Planning Commission Zoning Public Hearing

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Planning Commission convened via video teleconference on March 24, 2022, at 1:30 PM, with Larry Forester presiding as the meeting officer. The commission addressed three zoning development plan applications during the session, with all three items receiving approval from the board. The meeting included consideration of development plans for Hart Family Enterprises, LLC & Greenbrier Estates Golf Course, Town Branch Park, Inc. & Town Branch Park, and Propco North Broadway, Lexington, KY, LLC & Hospitality Motor Inns. Throughout the proceedings, the commission conducted 10 motions and votes, while hearing one public comment from community members regarding the proposed developments.

Attendance

The following members were present at the March 24, 2022 meeting:

• Larry Forester
• Frank Penn
• Ivy Barksdale (arrived late)
• Zach Davis
• Anthony de Movellan
• Janice Meyer
• Robin Michler (arrived late)
• Judy Worth

Two members were absent:

• Headley Bell
• Bruce Nicol

Two members arrived late to the meeting:

• Robin Michler
• Ivy Barksdale

A total of eight members attended the meeting, with six present at the start and two arriving after the scheduled start time.

Votes and Decisions

The commission took action on ten items during the March 24, 2022 meeting, with all motions passing unanimously 0:00.

Meeting Minutes Approval - Janice Meyer motioned to approve the January 27, 2022 public hearing minutes, seconded by Judy Worth. The motion passed unanimously with 7 ayes and 0 nays. - Frank Penn motioned to approve the February 10, 2022 public hearing minutes, seconded by Judy Worth. The motion passed with 8 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 abstentions.

Zone Map Amendments - PLN-MAR-22-00002: Graham Pohl motioned to approve the zone map amendment for Hart Family Enterprises, LLC, seconded by Anthony de Movellan. Passed unanimously 8-0. - PLN-MAR-22-00001: Frank Penn motioned to approve the zone map amendment for Town Branch Park, Inc., seconded by Graham Pohl. Passed unanimously 8-0. - PLN-MAR-22-00003: Frank Penn motioned to approve the zone map amendment for Propco North Broadway, Lexington, KY, LLC, seconded by Graham Pohl. Passed unanimously 8-0.

Development Plans - PLN-MJDP-22-00005: Graham Pohl motioned to approve the development plan for Greenbrier Estates Golf Course, Unit 2-J, seconded by Frank Penn. Passed unanimously 8-0 with conditions removing requirements #7, #22, and #23. - PLN-MJDP-22-00007: Frank Penn motioned to approve the development plan for Town Branch Park, seconded by Graham Pohl. Passed unanimously 8-0 with the condition to resolve access to West High Street at the time of final development plan. - PLN-MJDP-22-00010: Frank Penn motioned to approve the development plan for Hospitality Motor Inns, Inc., seconded by Janice Meyer. Passed unanimously 8-0 with condition #8 removed.

Other Business - Frank Penn motioned to approve a conditional use request for an assisted living facility, seconded by Janice Meyer. Passed unanimously 8-0. - Frank Penn motioned to cancel the March 31, 2022 work session, seconded by Graham Pohl. Passed unanimously 8-0.

All voting members present included Larry Forester, Frank Penn, Ivy Barksdale, Zach Davis, Anthony de Movellan, Janice Meyer, Robin Michler, and Judy Worth.

Public Comment

During the public comment period, one community member addressed the board regarding traffic concerns related to Town Branch Park development 0:00.

The speaker, whose name was not recorded in the meeting minutes, raised concerns about increased traffic on High Street that could result from the park's development. They suggested that the city consider implementing additional access points to help mitigate potential traffic congestion in the area.

No other public comments were recorded during this portion of the meeting.

Contested Items

During the March 24, 2022 meeting, one contested item emerged regarding the development of Town Branch Park and its potential impact on local traffic patterns.

A community member raised concerns about increased traffic on High Street that could result from the park's development. The resident argued that the current access plan would create additional congestion on High Street and suggested that the city should explore alternative or additional access points to distribute traffic more effectively throughout the area.

This opposition represented community concerns about how the park development might affect existing residential neighborhoods and traffic flow patterns. The resident's suggestion to consider multiple access points indicated a desire for more comprehensive traffic management planning rather than opposition to the park project itself.

The meeting materials do not specify the exact outcome of this traffic concern or whether city officials provided immediate responses to address the resident's suggestions about alternative access points for Town Branch Park.

Hart Family Enterprises, LLC & Greenbrier Estates Golf Course Zoning Development

0:00

The commission considered petition PLN-MAR-22-00002, a zone map amendment request from Hart Family Enterprises, LLC for the Greenbrier Estates Golf Course property. The petition sought to rezone 21.616 net acres from Agricultural Rural (A-R) to Expansion Area Residential 1 (EAR-1) zoning to permit a lifestyle center as an accessory use to the existing Greenbrier Golf Course.

Key speakers during the discussion included Daniel Crum and Cheryl Gallt, who presented details about the proposed development plan. The lifestyle center would serve as a complementary amenity to the golf course operations while maintaining the property's recreational character.

The rezoning request represents a strategic expansion of the golf course facility to include additional amenities that would enhance the overall experience for users while remaining consistent with residential development patterns in the expansion area. The EAR-1 zoning classification would provide the appropriate regulatory framework for the proposed lifestyle center development.

Following discussion of the petition details and consideration of the development proposal, the commission approved the zone map amendment. The approval allows Hart Family Enterprises, LLC to proceed with their plans to develop the lifestyle center as an accessory use to the Greenbrier Estates Golf Course, subject to compliance with EAR-1 zoning requirements and any applicable development standards.

Town Branch Park, Inc. & Town Branch Park Zoning Development Plan

0:00 The council considered petition PLN-MAR-22-00001, a zone map amendment request for the development of Town Branch Park. The proposal outlined plans for a comprehensive park development featuring multiple community amenities.

The development plan includes several key components designed to serve the community: • A cafe facility • An amphitheater for community events and performances • A playground area for children • Bike and pedestrian facilities to promote active transportation • A dedicated dog park for pet owners

Key speakers during the discussion included Hal Baillie and Tom Martin, who presented details about the proposed zoning changes and development plans. The speakers outlined how the various amenities would be integrated into the park design and addressed the zoning requirements necessary to accommodate the mixed-use nature of the proposed facilities.

The petition represents a significant investment in community recreational infrastructure, combining passive and active recreation opportunities with commercial elements like the proposed cafe. The bike and pedestrian facilities align with broader municipal goals for alternative transportation options, while the amphitheater would provide a venue for community gatherings and cultural events.

Following the presentation and discussion, the council voted to approve the zone map amendment. The approval allows Town Branch Park, Inc. to proceed with their development plans under the new zoning designation, enabling the construction of the proposed amenities that will serve various community recreational and social needs.

Propco North Broadway, Lexington, KY, LLC & Hospitality Motor Inns Zoning Development Plan

0:00

The Planning Commission considered ordinance PLN-MAR-22-00003, a petition for a zone map amendment to convert an existing hotel into an assisted living facility. The proposal included a conditional use request as part of the zoning development plan.

Key speakers during the discussion included Hal Baillie and Tom Martin, who presented details about the proposed conversion project. The petition sought to rezone the property to accommodate the change in use from hospitality services to assisted living residential care.

The existing hotel structure would be repurposed to serve as an assisted living facility, requiring both zoning map amendments and conditional use approval to meet the specific operational requirements of the new use. The development plan outlined how the property would be modified to comply with assisted living facility standards and regulations.

Following presentation and discussion of the proposal, the Planning Commission approved the zoning development plan. The approval allows Propco North Broadway, Lexington, KY, LLC and Hospitality Motor Inns to proceed with the conversion of the hotel property into an assisted living facility, subject to the conditions outlined in the approved development plan.

The successful petition enables the adaptive reuse of the existing hotel building, transitioning the property from commercial hospitality use to residential care services within the community.