Lexington city leaders will be looking to a consulting firm to help develop a master plan when it comes to land use growth in Fayette County. Members of the Urban County Council’s General Government and Planning Committee got a briefing on the Urban Growth Management Advisory panel’s recommendation. It calls for adding 3000 acres to the Urban Service Area. Jim Duncan is the Planning Director. He said the TSW Planning firm will be asked to make land use and infrastructure suggestions.
“But we’ve also asked this consultant to provide some information about the cost of services. So, what’s it going to take to provide the infrastructure to begin with and then what will it take the government to continue to service that infrastructure into the future.” Said Duncan.
The expansion item is currently before the Planning Commission. It will consider the map in the coming months. More public hearings are expected in the future. Council Member Dave Sevigny asked Duncan about owners of the properties recommended for inclusion.
"Of the geography that’s listed what percentage of the people do you feel like are willing to participate in expansion….Of the recommended map that came out of the advisory committee, Councilman Sevigny I believe we would be in the very high 90’s,” said Duncan.
Duncan added many of the property owners, particularly those with large parcels expressed their desire to be included and to develop as soon as possible. The Planning Commission will review the recommendations at its meeting this Thursday. Final action by the Planning Commission on a master plan is expected no later than November of next year.
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