George Brown
Biography
Official Campaign Website
2010 Growth Questionnaire
1. What is your vision for Lexington-Fayette County?
I believe in preserving the historic, rural character unique to Fayette County while perpetuating a vibrant urban center which makes Lexington a great place to live, work, play and to raise a family. I want to further enhance the possibilities of retaining the best & brightest of our youth to build a brighter/more inclusive future.
2. As a Councilmember, you will adopt the “Goals and Objectives” of the Comprehensive Plan—which governs land-use in Fayette County. Do you support an expansion of the Urban Service Boundary during the next Comprehensive Plan Process?
The Council is duty bound to hear and earnestly consider the recommendations of the Planning Commission before making decisions on the expansion of the Urban Services Area. However, the usage of all land in the current Urban Service Area in the most efficient way has to be a top priority of LFUCG Council and the residents of the city.
3. As a Councilmember, what will you do to ensure that the land bank authority is properly established? What should be the criteria for awarding parcels for infill-redevelopment projects and/or real estate deals?
It is imperative that the Land Bank Board be appointed and the initiative fully funded. That board should be charged with acquiring the targeted properties in the futherance of the ultimate goal of making Lexington a vibrant urban center where citizens can live, work, play and raise a family.
4. Will you support continuing funding of at least $2 million, annually, for the PDR program?
The council has a responsibility to deliberate on all matters before it and to review them in light of the availability of funds. I remain committed to the preservation of unique and sensibly targeted farmland, pricless to the area & would respect those zoning laws currently designed & in place to provide such protection.
5. As a Councilmember, how will you address Lexington’s affordable housing needs?
It is the goal & responsibility of the Planning Commission to insure there is an adequate supply of affordable housing in the community. Affordable housing (retarding substandard housing) is an intrical part of the development of a vibrant urban center for all of Lexington. The funding of efficient affordable housing development has to be a top priority and an intricate part of the city’s long range vision, to develop a vibrant urban core where people can live, work, play and raise a family.
6. As a Councilmember, would you change the LFUCG Divisions of Planning, Building Inspection, & Code Enforcement? If so, how?
I am supportive of making sure the Divisions of Planning, Building Inspection and Code Enforcement work together comprehensively and in a manner that is fiscally efficient in terms of their operation.
7. As a Councilmember, how will you handle CentrePointe and similar development projects moving forward? How will you implement the Downtown Masterplan and its recommendations?
As a Councilmenber, I am duty bound to follow and support the rules & regulations deliberated, passed and approved by the Planning Commission and the LFUCG Council.
8. As a Councilmember, how do you propose addressing—in the long term—the student housing issues in Lexington’s established neighborhoods? How will you incentivize infill in the Urban Service Boundary, while protecting the character of established neighborhoods?
In performing my sworn duties as a Councilmember, I am obligated and committed to consider the deliberations, reports and recommendations of such specialist groups as the Town & Gown Committee, Land Bank Board, Downtown Development Authority and all other pertinent advising bodies. I remain committed to protecting the character of established neighborhoods while meeting the needs of the state’s flagship university and its students.
9. Fayette County agri-business and agritourism generate over $3billion for the regional economy each year. As a Councilmember, how will you promote these signature industries?
I am and have always been pro business.
