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Agencies flag traffic, stormwater and fire-safety issues in review of Buckner Industrial Park plan
Summary
Oldham County staff and outside agencies reviewed a proposal for two 200,000-square-foot warehouses at Buckner Industrial Park, raising concerns about traffic generation near schools, stormwater detention, addressing, and fire protection; no decisions were made at the April 16 technical review committee meeting.
Oldham County planners and multiple agencies reviewed the Buckner Industrial Park subdivision and development plan (TRC-25008) at a technical review committee meeting on April 16. The applicant, Westcott Construction, proposes two 200,000-square-foot warehouse buildings at 3926 West Highway 146 and 2700 South Highway 393 in La Grange.
The plan drew technical questions rather than approvals: Oldham County engineers and public-safety officials pressed the applicant on traffic impacts, stormwater detention, addressing and utility locations, and on-site fire protection. "No testimony in favor or against an application will be taken at this meeting and no decisions are made at this meeting," said Anna Barge, senior planner with Oldham County Planning and Development, opening the session.
Why it matters: The site sits near Oldham County Schools and adjacent to the existing truss factory; county staff said truck traffic and peak-hour vehicle generation could affect school and local roadway operations. Jim Silliman, Oldham County engineer, estimated that the 400,000 square feet of warehouse space (two 200,000-square-foot buildings) would generate between "73 and 80 peak hour trips," and warned that combined traffic from nearby properties could push the project above the 100-peak-hour threshold that triggers a full traffic impact study under county criteria.
Site and design details presented by the applicant included steep contours at the rear of the property requiring a retaining wall, three proposed stormwater detention basins, and two warehouses with 20 dock doors and two roll-up doors each. The applicant stated they used an industry standard parking ratio of one space per 2,000 square feet of warehouse space; the proposal lists parking counts as 17 spaces for one building and 109 spaces for the other on the submitted plan.
Agency comments and required follow-up
- Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: Comments from Jason Richardson recommended that, if feasible, the development connect to Commerce Parkway to provide access to KY 393 and I-71 via the Commerce Parkway signalized intersection.
- Oldham County Engineering: Jim Silliman said the county requires a stormwater quality management and erosion-control plan and supporting detention calculations (Kentucky Division of Water KY R10/Oldham County permit). He also noted county subdivision regulations require curbs around traveled parking areas, tree protections outside the 100-year basin elevation, and a 15-foot setback for basin outlet discharges to allow maintenance.
- Oldham County Police Department: Chief Smith recommended a traffic study with school-hour observations because of proximity to Oldham County Schools.
- Oldham County Water (OCWD): Russ Rose said the property lies within OCWD's service area and water service is subject to Kentucky Public Service Commission rules and contingent on the developer installing necessary infrastructure per OCWD specifications; he asked that existing water lines on the site be shown to avoid conflicts.
- LaGrange Fire Department: Major Smith asked about hydrant locations, fire-department connections and the type of construction; he said remote fire-department connections are preferred, and that each building or tenant entry would need a Knox box if buildings are subdivided.
- Louisville MSD: Mark Seitz, development review manager, said MSD has sufficient sanitary capacity for the proposed use at this stage but noted potential interest in future westward extensions of the development.
Public comment and access questions
A property owner, Rose Height of Adar Holding, asked whether a utility easement behind her property would be used or altered; staff and the applicant said portions of state-owned land and an existing easement are under review and that a rear entrance from state property could provide an alternative truck route to avoid the railroad crossing on Highway 146. Wes Johnson, representing Westcott Development, explained the proposal includes a new internal access drive that would tie to the existing curb cut on old 393 and a stub intended for potential future extension to adjacent parcels.
Next steps
No formal action was taken. Staff directed the applicant to address agency comments: show existing utilities and easements on plans; submit a landscape and lighting plan prior to permit; provide stormwater detention and water-quality calculations; coordinate addressing with GIS; and coordinate with KYTC and OCWD on access and utility relocations. The applicant will receive notice if the project is scheduled for a planning commission hearing, which is held the fourth Tuesday of each month in the same room.
Ending
The technical review committee closed the meeting after agency discussion and public questions. Planning staff said they will continue coordination with KYTC, OCWD, MSD and county departments as the applicant advances the plans toward any required planning commission review.
