2010 Growth Questionnaire
1. What is your vision for Lexington-Fayette County?
Lexington has come a long way in recent years to create new energy and excitement in our City but we still have much to do in terms of addressing transportation needs, environmental concerns and a vibrant economy. Regional planning must become “the” discussion.
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 Urban Service Boundary during the next Comprehensive Plan Process?
The very short answer would be no. However, as we exhaust re-development efforts over the next decade, we must plan ahead to ensure that growth is exactly what we want and that we aren’t blind-sided by a dramatic change in politics.
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?
As a councilmember, I would require extensive research be done to find successful models. With information from those models, we would be able to customize our criteria to meet the needs of our unique community.
4. Will you support continuing funding of at least $2 million, annually, for the PDR program?
I believe the PDR Program is certainly moving in the right direction and would continue funding, in order to receive the State match, as long as we can possibly afford it. Economic outlooks are not particularly encouraging so I must reserve all commitments until we have a more complete picture of our economic future, but would support the PDR Program over most other requests.
5. As a Councilmember, how will you address Lexington’s affordable housing needs?
I don’t have an absolute answer to Lexington’s needs but would look for models where affordable housing has been addressed creatively and successfully through a community partnership between government, churches, the business community and foundations.
6. As a Councilmember, would you change the LFUCG Divisions of Planning, Building Inspection, & Code Enforcement? If so, how?
I believe our city should have sufficient professional staff to scrutinize plans submitted by developers as they relate to all infrastructure issues, particularly storm water and sewer systems. The Building Inspection process and code enforcement process, will improve greatly from new software which will document input for better communication between all departments.
7. As a Councilmember, how will you handle CentrePointe and similar development projects moving forward? How will you implement the Downtown Master Plan and its recommendations?
Our most effective means for managing issues with CentrePointe is through the TIF process which will allow, I believe, some input into future decisions. The Downtown Master Plan should be used as a guide to future development and as plans are submitted, they should comply with the Master Plan or have developers make additional concessions to the City in exchange for any approved deviations.
8. As a Councilmember, how do you propose addressing—in the long term—the student housing issues in Lexington’s established neighborhoods? How should LFUCG incentivize infill in the Urban Service Boundary, while protecting the character of established neighborhoods?
I believe the ultimate tool for addressing the protection of neighborhood character is the ND1 zoning overlay that the Chevy Chase neighborhood initiated several years ago. In addition, I believe developers should be incentivized to build student housing complexes, such as the LEX which students have received exceptionally well, causing the market for converted homes to significantly decline.
9. Fayette County agri-business and agri-tourism generate over $3 billion for the regional economy each year. As a Councilmember, how will you promote these signature industries?
I am very proud to have already initiated the first annual “Vintage Kentucky: A Toast to Henry Clay” on September 4 at Ashland to promote the grape and wine industry, modeled after an event in Grapevine, Texas. The Grapevine event, over a period of about 15 years, has become one of the largest tourist events in the State and has become a $25 million dollar fundraiser for restoration of the historic downtown, as well as promoting growth in the wine industry.
