TRC reviews revised Estates of Ballard Woods plan: fewer lots, open‑ditch roads and stormwater, utility connectivity questioned

Oldham County’s Technical Review Committee on Dec. 18 considered TRC24‑018, a revised preliminary subdivision plan for Estates of Ballard Woods Section 2 and an amendment to Ballard Glen Section 3. Applicant JS Real Estate (represented by Mike Swansburg and developer Walt Shum) described a reduction in lots and a change in typical street construction from curb-and‑gutter to open roadside ditches for one‑acre and larger lots.

Engineer Bob Ben Sand explained the current request reduces the originally approved 119 lots to an 83‑lot plan; after combining sections the overall Estates of Ballard Woods would total about 199 lots in the full development. The redesign keeps the 1‑acre minimum on most lots and proposes roadside ditches rather than curb, gutter and closed‑storm systems for much of the project, a typical local section for one‑acre lots in Oldham County.

Staff reviews flagged several items the applicant must address. Senior planner Anna Barge asked for named roadways and right‑of‑way widths, corrected owner and adjoining‑owner addresses on plat sheets, tree and wetland delineations, and notation of any requested waivers or variances. County engineering (Jim) noted required state KYR‑10 permitting for disturbances greater than one acre, required post‑construction stormwater and construction runoff permits, and the need to confirm whether proposed cul‑de‑sac lengths comply with subdivision standards or will require a waiver. Jim also noted that a previous traffic‑impact study had assumed a bridge that is now eliminated, so trip distribution will concentrate on Ballard Vista Drive and a new traffic study is in progress.

Water and utilities reviewers raised connectivity questions. LaGrange Utilities indicated the property is inside its sewer service area but lacks on‑site sewer infrastructure; the developer and staff discussed potential sewer extensions and costs. Oldham County Water (Russ Rose) said water connections to the north (Blakemore Lane) and south (Ballard Glen) remain desirable for redundancy and that easements may be needed. Fire staff reminded the team that hydrants and addressing must meet the county hydrant ordinance and that hydrant placement would be coordinated with water design.

Health department staff said estates lots are expected to use on‑site septic (one‑acre lots with standard septic), and that each lot will require an individual site evaluation when a house is proposed; Charlie (health) confirmed he will perform the site evaluations and permitting for laterals and noted approvals depend on soil and the number of bedrooms. Several neighbors raised questions about construction access across the creek, the abandoned stub/bridge alignment, utility extensions through waterways, and apparent inaccuracies in GIS parcel mapping used in mailed notices. Developer Walt Shum said construction vehicles would primarily use Ballard Woods access and that he had worked with the PVA to correct parcel data.

Next steps: applicant to provide revised plans with road names and right‑of‑way dimensions, corrected owner and adjacent owner listings, preliminary drainage/detention locations, cul‑de‑sac modifications or waiver requests, and updated traffic distribution for county and KYTC review. Planning Commission review will follow if the applicant files for the zoning/subdivision hearing.