Urban Growth Management Master Plan - Public Input Meeting

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban Growth Management Advisory Committee met on September 12, 2023, at 6:00 P.M. at the Government Center, Council Chambers, located at 200 East Main Street. Larry Forester presided over the meeting, which featured one agenda item focused on the Urban Growth Management Master Plan presented in an informational capacity. The committee heard 38 public comments during the meeting and took no formal votes.

Attendance

Present: Larry Forester, James Brown, Todd Clark, Alison Davis, Chuck Ellinger, Andi Johnson, Todd Johnson, John Phillips, Kathy Plomin, William Wilson, Zach Worsham, Judy Worth, and Dan Wu.

Absent: PG Peeples.

Late: None.

Public Comment

The meeting included 38 public comments addressing urban service boundary expansion, with speakers presenting diverse perspectives on development, infrastructure, and land preservation.

Support for Expansion

Several speakers advocated for including specific properties in the urban service boundary. Dick Murphy represented three clients with properties in Areas D and E, emphasizing that development would not cost the government money [0:17:30]. Doug Germond spoke about his family's 125-acre property in Section E and expressed interest in development if included [0:27:18]. Zach Cato supported Del Ridge Farm's inclusion in Area C [0:28:53]. Greg Elam supported expansion, citing infrastructure development like schools and hospitals in Area C [0:31:03]. Bob Quick from Commerce Lexington emphasized the need for expansion to support jobs, housing, and infrastructure improvements [0:51:53]. Carla Blanton urged consideration of all identified expansion land to address housing and job needs [0:55:12]. Rob Shear emphasized the importance of industrial land availability to retain businesses [1:10:48].

Opposition and Concerns

Other speakers raised concerns about expansion impacts. Dean Pulsifer expressed concerns about traffic and infrastructure in Area B, particularly regarding Parker's Mill and Roswell Drive [0:29:58]. Lori Williams raised concerns about infrastructure, traffic, and development's impact on Lexington's character [0:34:08]. Steven Webb raised traffic concerns on Parker's Mill Road [0:37:31]. Nicole Hudson and Catherine Hudson highlighted negative impacts on farming and wildlife [0:46:29] [0:49:48]. Jim Coleman opposed expansion in Uttinger Town, citing historical significance and environmental impacts [0:57:54]. Lynn Phillips opposed expansion, emphasizing preservation of Lexington's identity [1:24:56]. Paul Natoff advocated for protecting horse farms from expansion [1:43:27]. Don Todd cautioned against expanding into prime agricultural land [1:51:19].

Measured Approach

Several speakers advocated for limited, data-driven expansion. Brittany Rothenmeier urged limiting expansion to 2,700 acres with a data-driven process [1:20:52]. Jason Wittes and Patty Drouse supported limited 2,700-acre expansion [1:29:55] [1:32:42]. Tom Pushkin cautioned against urban sprawl [1:35:27]. Karen Terrell advocated for cautious expansion and investment in existing neighborhoods [1:28:13]. Cappy Boone advocated for smart growth limiting expansion to necessary amounts [1:57:24].

Contested Items

Urban Service Area Expansion

The proposed expansion of the Urban Service Area generated significant community opposition during the meeting. Multiple public speakers expressed concerns about the potential impacts of the expansion, focusing on three main areas: the effect on farmland, the adequacy of infrastructure to support growth, and the preservation of Lexington's character.

The expansion plan drew substantial public comment, indicating broad community engagement with the issue. However, the structured data does not specify the particular outcome of the discussion or any decisions made regarding the proposal.

Urban Growth Management Master Plan

Division of Planning Director Jim Duncan presented information on the Urban Growth Management Master Plan during this agenda item [0:06:00].

Presentation Overview

Director Duncan discussed the establishment and decision-making process of the Urban Growth Management Advisory Committee. The presentation included information regarding the expansion of the Urban Service Area as part of the planning initiative.

Outcome

This agenda item was informational in nature, with no formal action or decision required at this meeting.