Developer outlines sketch plan for environmentally friendly neighborhood near Fish Hatchery

The Lexington County Council Committee convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on a proposed development project. The meeting began with a motion to approve a sketch plan for the development, which aims to adhere to the county's land development and open space criteria.

The committee members discussed the timeline for the project, noting that the development would take a minimum of six years and could extend up to ten years to complete. The developer was commended for choosing a more environmentally friendly approach, opting against a septic tank system, which is prevalent in the area. Instead, the developer plans to implement a system that aligns with the county's environmental standards.

As part of the discussion, the committee emphasized the importance of adhering to regulations regarding trophy tree mitigation and landscaping. The sketch plan serves as an initial step, allowing the developer to move forward with full engineering submittals that will meet the necessary criteria.

Members also raised questions about the design of the development, including the layout of roads and the preservation of trees in backyards. The developer intends to create curvy roads that follow the natural topography, which could enhance the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood. The committee expressed interest in ensuring that landscaping would be considered to maintain privacy between homes.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to balancing development with environmental considerations, setting the stage for further discussions as the project progresses. The next steps will involve detailed engineering plans that will be reviewed in future meetings.