Council hears first reading to rezone 18 acres near Blankenbaker Parkway for office/warehouse development

Jeffersontown council members received a first reading and a staff summary on Dec. 2 of a rezoning request affecting about 18 acres near Blankenbaker Parkway and Franconia Court that would change several parcels from residential and industrial classifications to a Planned Employment Center (PEC) and shift a form district from neighborhood to suburban workplace.

Planning staff representative Mr. Russi summarized the case and said the proposal includes a general development plan for most of the acreage plus a detailed district development plan for one lot that would contain a 37,564‑square‑foot office and warehouse for United Electric’s headquarters and truck repair functions. "The detailed district development plan is for a 37,564 square foot office warehouse," Mr. Russi said.

Mr. Russi said the proposal allows truck access and a write‑in/write‑out from Blankenbaker Parkway, coordinated with the state to allow semitrailers to enter and exit the site. Staff found the proposed zoning and development plans to comply with Plan 2040 and the city’s land‑development code; required landscaping buffers and screening next to residential areas will be provided and the UEC property will provide a sound barrier adjacent to single‑family residences. Planning staff recommended unanimous approval and asked council to consider a second reading when ready.

Council members asked clarifying questions about parcel addresses and exact access points; Mr. Russi said developers will receive updated addresses at the time of development and that detailed plans will return to council for review and approval. Because this was a first reading, no final zoning change occurred and a second reading will be required for adoption.