Amend the Expansion Area Master Plan to update the remaining residential area to reflect the 2018 Comprehensive Plan’s Goals and Objectives.
The adoption of the Expansion Area Master Plan (EAMP) in 1996 created a framework for zoning and public infrastructure that was entirely new to Lexington. However, there has been a significant shift in development patterns and land costs since that plan was adopted. Four comprehensive plans later, with all of Expansion Area 1 still to be developed, there is still time to reopen the EAMP and examine that area with fresh eyes against the needs of Lexington today. Providing for a more appropriate mix of housing options, creating a complete community (see Placemaking Policy #2) as well as taking a fresh look at the transportation infrastructure needs of the entire area would be the primary goals of the plan.
Similarly, this would give Lexington the ability to reevaluate the exaction fee program as it relates to the Economic Development (ED) zone. As laid out in previous chapters, jobs land generates a significantly higher tax return per acre than residential growth, which makes finding methods to incentivize development of ED land a priority of this plan. The 2013 Comprehensive Plan called for a workgroup to look at the broader ED issue, and while that work did result in a zoning ordinance text amendment, it was clear that further work must be done on the cost side to address the issue more fully.
- Update the Expansion Area Master Plan.
Objective: A1a
Pursue incentives and regulatory approaches that encourage creativity and sustainability in housing development.
Objective: A1b
Accommodate the demand for housing in Lexington responsibly, prioritizing higher-density and mixture of housing types.
Objective: A1c
Plan for safe, affordable and accessible housing to meet the needs of older and/or disadvantaged residents.
Objective: A1d
Create and implement housing incentives that strengthen the opportunities for higher-density and housing affordability.
Objective: A2a
Identify areas of opportunity for infill, redevelopment, adaptive reuse, and mixed-use development.
Objective: A2c
Incorporate adequate greenspace and open space into all development projects, which serve the needs of the intended population.
Objective: A2d
Implement innovative programs, such as the public infrastructure fund and land bank programs, to facilitate sustainable development, including, but not limited to, housing, affordable at all income levels, and commercial and economic activity.
Objective: A3a
Enable existing and new neighborhoods to flourish through improved regulation, expanded opportunities for neighborhood character preservation, and public commitment to expand options for mixed-use and mixed-type housing throughout Lexington-Fayette County
Objective: A3b
Strive for positive and safe social interactions in neighborhoods, including, but not limited to, neighborhoods that are connected for pedestrians and various modes of transportation.
Objective: A3c
Minimize disruption of natural features when building new communities.
Objective: A3d
Promote, maintain, and expand the urban forest throughout Lexington.
Objective: A4a
Incorporate schools, libraries, and other community-focused educational institutions into neighborhoods in order to maximize safe routes for all pedestrians and bicyclists.
Objective: C2b
Improve opportunities for small business development and workers who rely on personal technology.
Objective: C2c
Review and improve regulations and policies that attract and retain high paying jobs through close collaboration with agencies that focus on economic development.
Objective: C2d
Provide entertainment and other quality of life opportunities that attract young, and culturally diverse professionals, and a work force of all ages and talents to Lexington.
Objective: D1a
Support the Complete Streets concept, prioritizing a pedestrian-first design that also accommodates the needs of bicycle, transit and other vehicles.
Objective: D1c
Concentrate efforts to enhance mass transit along our corridors in order to facilitate better service for our growing population, as well as efficiencies in our transit system.
There are no objectives related to this policy that further this particular goal.
Objective: E1a
Continue to monitor the absorption of vacant and underutilized land within the Urban Service Area.
Objective: E1b
Ensure all types of development are environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable to accommodate the future growth needs of all residents while safeguarding rural land.
Objective: E1d
Maximize development on vacant land within the Urban Service Area and promote redevelopment of underutilized land in a manner that enhances existing urban form and/or historic features.
Objective: E1e
Pursue strategies to activate large undeveloped landholdings within the Urban Service Area.
