Council approves Hailey Pike solar lease after amendment tying community benefit review to IRB; 10-3 vote

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council on March 26 approved a resolution to lease approximately 357 acres of the Hailey Pike landfill for a photovoltaic solar project, but added language requiring the community benefits agreement to return to the council for approval in conjunction with any industrial revenue bond.

The vote followed a lengthy period of public comment from members of the Lexington Model Airplane Club (LMAC), education partners and industry representatives who urged the council to preserve the club’s FAA‑recognized flying field or to require a funded, permanent relocation plan if the project proceeds. Council passed the amended resolution on a roll call, 10 in favor to 3 opposed, with two absences.

Why it matters: The amendment responds to strong community concern that construction could proceed before the council ever reviews or approves the CBA — the document that would identify direct benefits and mitigation steps for the community. Developers said delaying the start of certain project activities could imperil their financing and investment‑tax‑credit timelines; supporters of the club warned that losing the site could cost millions and could not be easily replaced.

CAO Sally Hamilton…