I am against developing Area 1. This area should not be included in the Urban Expansion for the following reasons:

The equine industry is a core part of Lexington’s economy, history, and identity. The land on which we raise our horses is the foundation of the industry. The soil quality for a horse farm in Area 1 is among the best in Fayette County. This land is in the heart of horse country, and developing it could lead to a domino effect down the line where other neighboring farms are developed. Crossing Man O War or Parkers Mill would move development toward Calumet Farm, Keeneland, Winter Quarter Farm, and the Sheik of Dubai’s stud farm. That would harm the equine, agricultural, and tourist industry in Fayette County. Horse farms are what make Lexington unique and special and once they are developed, they are gone forever.

I am concerned with the potential negative impacts we could have from developing in karst areas. Developing Area 1 has the potential to create sinkholes and contaminate our water supply. I am concerned that routing storm water from the new development will be detrimental to the karst areas and exacerbate our already challenging storm water issues. Increased storm water and impacts to the sink holes will likely cause subsidence, which could impact the foundations of existing homes in Beaumont. Building in an area with karst landforms is complicated. This is a waste of time, money, and resources for our city.

I am opposed to Roswell being connected to Parkers Mill. This would significantly increase traffic in our neighborhood. This is a neighborhood where kids walk to school and ride their bikes. Parkers Mill is an already congested area. The problems with the existing traffic and congestion need to be fixed before adding more homes to the area.

The speed with which the council is trying to approve the Urban Expansion master plan is concerning. Developing Area 1 is not an answer to Lexington’s affordable housing issue. The council is rushing decision making without important consideration of how to develop with a long lasting perspective.