The City of Lexington City Council convened on April 14, 2025, to discuss a significant proposal for the development of up to 99 single-family homes on the 40 Oaks property, located off West Holly Grove Road. This development is positioned between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Highway 64 West, and it marks a notable step in the city’s growth, particularly following the recent annexation of two parcels into the city.

The proposal requires conditional zoning due to the number of homes planned, which exceeds ten units. This process involves multiple steps, including staff reviews, planning board recommendations, and a public hearing before final approval by the city council. As part of the application, the developer, 40 Oaks Properties, LLC, conducted neighborhood outreach, inviting nearby residents to an online meeting to discuss the project. Eight neighbors participated, raising concerns primarily about traffic and environmental impacts, particularly regarding a creek on the property.

The traffic study conducted for the development estimates it will generate approximately 1,000 vehicle trips per day, with 74 trips during the morning peak hours and 98 during the evening. However, the study concluded that there would be no significant impact on the surrounding road network. The developer assured the council that the project would adhere to environmental regulations, with no development planned within the floodplain of the creek.

During the meeting, project engineer Brent Newsome and owner Kevin Murray addressed council members' questions about the development's specifics, including the types of homes to be built. While the homes are intended to be market-rate, they are aimed at first-time buyers rather than affordable housing by definition. Murray emphasized that the project is designed to cater to the needs of new homeowners in the area.

The council's discussions also touched on the design of the driveways within the development, which will be constructed to accommodate parking needs effectively. As the council considers this proposal, the outcome will play a crucial role in shaping the future of housing in Lexington, addressing the growing demand for residential options in the community.

As the city moves forward, the council will continue to evaluate the implications of this development on local infrastructure and community needs, ensuring that growth aligns with the values and expectations of Lexington residents.