Planning commission adopts targeted edits to 2025 comprehensive plan, then tables final adoption pending regional notice

The Danville Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 1 approved two targeted amendments to the draft 2025 comprehensive plan and future land use map, then closed the public hearing and tabled final adoption until the commission can provide statutorily required notice to adjacent planning units.

Planning staff (Miss Gray) told the commission the 2025 plan resulted from more than two years of community engagement and that the draft future land use map was available online. During public comment, attorney Melanie Thornberry identified what she described as an unintentional page swap that had reversed the Garden Neighborhood and Village Neighborhood designations on the FLUM; staff acknowledged the formatting error and confirmed a corrected copy was on the dais.

The public hearing drew extensive comment about a proposed reduction of flumed acreage near Bluegrass Pike (an area residents referred to as the Frankel Farm). Speakers raised safety and traffic issues on Highway 150/Bluegrass Pike, urged preservation of mature oak trees and prime farmland, and proposed that future development include shared‑use paths to protect pedestrians, cyclists and trail connections. Mark Morgan of the local trails alliance urged that any future zone change include a shared‑use path and tree protections to preserve trail character.

In response to public comment, a commissioner moved to amend the comprehensive plan to (1) remove duplex residential as a suggested use in the Garden Neighborhood description (page 34) and (2) insert language on page 28 stating that future development in the Bluegrass Village should require shared‑use paths to retain biking and walking connections. That motion passed by voice vote.

Commissioners then moved to close the public hearing, notify adjacent planning authorities as required under KRS 100 (state planning statute), and table final adoption until the next meeting so any responses to that notice can be considered. Staff confirmed the notice requirement and that the matter will appear on the next agenda for a final vote.

Why it matters: the amendments tighten the recommended neighborhood guidance and add stronger language promoting trail connectivity along a corridor residents called the Bluegrass Village; tabling final adoption preserves an opportunity for adjacent jurisdictions to review under state notice rules.

Speakers quoted in this article include planning staff Miss Gray, attorney Melanie Thornberry and community members who addressed traffic and trail connections.