Planning Commission to discuss Blue Sky, Complete Streets initiatives

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Planning Commission will convene Wednesday for a work session to review updates on three major initiatives shaping the city's growth and development, according to the official meeting agenda.

The session will focus on Blue Sky Works, a Small Area Plan for the Blue Sky Industrial Area near the intersection of I-75 and Athens-Boonesboro Road. The industrial area was incorporated into the Urban Service Boundary in 2023 and now covers an area home to approximately 150 businesses supporting over 1,000 jobs. Sam Castro from TSW Design will present a 30-minute update on the plan's progress.

The comprehensive planning effort aims to assess existing land use and infrastructure, develop a coordinated framework to improve access and mobility, and recommend zoning updates that support industrial needs. The Blue Sky Works team includes multiple consultants evaluating economic potential, transportation infrastructure and community engagement.

The commission will also review updates to Lexington's Complete Streets Manual, a guide for planning and designing streets that serve all transportation users safely. The city adopted a Complete Streets Policy in 2022 and an Action Plan in 2023, with starting in 2026, Council will receive detailed implementation updates. Kenzie Gleason, Planning Manager for Outreach and Strategic Planning, will present a 15-minute update on the manual's revision.

The final agenda item involves a Residential Zoning Lab Report from Eve Miller, Senior Planner in Long Range Planning. Miller previously presented an overview of the Blue Sky Small Area Plan and will discuss findings from research into residential zoning practices.

The work session begins at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Phoenix Building's third-floor conference room.