Conditional zoning process put to the test at council meeting
On Valentine’s Day, Lexington City Council held the first of their two regular meetings for the month of February. The meeting began with a recognition and proclamation of Black History Month. Dr. Patricia Smyre, diversity, equity and inclusion manager for the City of Lexington, presented a video featuring the families of and those who are being honored on the side of City Hall. They all expressed their excitement and gratitude for this honor, and hope for change in the Lexington community. Smyre emphasized these are a recognition of firsts, but they are far from the last, putting hope in the community.
Monday’s meeting marked the first use of the conditional zoning process for the council. This means if the council approves an ordinance it is only a part of zoning, not approval of all parts of development. This includes conditions agreed upon for approval that can be amended after presentations and a public hearing.
The council heard three conditional zoning requests for developments. The first was of the potential Linwood Estates development that would create 150 new homes along with trails and sidewalks within the development. Those living in the surrounding neighborhoods aired their opposition to this development citing the developer didn’t give them correct or enough information, along with fear of negative environmental impact. After a long debate, the councilors eventually voted unanimously to extend the public hearing to the next council Meeting on February 28. If anyone wishes to ask the developer any questions, please contact the City Clerk’s Office by calling (336) 248-3910.
Next, there was a conditioned zoning request for Oak Ridge Development which would create 50 houses. This development was proposed with a 24-foot wide road, which concerned some councilors, as there would be no street parking with this. With public safety services in mind, the council voted to approve this ordinance with the adoption of a condition to extend the roads to be 27-feet wide.
The third conditioned zoning request was for the Weddington Development on Brown Street. This would produce 360 apartments, 132 townhomes, a community clubhouse, pool, and more. With these buildings, there would be ample greenery and walkways. With the addition of this many people, the development is required to add some measures to reduce traffic and congestion, including an egress. The Weddington Development’s ordinance was unanimously approved.
The meeting then moved to the final two appointments for different city boards. The first was the appointment by Frank Calicutt of Robert Smith to the Planning and Board of Adjustment. David Huller was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
The meeting ended with a closed session during which the council took no action.
