Urban Growth Management Master Plan Advisory Committee AGENDA
August
1) Welcome Planning Commission Chair Larry Forester
2) Approval of previous meeting summary
3) Building the Map
4) Other business
5) Questions and comments from the Committee
6) Adjourn
Urban Growth Management Master Plan Advisory Committee
Summary: Meeting #2
August 15, 2023
10:00 A.M.
Phoenix Building
3rd floor Conference Room
101 E. Vine Street Lexington, Kentucky 40507
Urban Growth Management Advisory Committee Members in attendance: Larry Forester (Chair), James Brown, Todd Clark, Chuck Ellinger, Andi Johnson, Todd Johnson, Kathy Plomin, Zach Worsham, Judy Worth, Dan Wu.
Urban Growth Management Advisory Committee Members absent: Alison Davis, PG Peeples, John Phillips, and Bill Wilson.
Staff in attendance: Commissioner Keith Horn, Director Jim Duncan, Director Charlie Martin, Attorney Senior Tracy Jones, Geographic Information System Manager Chris Doerge, Purchase of Development Rights Director Beth Overman, Interim Manager Chris Taylor, Planner Senior Hal Baillie, Planner Senior Valerie Friedmann, Planner Senior Boyd Sewe, Digital Content Administrator SB Stroh, and Administrative Specialist Rachael Lay.
Chair Larry Forester called the meeting to order at 10:00am.
Chair Forester began the meeting by welcoming the committee to the second meeting of the Urban Growth Management Master Plan Advisory Committee. Mr. Forester outlined the Agenda of the meeting and introduced the presenters, Beth Overman (Purchase of Development Rights Director) and Charlie Martin (Director of Water Quality).
Then Mr. Forester opened the floor for a motion to approve the previous meeting’s (August 8, 2023) summary.
Judy Worth moved to approve the previous meeting summary with the recommendation that the summary include the Charge that was read at the previous meeting and the Urban Growth Management Advisory Committee Website link. The motion was seconded by Dan Wu, and it
passed without dissent.
Beth Overman, Purchase of Development Rights director presented the advisory committee an overview on Purchase of Development Rights (PDR). In Ms. Overman’s presentation she spoke about the history of the PDR program, the environmental priorities, the parcel ranking process, the conserved farms and acreage, the importance of conserving 50,000 Acres of working farmland, and the specific restrictions for the PDR easement. Several members asked follow up questions. Margaret Graves, Chair of the Bluegrass Land Conservancy, said the easement restrictions for Bluegrass Land Conservancy is the same as PDR.
Charlie Martin, the Director of Water Quality presented the committee the 2023 Rural Sewer Capability Study Overview. In Mr. Martin’s presentation he spoke about how topography drives a sewer system layout, the 2023 study methodology key points, and the potential regulatory obligations. Several members asked follow up questions.
Councilmembers Plomin and Vice Mayor Wu shared their concerns about the aggressive timeline. Director Duncan explained that the timeline was needed to give the masterplan consultants a year to do their work in order for the entirety of the project to be complete by December 1, 2024.
The meeting was adjourned by Chair Forester at 11:55am.
The next meeting will take place Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 10:00am in the 3rd floor Conference Room of the Phoenix Building.
All information for subsequent and past meetings (including meeting packets, presentations, videos, and public comments) can be found here: https://imaginelexington.com/ugm
Urban Growth Management Master Plan for Lexington, Kentucky
Scope of Services
PROJECT PURPOSE
The City of Lexington's Division of Planning is inviting proposals from qualified professional planning and urban design firms to develop a comprehensive Master Plan for the land included by the forthcoming expansion of Lexington's Urban Service Area. The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) Planning Commission will identify between 2,700 and 5,000 acres of land to be included through the area’s expansion, and the selected consultant will be responsible for developing a Master Plan for this designated land.
The purpose of the Master Plan is to provide a cohesive framework for future development, guided by the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of Lexington’s Comprehensive Plan, Imagine Lexington 2045. The Master Plan will prioritize sustainable and equitable development practices while addressing community needs and ensuring the necessary infrastructure and facilities are in place
CONSULTANT RESPONSIBILITIES
Consulting firms or teams should be led by a planning/design firm and must also include qualified engineering support, expert(s) in affordable housing, and climate resilience professional(s). Proven success managing highly visible public projects is also desirable. The selected consultant will be responsible for the following (more detail listed in the Tasks/Products section):
A. Develop Lexington-specific strategies and methods to guide sustainable and equitable development including the identification and recommendation of practices tailored to the unique characteristics and needs of Lexington.
B. Develop a sustainable and equitable transportation and land use spatial framework that supports transit and creates walkable and bike-friendly urban centers and residential districts close to goods, services, and employment opportunities
C. Identify innovative funding mechanisms for public infrastructure and facilities and provide a comprehensive analysis of the costs associated with construction and maintenance.
D. Facilitate public engagement and stakeholder outreach to incorporate community input into the plan development process, ensuring that stakeholder perspectives and priorities are considered
BACKGROUND
At the core of discussions about Lexington's future lies the delicate balance between urban growth and rural preservation. The establishment of the Urban Service Area in 1958 marked the initial negotiation of this balance and played a vital role in creating the vibrant community that Lexington is today. Recognizing the importance of both urban growth and the preservation of agricultural assets, Lexington strives to grow intelligently through compact and fiscally responsible development patterns, building upon the foundation of the nation's first Urban Service Area.
During the Urban County Council's review of the Imagine Lexington 2045 Goals and Objectives, concerns regarding increased housing costs, low housing stock, the need for land for job development, and housing affordability were highlighted as reasons to include additional land within the Urban Service
Area. On June 15th, 2023, the Urban County Council officially approved the expansion of the Urban Service Area through an amendment to the Goals and Objectives. Subsequently, the Planning Commission was tasked with identifying between 2,700 and 5,000 acres of land for inclusion, and by December 1st, 2024, the Master Plan for which this RFP is written is expected to be adopted.
As Lexington plans for expansion, it is crucial to revisit and uphold the concepts of the Urban Service Area For that reason, the principles of smart, compact, and fiscally responsible growth are woven throughout the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of Imagine Lexington 2045. Additionally, the 2045 Goals and Objectives prioritize equitable development and environmental sustainability. The substantial amount of land being considered for inclusion in the Urban Service Area presents an extraordinary opportunity to create new urban centers and neighborhoods with affordable housing options, lower transportation costs, and nearby employment opportunities. Furthermore, the expansion offers a unique opportunity to develop in ways that align with Lexington's goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Even with the Urban Service Area in place, Lexington's residential landscape in recent decades has been predominantly characterized by a development pattern centered on vehicle-dependent single-family detached housing. This pattern has resulted in disconnected residential areas that are not walkable and do not integrate retail and job opportunities. Similarly, the commercial landscape has been shaped by sprawling areas that heavily rely on cars, leading to decreased walkability and challenges for public transit. These prevailing development patterns can be observed in the areas developed as part of the previous major expansion of the Urban Service Area in 1996, highlighting the urgent need for a fundamentally different approach to future growth.
To reverse these trends and effectively achieve the comprehensive vision outlined in the adopted Imagine Lexington 2045 Goals and Objectives, the City must embrace a modern approach to equitable and sustainable development. This necessitates creating a high-quality living environment that provides accessibility to employment, housing, transportation, and a healthy natural environment for all residents. The key focal points of this approach should include transit-oriented development (TOD), which integrates various modes of transportation, as well as a diverse range of affordable housing options. Additionally, the establishment of walkable urban centers and neighborhoods that encompass supportive retail, services, and community facilities will contribute to the realization of Lexington's sustainable and vibrant future.
The opportunities and challenges posed by the expansion of the Urban Service Area require thoughtful planning and innovative solutions. The Master Plan developed through this RFP will guide the growth and development for identified portions of Lexington over the next 30-40 years, shaping a sustainable, equitable, and vibrant community for generations to come.
PROJECT GOALS / OUTCOMES
The primary goal of this Master Plan is to provide a cohesive spatial framework for future development, ensuring that individual development projects align to create an appealing, convenient, and sustainable local community that serves the needs of all residents. The Master Plan should also identify strategies to advance sustainable and equitable development and innovative funding mechanism for implementation.
• Identify public infrastructure and facilities needs including transportation, regional stormwater management, parks, schools, libraries, public safety, community centers, etc. and propose options for fair and sustainable funding mechanisms.
• Develop walkable urban centers and residential districts that increase the density and mix of land uses, particularly a mix of commercial and affordable residential housing options.
• Ensure residential areas have walkable access to community facilities (parks, schools, libraries, etc.), goods and services with a focus on food security.
• Provide complete streets, transit-oriented development, and land uses along public transportation routes that generate enough demand to support public transportation.
• Provide employment capacity equal to or exceeding population capacity
• Protect the environment through a network of well-connected natural open spaces and a focus on sustainable site development and building methods.
• Ensure identified areas achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
• Develop a cohesive sense of place that responds to the Bluegrass landscape and any adjacent conservation areas or Rural Service Area
TASKS / PRODUCTS
1. Guiding principles and benchmarks report: Conduct a review of the Goals, Objectives, and Policies in Imagine Lexington 2045 and develop clear principles and benchmarks that will guide the development of the identified area(s) to meet the project goals and outcomes as listed in this RFP. The guiding principles should also establish minimum residential densities, minimum commercial intensities, population capacity projection, and jobs capacity projections for the growth area(s) to meet the next 30-40 years of anticipated need.
2. Existing conditions inventory and analysis: Conduct an existing conditions inventory and analysis for the identified area(s) and any relevant adjacent areas including at minimum a review of:
• Existing land uses and densities
• Existing transportation infrastructure and transit services
• Topography and steep slopes
• Environmentally sensitive areas
• Waterways and drainage
• Key habitat and biodiversity areas
• Land included in the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program
• Culturally / historically significant structures or landscapes
The outcome of the inventory and analysis should result in the identification of areas that are suitable for urban development and areas of high environmental or cultural value that must be protected. Planning staff will provide GIS and base data as available to help generate this review/ report. The
existing conditions may also be informed by targeted stakeholder outreach as determined by the consultant.
3. Public and stakeholder engagement:
• Organize and facilitate public meetings (2 maximum).
• Organize and facilitate other workshops, focus groups, and online platforms as determined by consultant to gather input, feedback, and recommendations.
• Incorporate community input into the plan development process, ensuring that stakeholder perspectives and priorities are considered.
4. Land use and transportation spatial framework(s): Develop an overarching spatial planning framework to guide future development in the identified area(s). The framework(s) should focus on the location, connectivity, and strategic incorporation of:
Open Space Preservation and Green Infrastructure
• Map an integrated and connected open space network to protect areas of high environmental value, preserve natural features/character, heritage, biodiversity, healthy waterways, and provide for recreation needs
• Define edges, buffers, and connections between urban development and areas of high biodiversity, cultural landscape, or drainage significance.
• Identify areas for significant enhancement of the urban forest.
Urban Development
• Identify the location of future urban centers, residential districts, industrial, and employment areas.
• Address the appropriate location and mix of uses to support walkable access to various goods, services, and community facilities with a focus on food security.
• Identify/indicate land uses along public transportation that can generate enough demand to support and justify investment in rapid/frequent public transportation.
• Identify/indicate how adjacent land uses are to best integrate with the transport network.
• Identify locations suitable for a wide range of job-creating activities, including larger urban centers, business districts, and industrial areas.
• Map transit and transportation options linking residential areas to job-focused districts.
• Identify smaller-scale local employment areas/retail nodes within residential areas.
Transportation
• Map the transportation infrastructure required to support urban development so that those who live and work in the identified area(s) can access jobs and services and have a range of transportation choices.
• Map an arterial and collector street plan that adheres as closely as possible to a grid-type structure with typical collector/arterial street spacing of a half mile
• Review the roadway network that exists within the expansion area to assess which facilities can be incorporated into the arterial and collector street plan and identify improvements
necessary to meet LFUCG design standards and accommodate a range of transportation choices.
• Identify appropriate existing roadways to serve as a boundary to the expansion area. Where existing roadways do not exist to serve as a boundary, identify roadways that are to be constructed to serve as this boundary and show how they would be incorporated into the arterial and collector street plan.
• Include a shared use trail network with connections to a bicycle network.
• Include an enhanced public transportation network.
• Include a potential freight network.
Infrastructure and Community Facilities
• Identify and map the regional infrastructure networks required to enable urban development.
• Identify and map community facilities and services needed at the neighborhood-, community-, and regional-scales including parks, schools, libraries, solid waste, public safety, community centers, childcare, health care, food access, etc.
5. Conceptual plans for key sites:
• Develop conceptual plans and renderings for at least 3-5 key sites of varying types (e.g. new urban center with grocery anchor) with the final selection to be determined by the client.
6. Develop a regulatory framework for implementation:
• Include land use and/or zoning recommendations, street network density/spacing requirements, sustainable/net zero development guidelines, and recommendations for affordable housing incentives or requirements.
• Include recommendations for the development review and zone change process as it relates to demonstrating agreement with the Master Plan.
7. Identify costs and innovative strategies for funding public infrastructure, facilities , and services:
• Provide a comprehensive analysis of the costs associated with building and maintaining public infrastructure and facilities along with potential funding sources for each component.
• Identify alternative financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships, grants, developer dedication or fees, and other innovative funding approaches.
• Identify minimum density and intensity of development necessary to support the financial impact and lifecycle costs of public infrastructure, facilities, and services.
KEY STAKEHOLDERS
• Property owners, business operators, neighborhoods, and residents within and adjacent to identified area(s).
• Councilmembers-at-Large and those representing Council Districts in the chosen area(s).
• Transportation and land use policy makers including the LFUCG Planning Commission, project advisory committee, Lexington Area MPO, and Lextran.
• LFUCG Division staff including Planning and Preservation, Housing and Community Development, Parks and Recreation, Environmental Quality and Public Works, and Water Quality.
• Organizations such as Fayette Alliance, Building Industry Association, Commerce Lexington, and Bluegrass Climate Action Team.
PROJECT LIMITS
The project limits will be determined by the Planning Commission and delivered to the consultant by the end of November 2023. The project limits will include between 2,700 and 5,000 acres that may be spread over multiple geographical areas. Priority will be placed on identifying and assembling large tracts of land that are immediately adjacent to the existing Urban Service Area and share common boundaries with other available land extending from the boundary If more than three (3) geographically distinct areas are identified for inclusion, the consultant may work with the client to determine areas that should be prioritized for the purposes of the Master Plan.
TIMELINE
Notice to proceed anticipated in October/November 2023 with a desired project timeline not to exceed one year. The Master Plan must be adopted by the Planning Commission by December 1, 2024.
PROJECT OVERSIGHT
The Division of Planning will be the primary project contact and will facilitate close coordination with the Planning Commission and the project advisory committee. A small staff committee will meet regularly to guide project development and work products.
RELEVANT PLANS/STUDIES
City of Lexington Comprehensive Plan: https://www.lexingtonky.gov/imaginelexington
Development/Growth Scenarios Explored by the Division of Planning for Comprehensive Plan: http://lexareampo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6.29.17-Planning-Commission-Goals-andObjectives-Work-Session-Packet.pdf
Sustainable Growth Study: https://www.lexingtonky.gov/sustainable-growth-study
Goal 4 Workgroup Report and Appendix: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TDBJibNdoklCir39l6rKhyZG629g8IW
Lexington Area MPO 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan
(2019): https://lexareampo.org/studiesplans/2045-metropolitan-transportation-plan/
Lexington Area MPO Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan (2018): https://lexareampo.org/studiesplans/connectlex/
Lexington Complete Streets Policy: https://www.lexingtonky.gov/complete-streets
Imagine Nicholasville Road: https://imaginenicholasvilleroad.com/
Imagine New Circle Road: https://www.imaginenewcircle.org/
1996 Expansion Area Master Plan: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dSXQ47otkSME3QN4RvJybTf3fixKRDR/view
Rural Land Management Plan (2017) and PDR Protected Land: https://www.lexingtonky.gov/boards/rural-land-management-board
Empower Lexington Plan for a Resilient Community (in development): https://www.lexingtonky.gov/empower-lexington
Your Parks, Our Future Parks and Recreation System Master Plan (2018): https://www.lexingtonky.gov/about-parks-and-recreation-master-plan
Greenway Master Plan (2002) currently funded for update:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0aBvWAKyfxaNVU1WTZuS21jdjQ/view?resourcekey=0tIUV2Cj5sdAsJbVK5S0VYQ
Urban Tree Canopy Assessment and Planting Plan (2022): https://www.lexingtonky.gov/lexingtons-treecanopy
Multifamily Design Standards: https://issuu.com/lexingtonky1/docs/appendix_a_multifamily_design_standards
Public Engagement Toolkit: https://www.imaginelexington.com/PET
DELIVERABLES
• A final digital report that details the findings and outcomes of each of the tasks set forth in the scope of work. Include the PDF file and packaged InDesign file (if used); includes a folder with full resolution maps, diagrams, charts, tables, and all other imagery used in the final report.
• Data sets collected or created during the performance of the study including GIS files. Note that the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government will be the owner of all data, spreadsheets, and GIS layers developed as part of this study.
• Two presentations each to the Lexington-Fayette County Planning Commission and the project advisory committee during their regularly scheduled meetings. One public hearing presentation to the LFUCG Planning Commission (5 total presentations).
• An executed public outreach plan and full resolution digital copies of any public display materials or presentations in relation to the project.
SCHEDULE & PAYMENT
The Consultant shall provide a preliminary project schedule indicating deadlines for deliverables. The selected consultant will be responsible for developing a revised project schedule at the beginning of the contract. The project must be adopted by the Planning Commission by December 1, 2024.
The LFUCG shall not approve payment in an amount greater than the contract fee percentage shown below for each project milestone.
Tasks 1 through 3: 25%
Tasks 4 through 5: 50%
Tasks 6 through 7 & draft report: 85%
Delivery of final draft, final presentations & data sets: 100%
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
A digital PDF version of the proposal shall be submitted for the project. Each proposal must include the following:
1. Brief history of the consulting firm or firms on your team.
2. The names and resumes of the people who will be assigned to the project, their role, and the percentage of their time that will be committed to this project.
3. Why your team is best suited to develop the Urban Growth Management Master Plan. What unique ideas or experience does your team bring to the table?
4. Examples of projects of similar scope performed by the firm and the personnel that will be assigned to the project. Include project references.
5. Outline of the consulting team’s project approach, project milestones, total cost of services, and a timeline for completing the project
SELECTION CRITERIA
A selection committee will evaluate and score the consulting firm / teams based on their qualifications and level of knowledge and experience working on projects of similar scope and scale. Team qualifications will be demonstrated and evaluated by:
1. Specialized qualifications, experience and technical competence of the person or firm with regard to the services requested. 35 points
2. Familiarity with the details of the project and proposed approaches for providing required services. 20 points
3. The professionalism of the written proposal. 20 points
4. The past record and performance on contracts with the Urban County Government or other governmental agencies and private industry, including references, with respect to such factors as control of cost, quality of work, and ability to meet schedules. 10 points
5. Cost of services. 15 points
LINDA GORTON TODD SLATIN DIRECTOR CENTRAL PURCHASINGADDENDUM #1
RFP Number: #34-2023
Subject: Urban Growth Management Master Plan 2024
Date: July 26, 2023
Address inquiries to: Sondra Stone
sstone@lexingtonky.gov
TO ALL PROSPECTIVE SUBMITTERS:
Please be advised of the following clarifications to the above referenced RFP:
Please replace page 45 of the bid package with the attached.
Todd Slatin, Director Division of Central PurchasingAll other terms and conditions of the RFP and specifications are unchanged. This letter should be signed, attached to and become a part of your submittal.
COMPANY NAME:___________________________________________
ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF BIDDER: ___________________________________________________
Tasks 1 through 3: 25%
Tasks 4 through 5: 50%
Tasks 6 through 7 & draft report: 85%
Delivery of final draft, final presentations & data sets: 100%
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
A digital PDF version of the proposal shall be submitted for the project. Each proposal must include the following:
1. Brief history of the consulting firm or firms on your team.
2. The names and resumes of the people who will be assigned to the project, their role, and the percentage of their time that will be committed to this project.
3. Why your team is best suited to develop the Urban Growth Management Master Plan. What unique ideas or experience does your team bring to the table?
4. Examples of projects of similar scope performed by the firm and the personnel that will be assigned to the project. Include project references.
5. Outline of the consulting team’s project approach, project milestones, estimated cost to complete each task/product, total cost of services, and a timeline for completing the project.
SELECTION CRITERIA
A selection committee will evaluate and score the consulting firm / teams based on their qualifications and level of knowledge and experience working on projects of similar scope and scale. Team qualifications will be demonstrated and evaluated by:
1. Specialized qualifications, experience and technical competence of the person or firm with regard to the services requested. 35 points
2. Familiarity with the details of the project and proposed approaches for providing required services. 20 points
3. The professionalism of the written proposal. 20 points
4. The past record and performance on contracts with the Urban County Government or other governmental agencies and private industry, including references, with respect to such factors as control of cost, quality of work, and ability to meet schedules. 10 points
5. Explanation of costs relative to deliverables. (Note: scoring is weighted to cost estimates that best address project goals and outcomes). 15 points