To: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Urban Services Boundary
Date: Monday, September 18, 2023 9:34:09 PM
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To whom it may concern,
Mt. Zion Farm owns approximately 200 acres at 2176 Royster Road. We would like for this farm to be included in the Urban Services Boundary.
Thank you
Sincerely Mt. Zion Farm
Sent from my iPhone
From: jessica sandlerTo: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Say NO to Mill Ridge Farm development
Date: Monday, September 18, 2023 9:20:47 PM
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To Whom It May Concern:
This email is in regards to the proposed development adjacent to the Palomar neighborhood. I am writing to express my concerns and opposition to this proposed development project in our community. This development, in my opinion, poses several potential drawbacks that may have long-lasting effects on our neighborhood. Some concerns include but are not limited to: the increasing traffic and subsequent safety problems as well as the negative impact on the two nearby schools.
I urge you to disapprove the proposed development near Palomar, and from recent meetings and discussions with my neighbors, I know my opinions are shared by many who have not managed to attend meeting or write letters and emails.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to those who have the most at stake. The goal is for our community to remain a wonderful place to live, work, and enjoy for generations to come.
Warm regards,
Jessica SandlerSent from my iPhone
From: Christopher Taylor
To: Rachael Lay
Subject: Fwd: 4610 Willman Way & 4050 Todds Road
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 7:13:45 AM
Attachments: image598484.png
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From: Nick Nicholson <Nick.Nicholson@skofirm.com>
Sent: Monday, September 18, 2023 6:55:16 PM
To: James Duncan <jduncan3@lexingtonky.gov>
Cc: Christopher Taylor <ctaylor3@lexingtonky.gov>; Harold Baillie <hbaillie@lexingtonky.gov>
Subject: 4610 Willman Way & 4050 Todds Road
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Jim:
We represent the party with the development rights to the remaining Gess Farm parcels. It came to our attention today that the family representative was unable to make the public meeting last Tuesday due to a health complication in the family. Their family attorney will be in touch as well, but please take this email as confirmation that the properties at 4610 Willman Way & 4050 Todds Road would like to be considered for inclusion in the urban service area and it is able to be timely developed.
Please apologize to the Committee for any confusion that this late notice may have caused. We are happy to document this request in a more formal manner if the Committee would like.
Thanks, Nick
Nick Nicholson
859-231-3950 Direct
859-533-0976 Mobile
859-246-3649 Fax
300 West Vine Street, Suite 2100
Lexington, KY 40507-1801
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From: Brent ReidTo: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Urban Service Area Expansion
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 2:20:34 PM
Attachments: Neighborhood-Report_Lexington-Kentucky_2023-09-19-16.pdf
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Expansion Advisory Committee:
Please consider expanding the acreage for inclusion in the Urban Services Area to the maximum allowable of 5,000 acres. We greatly need more developable land within Lexington Fayette County to adequately address housing demands. Without increasing developable land, we have a significant housing shortage. In addition, this scarcity has driven the cost of home ownership up exponentially making home ownership out of reach for many. As a result, this has pushed many potential Lexington Fayette buyers out of the affordability range for home ownership in our area and is forcing them to buy in surrounding counties.
We have responded to these demands by building in Jessamine, Scott and Madison County and have been unable to build additional inventory in Fayette County due to the cost and unavailability of developable land. While our offices are in Fayette County, we are unable to secure lots to build on. The median home price in Lexington Fayette has increased exponentially, from approximately $200,000 just 5 years ago to approximately $300,000 currently.
As you can see in the attached report, the median income does not support the average cost of housing in Lexington Fayette. With the median household income just over $60,000 per year, much of the population cannot qualify for a mortgage to buy available homes. Nearly 50% of the Lexington population rents which is likely due to affordability and many who are in homes are only able to own because they purchased many years ago before home prices were out of reach. There is a huge gap in affordability in our market that can only be addressed by increasing developable land in the Urban Services Area so that home builders can add to the inventory of affordable and market rate housing.
Thank you for your consideration.
Kindest Regards, Brent
Reid From: Charles BodenTo: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Expansion of Urban Service Boundary
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 9:21:50 PM
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To whom it may concern:
I am writing to express my concern about including areas A and B (Mill Ridge Farm and Parkers Mill/Man O' Blvd areas). I understand the Council adopted a Goal to expand the Urban Service Boundary by 2700-5000 acres. However, the adopted Goals and Objectives also specifically state that horse farms and the agricultural economy should be supported (Theme E, Goal 2) and that Lexington's position as the "Horse Capital of the World" should be maintained and strengthened (Mission Statement, Them C, Goal 1, Obj. b). Goal 3 itself states that the expansion "is also limited with the recognition of the community's desire to ensure Lexington remains the Horse Capital of the World" (Theme E, Goal 3, obj. b).
Your proposed expansion threatens the business that you should be trying to protect and nurture. It is the business that makes Lexington unique and that your boundary is meant to protect.
Please understand that this expansion is detrimental to your mission.
Sincerely,
C. BodenSent from my iPad
Charlie Boden
412 Clinton Road Lexington, KY 40502
Mobile: (502) 648-4181
Email: cbhorse@me.com
www.CHBThoroughbreds.com
From: Christina Shepard To: Imagine LexingtonSubject: Expansion Area Advisory Committee - Increase Acreage
Date: Thursday, September 21, 2023 12:41:29 PM
Attachments: Neighborhood-Report_Lexington-Kentucky_2023-09-19-16.pdf
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Expansion Advisory Committee:
Please consider expanding the acreage for inclusion in the Urban Services Area to the maximum allowable of 5,000 acres. We greatly need more developable land within Lexington Fayette County to adequately address housing demands. Without increasing developable land, we have a significant housing shortage. In addition, this scarcity has driven the cost of home ownership up exponentially making home ownership out of reach for many. As a result, this has pushed many potential Lexington Fayette buyers out of the affordability range for home ownership in our area and is forcing them to buy in surrounding counties.
We have responded to these demands by building in Jessamine, Scott and Madison County and have been unable to build additional inventory in Fayette County due to the cost and unavailability of developable land. While our offices are in Fayette County, we are unable to secure lots to build on. The median home price in Lexington Fayette has increased exponentially, from approximately $200,000 just 5 years ago to approximately $300,000 currently.
As you can see in the attached report, the median income does not support the average cost of housing in Lexington Fayette. With the median household income just over $60,000 per year, much of the population cannot qualify for a mortgage to buy available homes. Nearly 50% of the Lexington population rents which is likely due to affordability and many who are in homes are only able to own because they purchased many years ago before home prices were out of reach. There is a huge gap in affordability in our market that can only be addressed by increasing developable land in the Urban Services Area so that home builders can add to the inventory of affordable and market rate housing.
Thank you for your consideration.
To: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Opinion on Mill Ridge Farm
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 9:20:06 AM
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Dear Madam or Sir, As a resident of Palomar Hills, I would like to voice my objection to the development of Mill Ridge Farm.
Thank you, Christine Gibson Gum Tree Lane Palomar
From: Deborah StigallTo: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Expansion Area Advisory Committee - Increase Acreage
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 2:18:40 PM
Attachments: Neighborhood-Report_Lexington-Kentucky_2023-09-19-16.pdf
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Expansion Advisory Committee:
Please consider expanding the acreage for inclusion in the Urban Services Area to the maximum allowable of 5,000 acres. We greatly need more developable land within Lexington Fayette County to adequately address housing demands. Without increasing developable land, we have a significant housing shortage. In addition, this scarcity has driven the cost of home ownership up exponentially making home ownership out of reach for many. As a result, this has pushed many potential Lexington Fayette buyers out of the affordability range for home ownership in our area and is forcing them to buy in surrounding counties.
We have responded to these demands by building in Jessamine, Scott and Madison County and have been unable to build additional inventory in Fayette County due to the cost and unavailability of developable land. While our offices are in Fayette County, we are unable to secure lots to build on. The median home price in Lexington Fayette has increased exponentially, from approximately $200,000 just 5 years ago to approximately $300,000 currently.
As you can see in the attached report, the median income does not support the average cost of housing in Lexington Fayette. With the median household income just over $60,000 per year, much of the population cannot qualify for a mortgage to buy available homes. Nearly 50% of the Lexington population rents which is likely due to affordability and many who are in homes are only able to own because they purchased many years ago before home prices were out of reach. There is a huge gap in affordability in our market that can only be addressed by increasing developable land in the Urban Services Area so that home builders can add to the inventory of affordable and market rate housing.
Thank you for your consideration.
Thank you!
Deborah From: Joy MooreTo: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Expansion Area Advisory Committee - Increase Acreage
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 12:52:49 PM
Attachments: Neighborhood-Report_Lexington-Kentucky_2023-09-19-16.pdf
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Expansion Advisory Committee:
Please consider expanding the acreage for inclusion in the Urban Services Area. We greatly need more developable land within Lexington Fayette County to adequately address housing demands. Without increasing developable land, we have a significant housing shortage. In addition, this scarcity has driven the cost of home ownership up exponentially making home ownership out of reach for many. As a result, this has pushed many potential Lexington Fayette buyers out of the affordability range for home ownership in our area and is forcing them to buy in surrounding counties.
We have responded to these demands by building in Jessamine, Scott and Madison County and have been unable to build additional inventory in Fayette County due to the cost and unavailability of developable land. While our offices are in Fayette County, we are unable to secure lots to build on. The median home price in Lexington Fayette has increased exponentially, from approximately $200,000 just 5 years ago to approximately $300,000 currently.
As you can see in the attached report, the median income does not support the average cost of housing in Lexington Fayette. With the median household income just over $60,000 per year, much of the population cannot qualify for a mortgage to buy available homes. Nearly 50% of the Lexington population rents which is likely due to affordability and many who are in homes are only able to own because they purchased many years ago before home prices were out of reach. There is a huge gap in affordability in our market that can only be addressed by increasing developable land in the Urban Services Area so that home builders can add to the inventory of affordable and market rate housing.
Thank you for your consideration.
From: Kathryn May
To: Imagine Lexington
Subject: NOT in favor of Mill Ridge Farm being developed
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 10:26:34 AM
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As a Palomar resident, I am NOT in favor of Mill Ridge Farm being developed
Kathryn May
From: Kelly ChandlerTo: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Not in Favor of Expanding the Urban Service Boundary
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 9:17:11 AM
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We are not in favor of expanding the Urban Service Boundary to develop Mill Ridge Farm.
Thank you,
-Kelly Chandler From: Leeta WilliamsTo: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Mill Ridge Farm
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 2:42:11 PM
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I am not in favor of Mill Ridge Farm being developed.
Sent from my iPhone
From: Phillips, Lynn R. To: Dan Wu; Jaiden Brown; Chuck Ellinger; Kathy Plomin Cc: Imagine Lexington; Hannah LeGris; Dave Sevigny; Liz SheehanSubject: Urban Growth Boundary Areas A-E
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 6:57:41 PM
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[EXTERNAL] Use caution before clicking links and/or opening attachments. Please find my comments regarding expansion of the USB in the areas shown on the maps presented on 12 September:
September 19, 2023
Dear Urban Growth Management Advisory Committee members: Last week’s meeting seeking input on the five possible areas for incorporation into the Urban Services Boundary should have made your decision abundantly clear. Property owners in Areas A, B, D, and E are eager to allow their land into the USB. Please add this land to the USB. However, this would add only 2046 acres, which falls short of the (seemingly arbitrary) 2700 acres decreed by Council.
Please leave Area C, the prioritized area, in tact. At the meeting on September 12th, property owners were opposed to being included inside the city limits. As such, I recommend amending the adding acreage by expanding Area D.
Instead of chopping up Area C to make up the deficit of acreage, I advocate expanding Area D in a couple of directions. First, the boundary should extend farther to now include land southeast of the Athens-Boonesboro Road/I-75 exchange where the soccer stadium is proposed. The proposed Lexington Sporting Club soccer arena approved for rezoning and development at the southeastern sector of the I-75/Athens-Boonesboro exit needs to be included in Area D. This adds 87 acres that we know this will be developed and incorporated into the city. Secondly, I advocate incorporating more land north and south of AthensBoonesboro Road to include Blue Sky industrial park. The city is already operating the sewer system there, and the addition of those industrial jobs may add payroll tax rolls dollars. But regardless, we know that industrial property is a net-positive opportunity for the city; that is, the city receives more in taxes than it costs. If we are already providing sewer services by managing the Blue Sky sewage plant, why shouldn’t that property be brought into the city.
There are many US examples where disinvestment within inner city areas occurred in favor of sprawl, and that disinvestment ultimately leading to lower property values, which then promotes private land speculation and gentrification. The City should also seek to limit Fayette County Public Schools from promoting sprawl by selecting new school sites on greenfield land (such as Brenda Cowan ES and Dunbar HS), to the abandonment of inner city schools. The actions of FCPS have triggered an artificial demand for housing around these new public schools. Our school district is an agent of sprawl by building new infrastructure in undeveloped locations. Shame on them for raising taxes to support sprawl and poor planning. Unfortunately, Lexingtonians will pay twice for their bad decisions because new residential land development will cost city taxpayers $1.69 for each $1.00 of tax revenue.
Best wishes as you shift the 60+ year trajectory of Lexington planning. And finally, please learn more about the soils and geology of all farmland sites before they experience the
last harvest for their final crop: development.
Sincerely,
Lynn Roche Phillips, Ph.D., AICP Lynn Roche Phillips, PhD, AICPDepartment of Geography
807 Patterson Office Tower
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506
859.257.4140
Mailbox location: POT 817
From: MARY GRIFFITHTo: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Good job
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 3:59:40 PM
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Hi, Folks:
I attended your meeting this morning and am writing to commend you on a job well done. I’m especially pleased that the portion of Mill Ridge Farm outside of Man O War did not get added to the urban services area.
As a farm on the national historic registry and an iconic part of Lexington’s identity as horse capital of the world, carving it into a subdivision/development would have been an error in judgment in my opinion. Lexington needs more affordable housing but that’s not what would have been built on Mill Ridge. My hope is that in the next several years Lexington can become more creative in using the thousands of acres already within its urban area.
Post-COVID it seems there’s less need for office space so perhaps more land for residential living (less for commercial uses) can be freed up.
Perhaps we can try to grow more “up” and less “out.”
Thank you for your service.
Mary Beth GriffithSent from my iPhone
From: Philip Carroll
To: Imagine Lexington
Cc: dkcky11@gmail.com
Subject: Urban Service Expansion
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 12:42:51 PM
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I am NOT in favor of expanding the Urban Service Boundary to include sections of Mill Ridge Farm. My property does not intersect with Mill Ridge, but the integrity and beauty of Lexington does intersect. The drive down Man O War is serene and indicative of horse country mentality. New comers to our fair city enjoy the beauty. Why destroy what this city is? It is the Horse Capital of the World, why risk this important status?
Sincerely,
Philip and Donna Carroll
4025 Santee Way
Lexington, KY 49513
Sent from my iPhone
From: Scott GoeddeTo: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Expansion Area Advisory Committee - Increase Acreage
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 2:16:33 PM
Attachments: Neighborhood-Report_Lexington-Kentucky_2023-09-19-16.pdf
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Expansion Advisory Committee:
Please consider expanding the acreage for inclusion in the Urban Services Area to the maximum allowable of 5,000 acres. We greatly need more developable land within Lexington Fayette County to adequately address housing demands. Without increasing developable land, we have a significant housing shortage. In addition, this scarcity has driven the cost of home ownership up exponentially making home ownership out of reach for many. As a result, this has pushed many potential Lexington Fayette buyers out of the affordability range for home ownership in our area and is forcing them to buy in surrounding counties.
We have responded to these demands by building in Jessamine, Scott and Madison County and have been unable to build additional inventory in Fayette County due to the cost and unavailability of developable land. While our offices are in Fayette County, we are unable to secure lots to build on. The median home price in Lexington Fayette has increased exponentially, from approximately $200,000 just 5 years ago to approximately $300,000 currently.
As you can see in the attached report, the median income does not support the average cost of housing in Lexington Fayette. With the median household income just over $60,000 per year, much of the population cannot qualify for a mortgage to buy available homes. Nearly 50% of the Lexington population rents which is likely due to affordability and many who are in homes are only able to own because they purchased many years ago before home prices were out of reach. There is a huge gap in affordability in our market that can only be addressed by increasing developable land in the Urban Services Area so that home builders can add to the inventory of affordable and market rate housing.
Thank you for your consideration.
Thanks,
From: S F
To: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Mill Ridge Farm
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 9:44:51 AM
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I strongly oppose the developing of Mill Ridge Farm into a multi-use development. It does NOT need to be developed into an area for businesses. It would be a detriment to all surrounding neighborhoods and schools. Thank you.
Susan Feher
2228 Valencia Dr, Lexington, KY 40513
From: Suzanne ThorntonTo: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Expansion Area
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 2:21:41 PM
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Expansion Advisory Committee:
Please consider expanding the acreage for inclusion in the Urban Services Area to the maximum allowable of 5,000 acres. We greatly need more developable land within Lexington Fayette County to adequately address housing demands. Without increasing developable land, we have a significant housing shortage. In addition, this scarcity has driven the cost of home ownership up exponentially making home ownership out of reach for many. As a result, this has pushed many potential Lexington Fayette buyers out of the affordability range for home ownership in our area and is forcing them to buy in surrounding counties.
We have responded to these demands by building in Jessamine, Scott and Madison County and have been unable to build additional inventory in Fayette County due to the cost and unavailability of developable land. While our offices are in Fayette County, we are unable to secure lots to build on. The median home price in Lexington Fayette has increased exponentially, from approximately $200,000 just 5 years ago to approximately $300,000 currently.
As you can see in the attached report, the median income does not support the average cost of housing in Lexington Fayette. With the median household income just over $60,000 per year, much of the population cannot qualify for a mortgage to buy available homes. Nearly 50% of the Lexington population rents which is likely due to affordability and many who are in homes are only able to own because they purchased many years ago before home prices were out of reach. There is a huge gap in affordability in our market that can only be addressed by increasing developable land in the Urban Services Area so that home builders can add to the inventory of affordable and market rate housing.
Thank you for your consideration.
Suzanne Thornton --From: Planning Mailbox
To: Rachael Lay
Subject: FW: Development of rural land
Date: Thursday, September 21, 2023 9:53:12 AM
Rachael, this was in the planning mailbox email.
Donna Lewis Administrative Specialist Planning859.258.3101 office lexingtonky.gov
-----Original Message-----
From: Wanda DeName <wdename@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2023 5:12 PM
To: Planning Mailbox <planningmailbox@lexingtonky.gov>
Subject: Development of rural land
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I oppose the opening up of rural land for development at Parker Mill& Man o War. Wanda DeName
Sent from my iPad
From: wbrb2@aol.com
To: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Fw: land expansion - Fayette Co
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 9:03:47 PM
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[EXTERNAL] Use caution before clicking links and/or opening attachments. Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Begin forwarded message:
On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 8:59 PM, wbrb2@aol.com <wbrb2@aol.com> wrote: :
imagine@lexingtonky.gov
I am writing to express my concern about including areas A and B (Mill Ridge Farm and Parkers Mill/Man O' Blvd areas). I understand the Council adopted a Goal to expand the Urban Service Boundary by 2700-5000 acres. However, the adopted Goals and Objectives also specifically state that horse farms and the agricultural economy should be supported (Theme E, Goal 2) and that Lexington's position as the "Horse Capital of the World" should be maintained and strengthened (Mission Statement, Them C, Goal 1, Obj. b). Goal 3 itself states that the expansion "is also limited with the recognition of the community's desire to ensure Lexington remains the Horse Capital of the World" (Theme E, Goal 3, obj. b).
It does not appear that the Advisory Committee, led by the Staff, has considered these adopted Goals and Objectives. Areas A and B and the area immediately
surrounding them contain active horse farms and are comprised of prime soils. The horse farms in this immediate area contribute millions of dollars a year to the Lexington economy. These are businesses that depend on the prime soils that define Lexington. If you expand into this area, you will threaten existing, successful businesses.
Additionally, this area is not suited for the type of housing and development mandated by the Council. Affordable housing cannot and will not be built in this area. There is virtually no infrastructure to support the type of residential development Council identified as a critical need in our community. I agree we need more affordable housing and more work force housing. However, it should be in areas where it makes sense, and where there is existing or planned infrastructure.
It is also very concerning that this land is owned/coowned by someone who I understand that until very recently was a seated Planning Commission member. The Advisory Committee is a subcommittee of the Planning Commission and will make a recommendation to the Planning Commission regarding where to expand. How on earth does this pass the smell test?
If you care about the process and intend to uphold ALL the Goals and Objectives, then these areas should be removed from consideration.
I know this is a very difficult task. Thank you for your service to our community.
From: Amy b
To: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Save Our Horse Industry
Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023 6:25:16 AM
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[EXTERNAL] Use caution before clicking links and/or opening attachments. Stop zoning horse/farmland for commerial use
It is detrimental to KY's economy
Sent from my iPhone
From: Ava FantasiaTo: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Keep Lexington Beautiful!
Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023 8:10:39 AM
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As a visitor to Kentucky my favorite part of the state is Lexington where the sprawling farmland is like no other in the country. Please don’t destroy what makes Kentucky so beautiful.
Ava Fantasia
A Massachusetts Tourist
Sent from my iPhone
From: Frederick WintersTo: Imagine Lexington
Subject: usb
Date: Monday, September 25, 2023 10:06:59 AM
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[EXTERNAL] Use caution before clicking links and/or opening attachments. Lexington can find better ways to accommodate economic growth without sacrificing our farms.
SAVE OUR BLUEGRASS!
From: John HitzTo: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Urban boundary expansion
Date: Sunday, September 24, 2023 12:44:12 PM
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Please do not use the farmland for expansion of housing development. The decision that was made by the Lexington Urban Council was misguided and shameful. It was not made in good faith with the majority of our citizens. John
HitzFrom: L. Edwin( Eddie) Gilkison 859-749-0033
To: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Urban service area - don"t expand
Date: Sunday, September 24, 2023 3:52:36 PM
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L. Edwin (Eddie) Gilkison 859-749-0033
From: James Duncan
To: Keith Horn; Christopher Taylor; Rachael Lay; SB Stroh
Subject: RE: Urban Service Boundary
Date: Friday, September 22, 2023 8:09:02 AM
Attachments: image001.png
Please include this in the public comment packet.
Thank you,
Jim Duncan, AICP Director Planning
859.258.3172 office lexingtonky.gov
From: Keith Horn <mhorn@lexingtonky.gov>
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2023 6:14 PM
To: James Duncan <jduncan3@lexingtonky.gov>; Christopher Taylor <ctaylor3@lexingtonky.gov>
Subject: FW: Urban Service Boundary
See below for public comment.
Keith Horn Commissioner Department of Planning and Preservation 859.258.3850 office
From: Margaret Michaels Fleming <piejon2@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2023 5:03 PM
To: Keith Horn <mhorn@lexingtonky.gov>
Subject: Fwd: Urban Service Boundary
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Margaret Michaels Fleming <piejon2@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Sep 21, 2023 at 4:29 PM
Subject: Fwd: Urban Service Boundary
To: <kplomin@lexingtonky.gov>, <dwu@lexington.gov>, <jbrown@lexingtonky.gov>, jkworth@icloud.com <jkworth@icloud.com>, alison.davis@uky.edu <alison.davis@uky.edu>, <cellinger@lexingtonky.gov>, Hunterwilson123@aol.com <Hunterwilson123@aol.com>, <AJOHNSON@commercelexington.com>
Mr. Keith Horn Planning Commissioner Lexington Kentucky
The Committee for the Urban Service Boundary
Dear Mr Horn Dear Committee Members
It is with great concern that I am compelled to write you. The push to alter the Urban Boundary by encroaching on existing Rural Areas is in my humble opinion, a matter which needs much more investigation before proceeding. One can always go forward yet moving without truly knowing the future impact of this fast forward development, something that will indeed change this city forever, a move that can never, ever be reversed, does indeed need more time, conversation and study It is my understanding that no one on the Rural Land Management Board was asked to serve on this committee.
Lexington does not look like any other city. We can not carelessly fall prey to development, like many other cities. Lexington, defined by it's own very specific planning and foot print, isn't any other city. It stands alone in it's unique ability and long history to meld both an urban environment with Lexington's historic rural lands. Of course this city will grow, and that has and is happening in a major way with the Hamburg Area which is still in a growing stage. I look at the high density of that area, especially with housing and I ask is this what Lexington, The Horse Capital of the World ... along with its small wineries, boutique farms, it's famous Bourbon Trail and its Scenic Drives, is that what Lexington as a whole is to look like. People travel to this city because of it's distinctive ability to meld our growing city with the beauty of our greenbelt. Everything I have mentioned are indeed reasons for Lexington's tourism. To alter in such a definitive way such as zoning, high density development and the encroachment of our treasured green belt, will truly alter this city and in my humble opinion, in a negative way. There are certainly other options to be found.
The task facing you right now is not a small thing I humbly ask that you use your position and expertise to carefully evaluate the potential changes in front of you. Lexington, this most unique jewel, is indeed in the hands of this committee.
Respectfully,
Margaret Michaels Fleming From: Mark ClarkTo: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Lexington Farmland
Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023 9:27:31 AM
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Please keep Lexington area horse farms and farmland as it is!
The culture and economy need protection!
Thx!! Mark Mark Clark mceclark55@gmail.com
Website: https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/? url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.offthewalldiverscayman.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Crlay%40lexingtonky.gov%7Ce88efee6959d48255c8808dbbd1235c3%7Cdbc9f5ac2e804290a5b6f86036082a04%7C0%7C0%7C638311658906993258%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=mFUD97lsYDk%2F7aKWAmz3usrczDEhQk8u%2FnR4uJu2ic0%3D&reserved=0 Facebook: OFF THE WALL DIVERS Sent
September 21, 2023
TO: Lexington Planning Commission
Phoenix Building – 7th Floor
101 E. Vine St.
Lexington, KY 40507
Dear Planning Commission Members,
First, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your efforts to improve Lexington. I recognize that it’s not an easy job, but please know that Commerce Lexington appreciates the work that you do. The Urban Growth Management Advisory Committee has done great work to identify areas within Fayette County that make the most sense for expansion of the Urban Services Boundary. This committee was represented by many different segments of the community, and Commerce Lexington was pleased to be engaged on the committee and the process.
Although the recommendation from the workgroup was well short of the maximum possible expansion acreage, the committee members came to a good consensus on 2,801 acres after careful consideration of the criteria outlined by the Urban County Council in the approved Comprehensive Plan Goals & Objectives, including land that was near major transportation corridors, had infrastructure and sewer capabilities, little to no impact on PDR protected areas, and was best suited to address the critical need for housing and jobs in our community.
Lexington’s planning staff has done a great job identifying additional land options, while giving plenty of opportunity for public input. Commerce Lexington applauds the work of the Urban Growth Management Advisory Committee and urges the Planning Commission to approve the recommendation from the workgroup to add 2,801 acres within the Urban Services Boundary.
Sincerely,
Bob Quick President & CEO Commerce Lexington Inc.To: Imagine Lexington
Subject: Expansion areas
Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 4:19:46 PM
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Dear Sirs and Madams,
As a farm owner and long time Fayette County resident, I find it hard to believe that in the name of “affordable housing” you would suggest areas that are so remote from the urban core for expansion. There is nothing affordable about living so far out of town. Needless to say this hop scotching of farms will keas to a disintegration of contiguous farmland in the county. It is beyond ill advised. It is clear around the US today that office and mall markets are in trouble. This gives Lexington an opportunity to reimagine spaces within the urban core that would be more affordable than leaping out into the county. I beg you to go back to the drawing board and do your research before you take this unprecedented step.
Sincerely,
Helen Alexander4545 Old Frankfort Lexington, KT 40510
TO: Lexington Planning Commission
Phoenix Building – 7th Floor
101 E. Vine St.
Lexington, KY 40507
Dear Planning Commission Members,
The Goals and Objectives for the Comprehensive Plan, which guides how Lexington will grow in the future, were strengthened in a 13-2 Council vote to make available 2,700 to 5,000 acres for homes and jobs. The expansion workgroup has recommended that the Planning Commission add 2,801 acres suitable for development within the Urban Service Area. The recommended land won’t negatively impact horse farms, is convenient to major infrastructure and is capable of being sewered. Although it falls short of the maximum, we urge you to act now to adopt the recommendation for two key reasons:
1. Housing for all incomes and stages of life
• The median home price in Lexington is $322,000, which has risen 100 percent in 10 years, according to Bluegrass REALTORS. That puts home buying, which is the best way to build generational wealth, out of reach for a majority of Lexingtonians.
• More than 67,000 households in Fayette County households earn the median income of $61,526 or less, according to U.S. Census data. For those making that amount, a maximum affordable home price is $240,000. In July, there were fewer than 50 homes listed for sale in the entire county that would be affordable
• The simple law of supply and demand tells us that more land will ease the skyrocketing increases in costs and the rapid pace of gentrification.
2. Land for jobs
• Job growth is paramount to the stability and well-being of families. Because the majority of city services are funded through the payroll tax, it also is crucial to maintaining and improving quality of life and vital city services. For the first time in our lifetimes, Fayette County has lost population. Any further decline will exacerbate budget deficits that are already looming for the city in the coming years.
• We must have readily available land in the county to meet Fayette County’s need for jobs.
Scarcity of resources pits people and groups against each other. Lexington is facing that today with land – and the result is gentrification, skyrocketing home prices that are out of reach for our essential workers and young professionals, and new jobs and expansion of jobs (along with the tax base they bring) are going to surrounding counties. But it is an arbitrary scarcity because we have land available.
The Planning Commission staff has identified this land through a rigorous, data-informed analysis. The public has been given the opportunity for input. The workgroup, which represents a cross-section of our community, has overwhelmingly agreed to include the land it identified. Now is the time for action. Our community deserves it. Please approve the land recommended for inclusion.
Sincerely,
Raymond Daniels Chairman of the Board Lexington for EveryoneFrom: Planning Mailbox
To: Christopher Taylor
Cc: Rachael Lay
Subject: FW: Proposed USA expansion areas?
Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 5:00:42 PM
From: Levy, Jeffrey E. <jeff.levy@uky.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 2:38 PM
To: Planning Mailbox <planningmailbox@lexingtonky.gov>
Subject: Proposed USA expansion areas?
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Good afternoon Planning folks!
I was wondering if you had a GIS layer of the proposed urban service area expansion polygons, and if you were able to share them. They are not currently included in the city’s open data portal, and the GIS Office has recommended I ask the Planning Office. Thanks for considering!
Jeff Levy, MPH GIS Program Coordinator New Maps Plus Department of Geography University of Kentucky From: John WorkmanTo: Imagine Lexington
Subject: LFUCG Urban service boundary expansion
Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 12:17:30 PM
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Hello, my name is John Workman, and I am a long time resident of Lexington. I’d like to state my support for the expansion of the Urban Service Area, as delineated by the planning commission recently, with the addition of the 2,801 acres. I actually believe that the higher end amount of the 5,000 would be of more benefit to the citizens of Lexington and give us a competitive chance to obtain a smart growth. This is especially true if we won’t be expanding for another 27 years as the last time we did expand. That philosophy is short sighted, and marginally irresponsible for the growth of our city. We do need more land in this county for the sustainable home building, and business development to make us a great city. Or we can let special interest groups control our city, and continue to let businesses and home development go into adjoining counties, and they can grow their tax bases. I know that the city can come up with a reasonable plan for the improvements to roads, sewers, and other infrastructure to make a workable, pleasant environment for Lexington, and show our city off nationwide. Or, we can do infill development on clogged roads, and pay twice as much per square foot for our housing, and continue to squeeze the affordable housing to other areas. Thanks for considering this email.
John WorkmanSent from my iPad
From: Planning Mailbox
To: Christopher Taylor
Cc: Rachael Lay
Subject: FW: Public Comment on September 28 Meeting
Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 5:00:35 PM
From: Wellesley Heights Neighborhood Association <wellesleyheightshoa@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 2:34 PM
To: Planning Mailbox <planningmailbox@lexingtonky.gov>
Subject: Public Comment on September 28 Meeting
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Hi,
I am Paul Natof, a board member from the Wellesley Heights Neighborhood Association. Wellesley Heights is adjacent to and directly north of area 1 on the UGM Advisory Committee draft map (Man O' War/Parkers Mill).
I will be attending the Planning Commission Meeting on Thursday, September 28 and I plan on providing public comment. While many others from my neighborhood would like to attend to give comment (or to give someone else their time), at this point, no one else is able to make it because of work/family obligations.
In light of no one else from Wellesley Heights being able to attend the meeting, I'm hoping to have an extra 3 minutes of speaking time as most of the comments I plan to provide are also shared with many in my neighborhood (of 56 houses).
Please let me know if this is possible so I can plan accordingly.
Thank you so much, Paul Natof
cc: Client
Hallie Hardy