The Effects of Urban Sprawl on Rural Settlements
Historic rural settlements such Athens, Jimtown, Uttingertown, Mattoxtown, and Coletown are threatened by encroaching urban development. Many of these settlements are close to the current urban service boundary, and if an expansion goes forward, many will be swallowed up. Without question, an influx of traffic, noise, and commercial, industrial, and residential development will compromise their historic integrity and sense of place.
The 1996 Rural Land Management Plan recognized this potential problem, and it expressly mandates their preservation.
“Historic rural settlements are an essential part of the rural character of Fayette County, and the rural land management plan requires the preservation and enhancement of these settlements.
– Pg. IV-30, 1996 Rural Land Management Plan
The Effects of Urban Sprawl on Fayette County farms under easement.
Currently, there are approximately 27,765 agricultural acres under easement in Fayette County.
–LFUCG Purchase of Development Rights, 2008; The Bluegrass Conservancy, 2008
As many farmers can attest, farming and most forms of development cannot co-exist side by side, and an expansion will make it practically impossible for many to continue farming in an economically feasible fashion.
