Video explainer: Lexington’s proposed urban growth map

by Paul Oliva, The Lexington Times

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Here is a quick look at the Urban Growth Management Advisory Committee’s proposed urban expansion map. A public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12 in Council chambers at 200 E. Main St.

Key Areas Under Consideration

The proposed expansion area is located near major highways I-64 and I-75, along with Winchester Road and Polo Club Boulevard. The area also includes Man O' War Boulevard and is close to a new hospital under construction and the Hamburg shopping area. The video specifies that the expansion would cover 2,798 net acres, subtracting floodplains and other non-developable lands.

The Impact on Rural Hamlets

The video also highlights the potential impact of the expansion on rural hamlets like Uttingertown, a historically significant black community established after the Civil War. The area has been a sanctuary for black families whose ancestors were enslaved and holds cultural and historical significance. The planning director, Jim Duncan, described these areas as generational homesteads meant to be passed down through families.

A Tale of Two Hamlets

For perspective, the video compares Uttingertown to Cadentown, another historical hamlet that is included in the urban service area. Cadentown, once a rural area, has since seen significant development, losing much of its original rural character. The video uses aerial photos from 1985 and 1994 to show the stark contrast in development before and after its inclusion in the urban service area.

Diverse Opinions

The issue of expansion doesn't neatly fit into traditional political categories. From generational horse farm owners to urban communists, the debate has seen unlikely alliances form. Housing advocates find themselves agreeing with real estate brokers and investors, making it a complex issue that requires individual research and consideration.

Photo byGoogle Earth