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Council approves Maxwell Street rezoning despite calls for public hearing
Summary
Lexington City Council approved an ordinance rezoning properties on East Maxwell Street and Lexington Avenue without a separate public hearing after a divided planning commission vote and public comment urging a hearing.
Lexington City Council on May 27 approved an ordinance to rezone parcels on East Maxwell Street and Lexington Avenue to a downtown frame business (B-2A) zone, voting 8–7 to place the item on the docket without a separate public hearing.
The move follows a planning commission recommendation (8–1) and public comment urging a hearing. Maureen Peters (Council District 3) told the council she followed the Subtext 2 zone-change closely and requested a hearing because the planning commission approval was not unanimous and because subcommittee meetings and staff recommendations to postpone were announced as late as 24 hours before the hearing, making it difficult for neighbors to attend.
The ordinance motion as read to council described a zone change from Professional Office (P-1) and Medium-Density Residential (R-4) to Downtown Frame Business (B-2A) for 1.93 net (2.34 gross) acres at 169, 175, 179 and 185 East Maxwell Street and multiple addresses on Lexington Avenue. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Wu; the council first voted by voice and then by electronic roll call for certification, yielding 8 votes in favor and 7 opposed, and the item passed.
Supporters on council noted the planning commission majority recommendation and past practice; opponents and at least one public commenter argued the lack of a unanimous commission vote and last-minute postponement recommendations warranted a public hearing so neighbors could be heard. Councilmember Brown acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and said neighbors “didn't have the chance” to adjust plans on short notice.
The council did not adopt any additional conditions or direct staff to schedule a public hearing on this item. The planning commission’s report and staff recommendations form the basis of the ordinance that will proceed to first reading per the docket schedule.
The council’s action affects property owners and nearby residents along East Maxwell Street and Lexington Avenue; the planning record indicates Subtext 2 as the applicant name associated with the rezoning request.
