Neighborhood Association President questions developer outreach and parking concerns

The Lexington Planning Commission convened on July 10, 2025, to discuss several subdivision items, with a focus on community concerns regarding a proposed development. The meeting highlighted significant issues raised by local residents, particularly regarding communication and potential impacts on the neighborhood.

One resident, who identified as the neighborhood association president, expressed frustration over the lack of outreach from the developers. She stated, "They have never came to us and talked to the neighborhood association," contradicting claims made by the developers about community engagement. This sentiment underscored a broader concern about transparency and trust between the developers and the community.

The resident also raised specific concerns about the proximity of the proposed development to neighboring properties, suggesting that being "71 inches from a neighbor" was unacceptable. She proposed that if the development were to proceed, it should include conditions on operational hours, recommending that the business operate from 7 AM to 7 PM to minimize disturbances for residents who work in the area.

Parking issues were another focal point of the discussion. The resident noted that parking is already a challenge in the neighborhood, exacerbated by a nearby church that uses residential driveways for overflow parking on Sundays. She expressed uncertainty about how the new development would affect parking availability, stating, "I cannot tell you if the parking will impact that area or not."

Additionally, the resident raised concerns about the developers' previous actions, mentioning a cease order for working without a permit. This history contributed to her skepticism about the developers' intentions and reliability.

In light of these concerns, the resident urged the commission to reconsider the proposal, stating, "I think we have to set this aside." The meeting concluded with a clear indication that further discussions and community engagement would be necessary before any decisions could be made regarding the development. The commission is expected to address these issues in future meetings, emphasizing the importance of community input in planning decisions.