East Lake Neighbors:
Please note the concerns expressed in the FCNC email below.If future development in Lexington is a concern to you, be a part of the process.
Email contacttheboard@elnalex.org with your questions.
Addison Hosea, President, ELNA
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Dear Neighbors,
The Urban County Council will be having two meetings on Tuesday afternoon, May 6, that will concern neighborhoods. FCNC will send you a more technical explanation of the House Bill 443 ordinance proposal on Derby Day, tomorrow. This is simply a start.
The first meeting on Tuesday is the General Government and Planning (GGP) Committee at 1:00 pm, and the agenda includesa new ordinance to make the approval of development plans objective based on strict standards. The draft proposes notincluding public engagement in the consideration of final development plans. Background: Making the development plan ordinance objective is a requirement of House Bill 443 from the 2024 Session of the Kentucky General Assembly. Consideration of final development plans is required to be “ministerial,” which means administrative, again based on HB 443. The GGP meeting will also be discussing future processes for the expansion of the Urban Services Boundary and the regulation of solar farms. FCNC will request that the public continue to be engaged as part of the process. This initial meeting will involve presentations to the Committee from staff and likely will not invite public comment from individuals.
The second meeting will be a work session of the Council to discuss the presentations from the first meeting. The best time for public comment will be prior to the work session. It will be necessary to sign up to speak at the beginning of the second meeting. It would be desirable to attend the Tuesday meetings.
In other news, be advised that the Urban County Government has chosen a consultant to develop a new plan for downtown. This could impact downtown neighborhoods regarding zoning, density, use, building in context, traffic, noise, entertainment options, commercialization, and largely the gamut of concerns for downtown neighborhoods. An attempt will be made once the consultant begins working to encourage and ask for public involvement, but the form public engagement ultimately will take remains is unknown. Neighborhood Associations should consider asking for private meetings set up for questions and answers rather than a “festival” setting with food, drink, and presentations.
Finally, the 2025 Legislative Session of the Kentucky General Assembly in the last day of the session decided not to declare Lexington’s zoning ordinance illegal for placing distance and density requirements on short-term rental properties like Airbnb and VRBO. Thanks to those of you who contacted the General Assembly on this matter. The sponsors of the bills under consideration were all involved in the real estate industry.
Thank you for supporting neighborhoods in Lexington,
Walt Gaffield, President
Fayette County Neighborhood Council, Inc.