Over View of Lexington KY – Urban Service Boundary
Matt Evans for City Council Lexington KY LexingtonKY.gov
Lexington’s Urban Service Boundary (USB) is a pioneering effort to manage growth and preserve the rural charm that defines our city. Established in 1958 as the nation’s first urban growth boundary, it restricts new development to a designated urban area, safeguarding our surrounding horse farms by maintaining a minimum of 40 acres for rural spaces.
Over the years, the USB has evolved. In 1980, updates introduced urban and rural activity centers, aiming to balance growth with preservation. By 1996, through the Expansion Area Master Plan, Lexington expanded its urban area by 5,300 acres, a move that sparked significant community discussion about our future and the protection of Thoroughbred farms.
Recent plans have further refined our approach, introducing impact fees, greenways, and stormwater management strategies to mitigate development impacts while enhancing our city’s unique character and agricultural heritage. A landmark initiative in 2000 allowed Lexington to purchase development rights of farms, a strategy bolstered by $40 million in local and state funds, to ensure these lands remain undeveloped.
As we continue to grow, Lexington remains committed to a balanced approach that respects our urban needs and rural legacy, ensuring our city thrives while preserving the horse farms that are so vital to our identity.
My layout, City Council…
1. Technology-Driven Zoning and Development
- Smart Zoning for Agricultural Preservation: Utilize technology to implement dynamic zoning laws that protect horse farms and encourage smart growth within the Urban Service Area (USA), including tech hubs and innovation districts.
- Tech-Enabled Infill Development: Promote infill development through digital platforms that streamline application processes, making it easier for developers to identify and invest in projects that revitalize urban spaces without encroaching on rural lands.
2. Education and Community Involvement
- Agricultural Education Programs: Partner with local universities and schools to develop educational programs focused on agriculture, equine studies, and sustainable development, raising awareness about the importance of preserving horse farms.
- Community Workshops on Urban Planning: Host workshops and virtual forums that educate residents on urban planning, the significance of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), and how technology can facilitate sustainable city living.
3. Enhanced Transit Systems
- Invest in Green Transit Options: Expand public transportation options with a focus on sustainability, such as electric buses and bike-sharing programs, to reduce the carbon footprint and dependence on personal vehicles.
- Transit-Oriented Development: Encourage development near transit hubs to increase accessibility and reduce the need for expansion into rural areas, supporting a denser, transit-friendly urban core.
4. Flexible Ordinances for Balanced Growth
- Adaptive Land Use Policies: Develop ordinances that are flexible and can be adapted based on ongoing assessments of urban and rural needs, ensuring a balance between growth and preservation.
- Incentives for Green Development: Offer incentives for developments that include green spaces, renewable energy sources, and other environmentally sustainable features, promoting a balance between urban expansion and natural preservation.
5. Public-Private Partnerships for Preservation and Development
- Engage with Private Sector: Foster partnerships with businesses and non-profits to fund both urban development projects and the conservation of horse farms, leveraging private investment for public good.
- Innovative Funding for PDR Programs: Explore new funding mechanisms for the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program, including crowdfunding and green bonds, to secure financial support for preserving horse farms.
6. Urban and Rural Synergy
- Equestrian Trails as Urban Amenities: Integrate equestrian trails with urban greenways, creating a network that connects the city with its rural surroundings, offering recreational opportunities and highlighting the city’s equestrian heritage.
- Support for Small Farms: Implement policies that support small horse farms within and near urban areas, recognizing them as vital components of the city’s green infrastructure and cultural identity.
Matt Evans Write in Candidate for City Council 2024 District 8 – 40517 – Tates Creek – Gainesway – Buckhorn – 40515