Schools project meets all necessary planning and zoning standards for the proposed location on Polo Club Boulevard.

Hamburg East, Sec 1, Lot 2-E (AMD)

2:30

The commission addressed agenda item PLN-MJDP-21-00048 regarding the Hamburg East, Section 1, Lot 2-E development plan amendment. The discussion was brief and focused on procedural matters rather than the substantive details of the development proposal.

Frank Penn and Ivy Barksdale were the key speakers during this agenda item. The primary issue discussed was a procedural problem related to required signage for the development project. The commission determined that proper notification procedures had not been completed due to these signage issues.

Rather than proceeding with a full review of the Hamburg East development plan amendment, the commission decided to postpone consideration of the item. This postponement was necessary to allow time for the applicant to address the signage requirements and ensure proper public notification procedures were followed.

The decision to postpone reflects the commission's commitment to following established procedural requirements for development applications. No substantive discussion of the development plan's merits, design elements, or potential community impacts took place during this meeting.

The Hamburg East development amendment will need to be rescheduled for a future commission meeting once the signage and notification issues have been properly resolved.

LFUCG, Millcreek Subdivision, Unit 3 & Jonestown

3:30

The commission addressed agenda item PLN-MJDP-21-00039 regarding the Millcreek Subdivision, Unit 3 & Jonestown development plan. Key speakers during the discussion included Anthony de Movellan and Jan Meyer.

The primary focus of the discussion centered on outstanding issues that required resolution before the development plan could proceed. The commission determined that these unresolved matters necessitated postponing consideration of the Millcreek Subdivision proposal.

The outcome of the discussion was a postponement of the agenda item to allow time for addressing the identified concerns and issues related to the development plan.

Ramsey/Sullivan Property, Lot 4 (AMD)

4:30

The commission discussed agenda item PLN-MJDP-21-00050 regarding the Ramsey/Sullivan Property, Lot 4 development plan. Key speakers during this discussion included Anthony de Movellan and Jan Meyer.

The primary focus of the discussion centered on the postponement of this development proposal. The commission determined that there were outstanding issues that needed to be addressed before the project could move forward for consideration.

The outcome of this agenda item was a postponement, allowing time for the identified concerns to be resolved before bringing the Ramsey/Sullivan Property development plan back before the commission for further review and potential approval.

Waits/Moore Ltd. Partnership Property (AMD)

5:30

The commission reviewed application PLN-FRP-19-00014 for the Waits/Moore Ltd. Partnership Property, which involved a subdivision proposal to divide one existing lot into two separate lots.

Key speakers during the discussion included Jan Meyer and Zach Davis, who presented details about the subdivision request and addressed commission questions regarding the development proposal.

The application required consideration of public improvement requirements, with the commission ultimately granting a waiver for certain public improvements as part of their approval. The specific conditions and nature of the waiver were discussed as part of the commission's deliberation process.

Following their review and discussion of the subdivision proposal, the commission voted to approve the Waits/Moore Ltd. Partnership Property subdivision. The approval was granted subject to specific conditions, allowing the property owner to proceed with dividing the single lot into two developable parcels.

The approval of this subdivision application represents the commission's determination that the proposed lot division meets applicable zoning and development standards, with appropriate accommodations made through the public improvement waiver to facilitate the project's completion.

Stonewall Shopping Center (AMD)

7:30

The commission reviewed agenda item PLN-MJDP-19-00061, the Stonewall Shopping Center (AMD) development plan reapproval. This item was presented as a discussion matter regarding the reapproval of a previously approved shopping center development.

Key speakers during the discussion included Jan Meyer and Ivy Barksdale, who provided information and addressed questions about the development plan amendment.

The commission ultimately approved the reapproval of the Stonewall Shopping Center development plan, subject to conditions. The specific conditions and details of the development plan amendment were not detailed in the available materials, but the approval indicates the commission found the proposal met the necessary requirements for reapproval.

The outcome was an approval with conditions attached to ensure compliance with applicable development standards and requirements.

Michler, Jennings & Shelton Property (AMD)

8:30

The commission reviewed application PLN-MJDP-21-00032 for the Michler, Jennings & Shelton Property amendment, which proposed redevelopment of the site with a multi-tenant building.

Key speakers during the discussion included Frank Penn and Headley Bell, who presented details about the proposed redevelopment plans. The application involved modifications to allow for a multi-tenant commercial structure on the property.

The commission evaluated the proposal and determined that the redevelopment plans were appropriate for the site. Following their review and discussion of the application materials, the commission voted to approve the Michler, Jennings & Shelton Property amendment.

The approval was granted subject to conditions, though the specific conditions were not detailed in the available materials. The multi-tenant building redevelopment can now proceed under the approved amendment terms.

Bluegrass Aspendale (LFUC Housing Authority) (AMD)

9:30

The commission reviewed and discussed development plan PLN-MJDP-21-00043 for Bluegrass Aspendale, a project by the LFUC Housing Authority. The development proposal included plans for single-family residential lots and a child development center.

Key speakers during the discussion included Frank Penn and Ivy Barksdale, who presented details about the project and addressed commission questions. The development plan underwent review as an amendment (AMD) to previously approved plans.

The commission evaluated various aspects of the proposed development, including the layout of single-family lots and the integration of the child development center within the overall project design. Discussion covered compliance with zoning requirements, infrastructure considerations, and community impact factors.

Following deliberation, the commission approved the Bluegrass Aspendale development plan. The approval was granted subject to specific conditions that were outlined during the meeting proceedings. These conditions ensure the project meets municipal standards and addresses any concerns raised during the review process.

The approval allows the LFUC Housing Authority to proceed with the development of the single-family residential component and the child development center as presented in the amended plans. The project represents a mixed-use approach combining residential housing with community services through the inclusion of the childcare facility.

Mapleleaf Subdivision, Lot 3 (AMD)

11:30

The commission reviewed application PLN-MJDP-21-00044 for an amendment to the Mapleleaf Subdivision, Lot 3 development plan. The proposed amendment sought to increase the building square footage and revise the parking layout from the previously approved design.

Key speakers during the discussion included Jan Meyer and Zach Davis, who presented details about the modifications to the original development plan. The amendment addressed changes to the building footprint that would expand the overall square footage of the proposed structure on Lot 3.

The revised parking layout was a significant component of the amendment, requiring adjustments to accommodate the increased building size while maintaining compliance with local parking requirements and site development standards.

Following discussion of the proposal, the commission voted to approve the amendment. The approval was granted subject to specific conditions, though the exact nature of these conditions was not detailed in the available materials.

The approval allows the developer to proceed with the modified building design and parking configuration for Lot 3 of the Mapleleaf Subdivision, representing a change from the original development parameters that were previously established for this property.

Greendale Hills, Unit 3 (Oakdale Development)

12:30

The commission reviewed and discussed development plan PLN-MJDP-21-00053 for Greendale Hills, Unit 3, also known as the Oakdale Development. The proposal includes construction of a community center and 144 dwelling units.

Key speakers during the discussion included Jan Meyer and Zach Davis, who presented details of the development plan to the commission. The speakers addressed various aspects of the project, including the proposed residential units and community amenities.

Following the presentation and commission discussion, the development plan was approved subject to conditions. The approval allows the Oakdale Development to proceed with the construction of the community center and residential units as outlined in the application.

The commission's decision on PLN-MJDP-21-00053 represents approval of a significant residential development that will add 144 new dwelling units to the Greendale Hills area, along with community facilities to serve residents.