Commissioners approve zoning changes for RD Property Group's development requests

The Lexington Planning Commission convened on July 10, 2025, to discuss several subdivision items, primarily focusing on the proposed zoning changes for the RD Property Group LLC. The meeting began with a motion for approval of PLN MAR 25-008, which included a recommendation from staff to rezone a portion of the property to B6P.

Commissioner Nickel initiated the discussion, confirming the motion for approval and clarifying that there were two separate recommendations: one for the rezoning and another for the removal of conditional zoning restrictions. After some deliberation, it was decided to handle these as three distinct motions to ensure clarity and address the concerns of various commissioners.

The first motion, concerning the zone change to B6P, was put to a vote and passed unanimously. Following this, the commission moved to the second motion regarding the removal of conditional zoning restrictions. This proposal sparked a debate among commissioners, particularly regarding the implications of altering the zoning conditions that were designed to maintain the neighborhood's character.

Commissioner Davis expressed concerns about the potential consequences of changing the zoning to fit a development plan, arguing that it undermines the original intent of the zoning regulations. In contrast, other commissioners, including Mickler, highlighted that the changes would facilitate the development of a larger building for Kroger, which could benefit the community.

Ultimately, the second motion to remove the conditional zoning restrictions was also voted on, but it faced opposition. A motion was subsequently proposed to keep the conditional zoning restrictions in place, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the neighborhood's character and ensuring that development aligns with community standards.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that the conditional zoning restrictions would remain, preserving the original intent of the zoning regulations while allowing for some flexibility in the development process. The commission's decisions reflect a careful balance between facilitating development and protecting the interests of the community. Further discussions and follow-up actions are expected as the project progresses.