The city’s new master plan sets out requirements for mixed-use development.

The Lexington, Kentucky Planning Commission approved a new Urban Growth Master Plan (UGMP), which, among other items, mandates commercial space within residential developments to ensure walkability.
According to an article by Adrian Paul Bryant in The Lexington Times, “The original recommendation was to require developers to build 4,200 square feet of commercial space if their residential developments provided 20% or more of the recommended single-family housing units in Town and Village Centers — which are planned commercial and activity hubs for each USB expansion area. Once 20% of the units were built, the 4,200 square feet of commercial space had to be built before more housing could be built.” The updated plan changes that to 40 percent of all housing units on the site.
The plan also makes protected bike lanes the default bike lane type on the city’s avenues, sets requirements around where utilities can be placed in relation to trees, and establishes a 100-foot landscape bugger between development and rural land on the edges of Lexington’s Urban Service Boundary (USB).
FULL STORY: The Urban Growth Master Plan is officially adopted!

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.

Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.

Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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