Planning Commission Subdivision Committee meeting

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Subdivision Committee convened on May 2, 2024, at 8:30 AM in the Phoenix Building's 3rd Floor Conference Room to review development applications and subdivision proposals. The committee considered 12 agenda items, taking 12 votes throughout the meeting and hearing 2 public comments from attendees.

The committee's work focused primarily on reviewing final record plats (FRP) and major development plans (MJDP) for various properties throughout the jurisdiction. Of the 12 applications reviewed, the committee approved 8 proposals, denied 1 application, and tabled 2 items for future consideration. The approved projects included three final record plats for Newmarket Property Phase 1 Unit 11 (PLN-FRP-24-00008), Boonsboro Manor (PLN-FRP-24-00009), and Lucas B. Combs Property (PLN-FRP-24-00012).

Among the major development plans, the committee approved seven applications including developments for Givens Property Lot 4, Hoover and Ford Philot Evangelistic Association Property, Interstate Park Property, Shoppers Choice Property, Greendale Hills Unit 3, Man O' War Development, and Ramsey Sullivan Property. However, the committee denied the application for Margaret W. Camic Property (PLN-MJDP-24-00024) and chose to table two applications - Preston Addition Subdivision (PLN-MJDP-24-00028) and Greendale Hills Unit 3 (PLN-MJDP-24-00030) - for further review at a future meeting.

The meeting demonstrated the committee's active role in managing local development, balancing approval of qualifying projects with careful scrutiny of applications that required additional consideration or did not meet current standards.

Attendance

The following individuals were present at the meeting on May 2, 2024:

Present: • Vaughan Adkins • Demetria Kimball • Eric Sutherland • Ben Cornett • Greg Lengal • David Filiatreau • Rob Poage • Scott Burton • Scott Thompson • Boyd Sewe • Eve Miller • Craig Prater • Chris Dent • Tyler Skaggs • Jim Duncan • Traci Wade • Tom Martin • Cheryl Gallt • Autumn Goderwis • Daniel Crum • James Mills • Paula Schumacher • Tracy Jones

A total of 23 individuals attended the meeting. No absences or late arrivals were recorded.

Votes and Decisions

The meeting included twelve motions on various development proposals, with eleven approvals, one disapproval, and two postponements. All votes were unanimous.

Approved Projects:

• PLN-FRP-24-00008: Newmarket Property, Phase 1, Unit 11 - Approved unanimously with conditions to modify lot configurations to match the approved preliminary subdivision plan 1:45

• PLN-FRP-24-00009: Boonsboro Manor - Approved unanimously with 13 revised conditions presented by staff 2:30

• PLN-FRP-24-00012: Lucas B. Combs Property - Approved unanimously with 8 conditions 3:15

• PLN-MJDP-24-00025: Givens Property, Lot 4 - Approved unanimously with 21 conditions 5:30

• PLN-MJDP-24-00026: Hoover and Ford Philot Evangelistic Association Property - Approved unanimously with 10 conditions plus an additional condition requiring a letter from the neighborhood association 6:15

• PLN-MJDP-24-00027: Interstate Park Property - Approved unanimously with 14 conditions 7:00

• PLN-MJDP-24-00029: Shoppers Choice Property - Approved unanimously with 19 conditions 8:30

• PLN-MJDP-23-00017: Man O' War Development - Reapproved unanimously without additional conditions 10:00

• PLN-MJDP-24-00021: Ramsey Sullivan Property - Approved unanimously with 26 conditions 10:45

Disapproved Project:

• PLN-MJDP-24-00024: Margaret W. Camic Property - Disapproved unanimously 4:45

Postponed Projects:

• PLN-MJDP-24-00028: Preston Addition Subdivision - Postponed unanimously despite having 28 prepared conditions 7:45

• PLN-MJDP-24-00030: Greendale Hills, Unit 3 - Postponed unanimously despite having 26 prepared conditions 9:15

Public Comment

Two residents spoke during the public comment period, both addressing concerns about the Margaret W. Camic Property development.

Karen Springe 4:15 expressed frustration with what she characterized as deceptive practices by the developer. She stated that she felt deceived by the developer's decision to change the project from single-family homes to high-density apartments, describing this shift as a "bait and switch" tactic.

Patrick Valentino 4:30 followed with similar concerns about the Margaret W. Camic Property development. Valentino questioned the honesty behind the developer's change in plans and stressed the importance of maintaining honesty and transparency throughout the development process.

Both speakers focused their comments on the same development project, highlighting community concerns about changes to the original development proposal and the perceived lack of transparency in how these changes were communicated to residents.

Contested Items

The primary contested item during the May 2, 2024 meeting centered on the Margaret W. Camic Property development proposal, which generated significant community opposition from local residents.

Margaret W. Camic Property Development

The controversy arose over a proposed change in the development plan for the Margaret W. Camic Property. Residents who attended the meeting expressed strong opposition to what they characterized as a fundamental shift from the original proposal. The community members voiced concerns that the development had changed from single-family homes to high-density apartments, which they felt represented a "bait and switch" by the developers.

The nature of the opposition was rooted in residents' expectations based on earlier presentations or proposals for the property. Community members felt misled by what they perceived as a significant departure from the original development concept they had been presented with previously.

The disagreement involved local residents on one side, who organized to voice their concerns at the meeting, and presumably the property developers and city officials on the other side, though the specific outcome of this contested item was not detailed in the available meeting data.

This type of zoning or development dispute is common in municipal meetings, where changes to proposed land use can generate significant community response, particularly when residents feel that initial proposals have been substantially altered without adequate community input or notification.

PLN-FRP-24-00008: Newmarket Property, Phase 1, Unit 11

1:00 The meeting addressed the final subdivision plan for Newmarket Property, Phase 1, Unit 11, located at 1501 Deer Haven Lane in Lexington, Kentucky. The proposed development plan seeks to create 108 residential lots along with 3 homeowners association (HOA) lots on the property.

Tom Martin served as the key speaker presenting details of the subdivision plan during the discussion. The agenda item focused on reviewing the final subdivision layout and associated development specifications for this phase of the Newmarket Property project.

The subdivision plan represents a significant residential development that would add over 100 new housing units to the Lexington area. The inclusion of 3 HOA lots indicates the development will have common areas or facilities managed by a homeowners association.

Following the presentation and discussion of the subdivision plan details, the item was approved by the meeting body. The approval allows the development to proceed with the creation of the 108 residential lots and 3 HOA lots as outlined in the final subdivision plan.

This development at 1501 Deer Haven Lane represents Phase 1 of what appears to be a larger Newmarket Property project, suggesting additional phases may be planned for future consideration. The approval of this subdivision plan marks a step forward in expanding residential housing options in this area of Lexington.

PLN-FRP-24-00009: Boonsboro Manor

2:00 The commission reviewed a final subdivision plan for Boonsboro Manor, located at 5354 Athens Boonsboro Road in Lexington, Kentucky. The proposed development seeks to create two lots from the existing property.

Tom Martin served as the key speaker presenting this agenda item to the commission. The discussion focused on the technical aspects and compliance requirements for the subdivision plan.

The commission approved the final subdivision plan for Boonsboro Manor. No significant concerns or objections were raised during the review process, allowing for a straightforward approval of the two-lot subdivision.

This approval enables the property owner to proceed with dividing the Athens Boonsboro Road property into the proposed two separate lots in accordance with local subdivision regulations.

PLN-FRP-24-00012: Lucas B. Combs Property

3:00

The commission reviewed a final subdivision plan for the Lucas B. Combs Property located at 4347 Shelby Lane in Lexington, Kentucky. The proposal involves subdividing a 161-acre tract into two separate parcels.

Tom Martin served as the key speaker presenting details of the subdivision plan to the commission. The discussion focused on the technical aspects of dividing the large property while ensuring compliance with local zoning and subdivision regulations.

The commission examined the proposed layout and configuration of the two resulting tracts, considering factors such as access, utilities, and conformity with existing development patterns in the area. The substantial size of the original 161-acre property allowed for flexibility in creating two viable parcels that meet minimum acreage requirements.

Following the presentation and discussion, the commission approved the final subdivision plan for PLN-FRP-24-00012. The approval allows the property owner to proceed with the formal division of the land into the two proposed tracts as outlined in the submitted plans.

The subdivision represents a straightforward land division that maintains the rural character of the area while providing the property owner with increased flexibility for future land use or development opportunities on the newly created parcels.

PLN-MJDP-24-00024: Margaret W. Camic Property

4:00

The Planning Commission discussed a development plan amendment for the Margaret W. Camic Property located at 4630 Old Schoolhouse Road in Lexington, Kentucky. The proposed amendment sought to change the approved development from single-family residential lots to a mixed-use development featuring apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes.

Tom Martin served as a key speaker during the discussion of this agenda item. The amendment represented a significant shift in the planned use of the property, moving from a traditional single-family subdivision to a higher-density mixed residential development.

The Planning Commission ultimately denied the development plan amendment. While the specific concerns raised during the discussion are not detailed in the available materials, the denial indicates that the commission found issues with the proposed changes to the original development plan.

This decision affects the future development of the property on Old Schoolhouse Road, maintaining the original single-family residential designation rather than allowing the transition to the proposed mixed-use residential format that would have included multi-family apartment units and townhouse developments alongside single-family homes.

PLN-MJDP-24-00025: Givens Property, Lot 4

5:00 The commission reviewed a development plan amendment for Givens Property, Lot 4, located at 2210 Georgetown Road in Lexington, Kentucky. The proposed plan depicts a new building featuring a drive-thru service, along with associated parking areas and vehicular circulation patterns.

Tom Martin served as the key speaker presenting details of the development proposal to the commission. The plan represents modifications to the existing approved development scheme for this particular lot within the larger Givens Property development.

The proposed building design incorporates drive-thru functionality, which required careful consideration of traffic flow and circulation patterns on the site. The plan includes designated parking areas to serve the facility and outlines how vehicles will move through the property to access both the drive-thru service and parking spaces.

Following the presentation and discussion of the proposal, the commission voted to approve the development plan amendment for PLN-MJDP-24-00025. The approval allows the property owner to proceed with construction of the proposed building and associated site improvements as depicted in the submitted plans.

The location at 2210 Georgetown Road positions this development along a significant transportation corridor in Lexington, making the traffic circulation and drive-thru design elements particularly important considerations for the commission's review process.

PLN-MJDP-24-00026: Hoover and Ford Philot Evangelistic Association Property

6:00

The commission reviewed a development plan amendment for the Hoover and Ford Philot Evangelistic Association Property located at 3855 Fountainblue Lane, Lexington, KY. Tom Martin presented the proposal, which involved adding a dumpster location and access to the existing development plan.

The amendment was a relatively straightforward modification to accommodate waste management infrastructure for the property. The proposed changes included designating a specific location for dumpster placement and establishing appropriate access routes for waste collection services.

No significant concerns or objections were raised during the discussion of this item. The amendment appeared to be a practical addition to address operational needs of the facility while maintaining compliance with local development standards.

The commission approved the development plan amendment for PLN-MJDP-24-00026.

PLN-MJDP-24-00027: Interstate Park Property

7:00 The commission discussed a development plan amendment for the Interstate Park Property located at 5354 Athens Boonsboro Road in Lexington, Kentucky. The plan focuses on the proposed development of Tract 1-D within the larger Interstate Park Property.

Tom Martin served as the key speaker for this agenda item, presenting details about the development plan amendment to the commission members.

The proposal involves modifications to the existing development plans for the Interstate Park Property, specifically addressing the development parameters and layout for the designated Tract 1-D. This tract represents a portion of the larger Interstate Park Property that requires updated planning approval to proceed with development activities.

The commission reviewed the amended development plans, which included details about the proposed use, layout, and infrastructure requirements for Tract 1-D. The discussion covered the technical aspects of the development proposal and its compliance with local zoning and development standards.

Following the presentation and discussion, the commission approved the development plan amendment for PLN-MJDP-24-00027. This approval allows the Interstate Park Property development to move forward with the proposed changes to Tract 1-D as outlined in the amended plans.

The approval of this development plan amendment represents a step forward in the ongoing development of the Interstate Park Property, enabling the specific improvements and construction activities planned for Tract 1-D to proceed in accordance with the updated development parameters.

PLN-MJDP-24-00028: Preston Addition Subdivision

7:30

The Planning Commission discussed a development plan amendment for Preston Addition Subdivision, a project located at multiple addresses including 256 Newtown Pike, 601-613 W. Third Street, and 610 King Street in Lexington, Kentucky.

Tom Martin presented the proposed amendment, which seeks to expand an existing adaptive reuse project. The amendment would add two additional lots to the subdivision and include plans for a new structure as part of the development.

The Preston Addition Subdivision represents an adaptive reuse initiative, indicating the project involves repurposing existing buildings or infrastructure rather than new construction on undeveloped land. The amendment under consideration would increase the scope of this project by incorporating the additional lots and new construction element.

Following the presentation and discussion, the Planning Commission decided to table the item rather than take immediate action. This outcome suggests that commissioners may have had questions or concerns that required additional information or further consideration before making a decision on the development plan amendment.

The tabling of PLN-MJDP-24-00028 means the Preston Addition Subdivision amendment will be revisited at a future Planning Commission meeting, allowing time for any outstanding issues to be addressed or additional materials to be provided before the commission votes on the proposal.

PLN-MJDP-24-00029: Shoppers Choice Property

8:00

The commission reviewed a development plan amendment for the Shoppers Choice Property located at 357 Duke Road and 344 Romany Road in Lexington, Kentucky. The proposal involves redevelopment of the existing site.

Tom Martin served as the key speaker presenting the development plan amendment to the commission. The plan depicts comprehensive redevelopment of the Shoppers Choice Property site, though specific details about the nature of the proposed redevelopment were not detailed in the available materials.

The commission discussed the merits of the proposed development plan amendment during their review process. The application, designated as PLN-MJDP-24-00029, underwent the standard evaluation procedures for major development plan amendments in Lexington-Fayette County.

Following their discussion and review of the proposal, the commission voted to approve the development plan amendment for the Shoppers Choice Property. The approval allows the redevelopment project to move forward to the next phase of the development process.

The properties at 357 Duke Road and 344 Romany Road will now be able to proceed with the redevelopment as outlined in the approved amendment to the development plan.

PLN-MJDP-24-00030: Greendale Hills, Unit 3

9:00

The commission discussed a development plan amendment for Greendale Hills, Unit 3, located at 2425 Mulundy Way in Lexington, Kentucky. The proposed amendment depicts commercial buildings and associated parking facilities for the development site.

Tom Martin served as the key speaker presenting information about the project during the discussion. The amendment represents modifications to the existing development plans for this unit of the Greendale Hills project.

The commission ultimately decided to table the item, meaning no final decision was reached during this meeting. The tabling suggests that additional information, review, or discussion may be needed before the commission can move forward with a determination on the development plan amendment.

No specific details about concerns raised, technical issues discussed, or reasons for tabling the item were captured in the available meeting data. The commercial nature of the proposed buildings and their associated parking arrangements were the primary focus of the amendment under consideration.

PLN-MJDP-23-00017: Man O' War Development

9:45

The commission considered the reapproval of the development plan for Man O' War Development, located at 1973 Bryant Road, Lexington, KY. Cheryl Gallt served as the key speaker presenting this agenda item.

The discussion focused on the reapproval process for this development project, which had previously received approval but required renewed authorization. The development plan pertains to the property situated on Bryant Road in Lexington.

Following the presentation and discussion, the commission approved the reapproval of the Man O' War Development plan. The approval allows the development to proceed under the terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

PLN-MJDP-24-00021: Ramsey Sullivan Property

10:30

The commission reviewed a development plan amendment for the Ramsey Sullivan Property located at 2750 Meadowsweet in Lexington, Kentucky. The proposed amendment outlines a new lotting configuration and includes plans for 15 new dwelling units on the property.

Cheryl Gallt served as the key speaker presenting details of the development proposal to the commission members. The amendment represents modifications to the existing development plan for the site, with the new configuration designed to accommodate the additional residential units.

The commission approved the development plan amendment for PLN-MJDP-24-00021 following their review and discussion of the proposal.