Fiscal court holds first reading for rezoning of 1978 Boonesborough Road amid citizen concerns about planning process

The Madison County Fiscal Court held the first reading of Ordinance 2024-19 on Nov. 12, a proposal to rezone 1978 Boonesborough Road from R-7/RC-7 (agricultural) to UC-1 (single-family residential). Bert (planning staff) presented the planning commission’s findings, noting the commission’s public hearing on Oct. 15, 2024 and a unanimous recommendation in favor of the map amendment.

Bert read the ordinance’s findings of fact, including that notification complied with KRS 100.212, the site fronts on Boonesborough Road, and the county comprehensive plan identifies the area as suitable for single-family residential development. “The comprehensive plan’s future land use map … clearly depicts this property as single family residential,” Bert said.

Magistrate Bill Ray raised concerns about public trust in the planning and zoning process, saying he had “lost confidence” and that some citizens feel the system favors developers who can hire attorneys. Bert and other court members responded that applications are vetted before they reach the court and that planning commissions and the county follow KRS-driven procedures; Bert noted that applicants commonly consult counsel prior to filing and that the county has denied or tabled matters in the past when appropriate.

Judge Taylor reminded the court that the first reading does not approve a final map amendment but begins the formal process; a second reading and adoption will be scheduled and advertised under KRS. The judge also directed citizens to submit public comments via the county’s comments email and posted a draft of the ordinance on the county website for review.

Next steps: the court approved the first reading by motion and roll call and will consider the ordinance for second reading and potential adoption at the next fiscal court meeting, with public comment opportunities advertised per statutory notice requirements.