By Kim Hamilton - News Editor
May 17, 2007 07:26 pm
—
Owners working on construction for a business and residential development on the connector must return to the planning commission next month.
The Morehead- Rowan County- Lakeview Heights Planning Commission failed to approve a final plan for Greg Whitt and Hogan Development because developers did not have all the items on a planning guideline check list with them.
The development is on the KY 32 connector on Divide Hill on the opposite side of the old Flemingsburg Road entrance.
“The planning commission asked them to come back with a more detailed plan,” said Joe Parson, city planner and building inspector.
Parson said the main issue was where the developers would label the zoning on the plan to show where B-2 business development would be.
“The first phase is B-2 and it is the 11 acres that fronts KY 32,” Parson said. “The second phase is the back acreage and approximately 40 acres. It is zoned R-3 for residential.”
However, the second, residential phase is not being considered at this time in the planning commission’s subdivision plans due to its guidelines.
Basically, phase one was not labeled on the plans.
Parson said the glitch was not as much about the connector project, but every project.
“The planning commission wants everyone to follow the guidelines they have set forth,” Parson said. “That means having all aspects of a development labeled.”
He said the city would develop new guidelines at some point.
“But we want to adopt our own guidelines to be specific for the Morehead area,” Parson said. “Adopting regulations similar to Lexington for example would not be compatible with this area.”
He added that Rowan’s property is at a premium rate now due to its topography, available flat land, development and the fact that the U.S. Forest Service owns about half of it.
“So the developers believe that a central location is crucial for future growth,” Parson said. “I think it will be beneficial for the community once it’s finished. I don't want to see them fail or have a black eye, but be a benefit for the community.”
Parson said for a community to expand, it must have either more growth or more taxes.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.