This fall, The Fayette Alliance supported a temporary moratorium on “big box” additions in Lexington’s Infill and Redevelopment Area. The purpose of the moratorium was to promote a discussion of potential solutions to the density, noise, trash, parking, public safety, and nuisance problems facing neighborhoods around U.K. campus and throughout the city. Click here for our official position statement. Ultimately, Council adopted the moratorium only for the 3rd District.
During the moratorium, Council and community stakeholders met and recommended changing the definition of family in the zoning ordinance to address the problems associated with student housing.
Yesterday, the Council Planning Committee adopted the work group’s recommendations–sending them to the full council for review, debate, and potential adoption. Council will begin this process on March 9th. Please view below for the Lexington Herald-Leader article covering the meeting.
The Alliance continues to follow this issue closely, and will provide updates as they become available.
“Council to hear housing changes: Zoning amendments aimed at neighborhoods near UK”
Excerpt from Kentucky.com, posted March 9, 2010
By Beverly Fortune, bfortune@herald-leader.com
The Urban County Council Planning Committee took the first steps Tuesday toward new laws cracking down on boarding houses in Lexington neighborhoods of single-family homes.
The changes will go to the full council for discussion at its work session March 9. The measures could get first reading at council’s meeting March 11.
Before any of the seven amendments can become law, they will have to be approved by council, then move to the city’s Planning Commission for review and approval…Read more at Kentucky.com
Click below to view previous news articles on student housing and the moratorium,
“Restrictions on boarding houses get 1st OK: Changes aimed at big vinyl additions near UK,” posted March 3, 2010 Kentucky.com
“Closure hearing rescheduled for student houses,” posted December 15, 2009 Kentucky.com
“City to get tough on ‘vinyl box’ owners:City seeks injunction against some boarding house owners,” posted December 12, 2009 Kentucky.com
“Lexington panel takes steps to ensure safety of student rentals,” posted November 25, 2009 Kentucky.com
“Higher ed matters: Keeping the peace town and gown,” posted October 29, 2009 www.bizlex.com
“Students ordered out of Woodland Ave. house,” posted November 11, 2009 Kentucky.com
“UK to create office that deals with off-campus housing concerns,” posted October 27, 2009 Kentucky.com
“Todd tours UK neighborhoods,” posted October 17, 2009 Kentucky.com
“Lexington Council OKs moratorium on dorm-like home additions,” posted October 16, 2009 Kentucky.com
“Council moves to contain U.K. students off campus,” posted October 14, 2009 Kentucky.com
“Neighborhood culture clash: Student housing near campus a growing concern,” posted October 11, 2009 Kentucky.com
“Students, landlords reiterate concerns,” posted October 6, 2009 Kentucky.com
“Student Housing Panel to report findings Tuesday,” posted September 21, 2009 Kentucky.com
