Urban Growth Management Master Plan - Advisory Committee

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban Growth Management Advisory Committee met on August 29, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. in the Phoenix Building at 101 E. Vine Street in Lexington, Kentucky, with Larry Forester presiding as the meeting officer. The committee focused on one primary agenda item regarding the Urban Growth Management Master Plan, which was presented for informational purposes. During the session, the committee conducted two votes on various matters, though no public comments were received from attendees. The meeting served as an informational session to update committee members on urban growth management planning initiatives affecting the Lexington area.

Attendance

All members were present for the meeting on August 29, 2023. The following individuals attended:

• Larry Forester
• James Brown
• Todd Clark
• Alison Davis
• Chuck Ellinger
• Andi Johnson
• Todd Johnson
• PG Peeples
• John Phillips
• Kathy Plomin
• William Wilson
• Zach Worsham
• Judy Worth
• Dan Wu

No members were reported as absent or late for this meeting.

Votes and Decisions

The council conducted two roll call votes during the meeting, both related to acreage requirements for development planning.

Amendment on Net Acreage Requirement 2:30:00

James Brown motioned for an amendment that the net acreage be equal to or greater than 2,700 acres, with William Wilson providing the second. The amendment passed by a vote of 9 ayes to 4 nays with no abstentions.

Voting in favor were: • Larry Forester • James Brown • Todd Clark • Alison Davis • Chuck Ellinger • Andi Johnson • Todd Johnson • PG Peeples • John Phillips

Voting against were: • Kathy Plomin • William Wilson • Zach Worsham • Dan Wu

Main Motion on Gross Acres Acceptance 2:45:00

Judy Worth motioned to accept gross acres for the council's charge with the understanding that 2,700 net developable acres must be produced, seconded by John Phillips. This motion passed with 11 ayes, 3 nays, and no abstentions.

Voting in favor were: • Larry Forester • James Brown • Todd Clark • Alison Davis • Chuck Ellinger • Andi Johnson • Todd Johnson • PG Peeples • John Phillips • William Wilson • Judy Worth

Voting against were: • Kathy Plomin • Zach Worsham • Dan Wu

Both votes centered on establishing acreage parameters for development planning, with the council ultimately approving the acceptance of gross acres while maintaining the requirement for 2,700 net developable acres.

Contested Items

The meeting featured two primary areas of contention that generated significant debate among committee members.

Gross vs. Net Acreage Methodology

The committee faced a fundamental disagreement over the approach to measuring acreage for urban growth management purposes. Members were split between using gross acreage calculations versus net acreage calculations in their planning framework. This technical but crucial distinction led to a divided committee, with some members advocating for the gross acreage approach while others supported the net acreage methodology. The disagreement was significant enough to result in a split vote on both the proposed amendment addressing this issue and the final motion. The division highlights the complexity of urban planning metrics and their potential impact on future development decisions.

Affordable Housing Integration

The second major point of contention centered on affordable housing policy and its integration into the urban growth management plan. Committee members engaged in extensive and heated discussion regarding the importance of affordable housing provisions and the specific mechanisms for incorporating these requirements into the broader planning framework. The debate reflected differing perspectives on how aggressively the committee should pursue affordable housing goals and what role these considerations should play in urban growth decisions. While the discussion was described as significant and heated, the specific positions of individual members and the ultimate resolution of this debate were not detailed in the available information.

Both contested items demonstrate the complex policy considerations facing the committee as they work to balance technical planning requirements with broader community needs and development goals.

Urban Growth Management Master Plan

0:00

The committee engaged in a discussion regarding the Urban Growth Management Master Plan, focusing on several key planning considerations for future development.

The primary topic of debate centered on the methodology for calculating acreage in urban growth planning. Committee members discussed the merits of using gross acreage versus net acreage measurements when determining areas suitable for development and expansion.

Key speakers during the discussion included Larry Forester, James Brown, Dan Wu, Jim Duncan, and Charlie Martin, who contributed various perspectives on the planning approach.

The conversation expanded to address critical infrastructure considerations that would need to accompany any urban growth initiatives. Committee members recognized that expansion plans must account for the capacity and development of supporting infrastructure systems.

Affordable housing emerged as another significant component of the discussion. The committee acknowledged the importance of incorporating affordable housing considerations into the master plan framework, recognizing this as a key element of comprehensive urban growth management.

The group also examined potential areas that could be considered for future expansion under the master plan. This geographic assessment appeared to be part of the broader strategic planning process for managing urban development.

This agenda item was classified as an informational discussion, indicating that the committee was gathering input and exploring various aspects of urban growth management rather than making specific policy decisions. The comprehensive nature of the discussion, covering acreage calculations, infrastructure needs, housing affordability, and expansion areas, suggests the committee is taking a holistic approach to urban growth planning considerations.

The discussion provided a foundation for ongoing planning efforts related to the Urban Growth Management Master Plan.