LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Urban County Planning Commission approved several zoning changes on July 23 while rejecting a residential development proposal following a deadlocked vote, according to the meeting archive.

The commission unanimously approved a zone map amendment for Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 452 Building Corporation to establish a trade school at the former Southside Technical Center property on Harrodsburg Road. The project will repurpose the facility following the Fayette County Board of Education's $5.5 million sale of the building to the union in April.

The commission also approved a preliminary subdivision plan for Lane Allen Park, which would divide property at 1899 Parkers Mill Road into 28 single-family residential lots. The subdivision plan approval came with 11 conditions required by staff and approval of a waiver to modify street geometrics.

A zone map amendment request from RAK Properties Lexington, LLC resulted in a failed vote with a 4-4 tie. The proposal sought to rezone 4.724 acres at 2501 Sir Barton Way from Professional Office to Medium Density Residential for a 100-unit apartment development. Staff had recommended disapproval, citing lack of connectivity and failure to meet comprehensive plan criteria.

Residents opposed the rezoning, with Dan Stratton speaking on behalf of the Tuscany neighborhood. Others expressed concerns about potential displacement and distrust in the planning process. Robert Hodge cited historical displacement of African-American communities, while Yolanda raised concerns about proposed Newtown Pike development affecting existing businesses.

The commission also approved expansion of a cell tower at 2280 Hume Road to 139 feet and adopted a resolution adding the Downtown Area Master Plan as an addendum to the 2023 Comprehensive Plan. The downtown plan prompted community concerns about potential displacement and raised questions about trust in the planning process.

The South Side Technical Center development plan received approval with 14 conditions as provided by staff. Two items—including a zone map amendment request from Mount Laurel Lands Company and a postponement request for a zoning ordinance text amendment—were postponed to August 27.