2010 Growth Questionnaire
1. What is your vision for Lexington-Fayette County?
Lexington has the potential to become truly one of the great mid-size cities in our country. We must continue to preserve our unmatched rural beauty and unique heritage while at the same time developing our urban core by providing economical development and good jobs. In addition we must maintain our commitment to provide safe neighborhoods, public parks, arts and cultural experiences and a vibrant downtown.
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?
No. I would not support an expansion of the Urban Service Boundary. We need to continue to focus on infill/redevelopment of the current land within the boundary and preserve the signature land that defines our city and region.
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?
We must promote growth and redevelopment within the USB and the establishment of a Land Bank Authority is a great means to accomplish this. Priority for awarding parcels of land should be those that create affordable housing, new businesses and new jobs, and public spaces.
4. Will you support continuing funding of at least $2 million, annually, for the PDR program?
Yes. The PDR program is on schedule to preserve 50,000 acres of land for future agricultural use by the year 2020. By promoting growth upward and not outward, we would protect our rural landscape, agribusiness and agritourism.
5. As a Councilmember, how will you address Lexington’s affordable housing needs?
By establishing an Affordable Housing Trust Fund and a funding source that does not require raising taxes. Also by establishing a Land Bank that prioritizes affordable housing developments.
6. As a Councilmember, would you change the LFUCG Divisions of Planning, Building Inspection, & Code Enforcement? If so, how?
Our Division of Planning must have a comprehensive plan that defines the way we want our city to look and grow. We must become more proactive in our planning process and also strengthen Building Inspection and Code Enforcement to insure proper development, public safety and preservation.
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?
Development downtown should comply with the Downtown Master Plan and we need ordinances in place that will ensure that future developments will incorporate design standards as set forth in the DMP. CenterPointe must be used as a “case study” to better address these concerns and implement downtown development with public participation throughout the planning process.
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?
We must continue to work with landlords, neighborhoods, students and code enforcement to address these issues and ensure we do not overcrowd single family residences surrounding the University of Ky. To continue to meet the needs of the University and students we should explore residential options that could be provided through Tax Increment Financing.
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?
Our first challenge is to make sure we preserve these signature industries by continuing to support the PDR and promote smart growth concepts for the future of Lexington. We must also continue to provide opportunities for the public to enjoy our agricultural space, like the legacy trail, and promote a sense of shared community with this land. We need to use the WEG games as the opportunity to continue to build upon, maintain and market that which makes Lexington and Fayette County unique.
