Planning Commission Subdivision Items

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Urban County Planning Commission convened on October 12, 2023, at 1:36 PM in the Council Chambers of the Urban County Government Building at 200 East Main Street in Lexington, Kentucky, with Zach Davis presiding as the meeting officer. The commission addressed five agenda items during the session, all of which received approval, including development plans for the Baptist Healthcare Campus, Townley Center, Interstate Park Property, a zoning map amendment for 509 E Main Street, and a public facilities review for Blue Grass Airport. Throughout the meeting, commissioners conducted 16 motions and votes while hearing from 5 public commenters on various agenda items. The session demonstrated active civic engagement with comprehensive review and unanimous approval of all proposed development and zoning matters before the commission.

Attendance

The following members were present at the October 12, 2023 meeting:

• Zach Davis
• Judy Worth
• Janice Meyer
• Graham Pohl
• Ivy Barksdale
• Robin Michler
• William Wilson
• Mike Owens
• Bruce Nicol

Absent: • Larry Forester

No members arrived late to the meeting. Nine of the ten members were in attendance.

Votes and Decisions

The commission took action on 16 items during the October 12, 2023 meeting, with all nine members present: Zach Davis, Judy Worth, Janice Meyer, Graham Pohl, Ivy Barksdale, Robin Michler, William Wilson, Mike Owens, and Bruce Nicol.

Postponements to November 9, 2023 Six items were unanimously postponed 0:00: - PLN-FRP-23-00019: Coleman Property (Clarion Convention Center) - Motion by Mike Owens, seconded by Janice Meyer - PLN-MJDP-23-00059: Coleman Property (Newtown Pike Hampton Inn & Suites) - Motion by Judy Worth, seconded by William Wilson - PLN-MJDP-23-00064: Belmont Farm (Citation Centre) - Motion by Ivy Barksdale, seconded by Graham Pohl - PLN-MJDP-23-00030: Kingston Hall, Unit 1, Lot 8 - Motion by Graham Pohl, seconded by Mike Owens - PLN-MJDP-23-00058: Kingston Hall, Unit 2, Lot 4 - Motion by Judy Worth, seconded by Janice Meyer - PLN-MJDP-23-00050: Wolf Run Industrial Park, Block A, Lot 1 - Motion by Graham Pohl, seconded by Ivy Barksdale

Unanimous Approvals Nine items passed unanimously (9-0) 0:00: - Consent agenda items - Motion by William Wilson, seconded by Ivy Barksdale - PLN-FRP-23-00033: Hamburg East, Lots 1 & 2 (Baptist Healthcare Campus) with revised conditions - Motion by William Wilson, seconded by Graham Pohl - PLN-MJDP-23-00055: Sharkey Property (Townley Center) Unit 1, Lot 15 with revised conditions - Motion by Mike Owens, seconded by Graham Pohl - PLN-MJDP-23-00060: Interstate Park Property (IVCP Athens South) with revised conditions - Motion by Bruce Nicol, seconded by Graham Pohl - Performance bonds and letters of credit - Motion by Mike Owens, seconded by Ivy Barksdale - SRA 2023-1: Amendment to Article 4 for Sureties Renewal - Motion by Judy Worth, seconded by Graham Pohl - PLN-MJDP-23-00052: Zee Faulkner Property with revised conditions - Motion by Mike Owens, seconded by Ivy Barksdale - Blue Grass Airport Public Facilities Review compliance finding - Motion by William Wilson, seconded by Ivy Barksdale

Split Vote PLN-MAR-23-00012: 509 E Main, LLC Zoning Map Amendment passed 6-3 0:00. Motion by Bruce Nicol, seconded by William Wilson. Voting yes: Davis, Worth, Meyer, Barksdale, Wilson, Owens. Voting no: Pohl, Michler, Nicol. Approval included revised conditions.

Additional Postponement The commission also postponed action on PLN-MJDP-23-00052: Zee Faulkner Property Development Plan until after council action - Motion by Mike Owens, seconded by Bruce Nicol, passed unanimously.

Public Comment

Five community members addressed the council regarding the zoning amendment for 509 E Main Street 0:00.

Bethany Baxter, representing the Bell Court Neighborhood Association, spoke in opposition to the proposed zoning amendment. She raised concerns about increased traffic impacts, potential changes to the neighborhood's character, and criticized what she described as a lack of meaningful engagement with residents in the Bell Court area.

Dan Elkinson focused his comments on preserving the historic character of the Bell Court neighborhood. He emphasized the area's residential nature and the importance of maintaining its existing character in the face of proposed development changes.

Trish Smith addressed traffic and safety concerns related to the proposed development. She specifically highlighted issues with the neighborhood's narrow streets and existing parking problems, expressing worry about how additional commercial activity would exacerbate these conditions.

Marci Deaton, who lives adjacent to the 509 E Main property, raised concerns about potential noise and odor impacts from the proposed development. She specifically mentioned worries about outdoor patios and commercial kitchen operations that could affect neighboring residents.

Will Kaufman provided the sole voice of support for the project during public comment. He spoke positively about the proposed development's potential to bring diversity and new opportunities to the area.

The public comments revealed a clear divide between neighborhood residents concerned about preserving the existing residential character and managing potential negative impacts, versus supporters who view the development as beneficial for the community. The majority of speakers expressed opposition or concerns about the zoning amendment proposal.

Contested Items

The meeting featured one significant contested item that drew community opposition.

509 E Main, LLC Zoning Map Amendment

The proposed zoning map amendment for 509 E Main, LLC faced substantial opposition from local residents and neighborhood organizations. The Bell Court Neighborhood Association led the opposition, raising several key concerns about the proposed development.

The primary objections centered on three main issues:

• Traffic concerns - Residents expressed worry about increased traffic volume and congestion that would result from the proposed zoning change
• Neighborhood character - Community members argued that the amendment would negatively impact the existing character and feel of the area
• Lack of community engagement - The Bell Court Neighborhood Association criticized what they perceived as insufficient outreach and consultation with affected residents prior to the proposal

The opposition highlighted broader tensions between development interests and neighborhood preservation, with residents feeling that their concerns had not been adequately addressed in the planning process. The Bell Court Neighborhood Association served as the primary voice for community opposition, organizing residents and presenting their collective concerns to the governing body.

The contested nature of this item reflects common challenges in municipal planning, where zoning amendments often create friction between property development rights and existing community interests. The specific outcome of this contested item was not detailed in the available meeting materials.

PLN-FRP-23-00033: Hamburg East, Lots 1 & 2 (Baptist Healthcare Campus)

0:00

The commission reviewed the final record plat for Hamburg East, Lots 1 & 2, which involves subdividing one existing lot into six separate lots for the Baptist Healthcare Campus development.

Tom Martin and Brad Boaz served as key speakers during the discussion of this subdivision proposal. The project represents a significant development for the Baptist Healthcare Campus, requiring the creation of multiple lots from a single parcel to accommodate the planned healthcare facilities.

The Subdivision Committee had previously reviewed the application and recommended approval, though they proposed revised conditions for the final plat. The specific details of these revised conditions were discussed during the meeting as part of the commission's consideration of the proposal.

The commission ultimately approved PLN-FRP-23-00033, allowing the Hamburg East subdivision to proceed with the creation of the six lots from the original single lot. This approval enables Baptist Healthcare Campus to move forward with their development plans across the newly created parcels.

The subdivision represents part of the ongoing expansion and development of healthcare facilities in the area, with the lot configuration designed to support the specific needs of the Baptist Healthcare Campus project.

PLN-MJDP-23-00055: Sharkey Property (Townley Center) Unit 1, Lot 15

0:00 The commission reviewed an amendment to the Sharkey Property development at Townley Center Unit 1, Lot 15. The proposed changes included adding building square footage, revising parking circulation patterns, and relocating dumpster facilities on the property.

Key speakers during the discussion included Tom Martin and Dick Murphy, who presented details about the modifications to the existing development plan. The amendments were designed to improve the functionality and layout of the commercial property while maintaining compliance with local zoning requirements.

Prior to the commission's review, the Subdivision Committee had already evaluated the proposed changes and recommended approval, contingent upon meeting specific conditions. The committee's positive recommendation provided a foundation for the commission's consideration of the amendment.

The commission ultimately approved the amendment for PLN-MJDP-23-00055, allowing the developer to proceed with the proposed modifications to the Sharkey Property. The approval enables the addition of building square footage, implementation of the revised parking circulation plan, and relocation of dumpster facilities as outlined in the amended development proposal.

This approval represents a standard review process for development amendments, where proposed changes to existing approved plans are evaluated for compliance with zoning regulations and community standards before receiving final authorization to proceed.

PLN-MJDP-23-00060: Interstate Park Property (IVCP Athens South)

0:00

The commission reviewed the Interstate Park Property development proposal, designated as IVCP Athens South, during agenda item IV.C. The project involves the development of a stadium and commercial facilities at the Interstate Park Property location.

Key speakers during the discussion included Tom Martin and Brad Boaz, who presented details about the proposed development plans. The item was categorized as a discussion item, allowing commissioners to review the project specifications and address any concerns regarding the stadium and commercial development components.

Prior to the commission meeting, the Subdivision Committee had already reviewed the proposal and provided their recommendation. The committee recommended approval of the project, but with revised conditions that were presented to the full commission for consideration.

The commission ultimately approved the Interstate Park Property development proposal. The approval allows the project to move forward with the stadium and commercial development as outlined in the application, subject to the revised conditions recommended by the Subdivision Committee.

This development represents a significant project for the Interstate Park Property area, combining both recreational facilities through the stadium component and commercial development opportunities that could serve the broader community.

PLN-MAR-23-00012: 509 E Main, LLC Zoning Map Amendment

0:00

The commission reviewed a zoning map amendment request from 509 E Main, LLC to modify existing conditional zoning restrictions on their property to allow for private club use.

Daniel Crum and Nick Nicholson served as key speakers during the discussion of this agenda item. The staff presentation recommended approval of the zoning amendment with revised conditions that would accommodate the requested private club use while maintaining appropriate regulatory oversight.

The commission considered the merits of allowing private club operations at the 509 E Main Street location, evaluating how this use would fit within the existing zoning framework and neighborhood context. The discussion focused on the specific conditional zoning modifications needed to enable the private club use while ensuring compatibility with surrounding properties and land uses.

Following their review of the staff recommendation and consideration of the proposed revised conditions, the commission voted to approve the zoning map amendment. The approval allows 509 E Main, LLC to proceed with their private club use under the modified conditional zoning restrictions as recommended by staff.

This zoning amendment represents a targeted modification to existing conditional zoning rather than a wholesale rezoning of the property, allowing for the specific private club use while maintaining the overall zoning structure for the area.

PFR 2023-4: Blue Grass Airport Public Facilities Review

0:00

The commission reviewed Public Facilities Review 2023-4 concerning proposed developments at Blue Grass Airport. The review covered plans for constructing two new hangars and expanding the commercial fuel farm facility.

Autumn Goderwis presented the staff analysis of the proposed airport improvements. Staff conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the project's compliance with the area's comprehensive plan and determined that the proposed construction meets all applicable planning requirements.

The public facilities review process ensures that major infrastructure and facility developments align with local planning goals and regulations. For this airport expansion project, staff found no conflicts with existing comprehensive plan policies or zoning requirements.

The commission approved the public facilities review, allowing the Blue Grass Airport project to proceed with the construction of the two new hangars and the expansion of their commercial fuel farm operations. This approval indicates that the proposed developments are consistent with the community's long-term planning objectives and will not adversely impact surrounding areas or conflict with established land use policies.

The approval of PFR 2023-4 represents a standard administrative review process where staff recommendations aligned with commission findings, resulting in unanimous approval of the airport's expansion plans.