Richmond commissioners schedule hearing after contested Amberley Way rezoning first reading

Richmond's Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize a public hearing on a rezoning application for about 21.863 acres on Amberley Way after commissioners and residents urged more public testimony and factual findings before a final decision.

The first reading of Ordinance 26‑19, filed by Richmond Place LLC, would change the property's zoning from B‑1 (neighborhood business) and P‑1 (professional offices) to B‑3 (highway business), a broader classification the city attorney said could allow uses ranging from hotels to car dealerships. City legal counsel explained the planning commission reconsidered an initial tie vote and approved findings of fact on May 14; under Kentucky Revised Statutes 100.211 the board has a 90‑day window to act on that recommendation unless it elects to create its own record by hearing additional evidence.

Several commissioners said the packet and the planning commission record were difficult to parse and asked for more public input. “If the intention of the board is that you have questions and you're seeking to hear from the people that would have those answers, then you're operating under a 90‑day clock,” the city attorney told the board, citing the statutory timeline.

Residents and members of the Planning and Zoning Commission addressed the board during the public‑comment period and urged the commission to delay final action. Dr. James Miller, who identified himself as a planning‑and‑zoning member, warned that converting the property to B‑3 could permit uses that “are totally inappropriate” adjacent to R‑1 neighborhoods. Resident Ed Brown asked commissioners to consider a worst‑case traffic scenario, saying that ongoing development near Richmond Center and other local projects risk adding significant traffic pressure.

Developers’ counsel told the board his clients would participate in any additional hearing and noted that the planning commission retains control of detailed layout at development plan stage, but he did not commit to particular future uses. Several commissioners said the scale and terrain of the Amberley Way site make development complicated and therefore warranted a public hearing before a second reading and final vote.

The board approved a motion asking the city attorney and city manager to schedule a public hearing within the statutory window and to notify property owners and interested parties. The motion carried on a roll‑call vote with all members in favor. The hearing will give the board a chance to gather testimony, make its own findings of adjudicated fact if it chooses to deny the rezoning, and ensure any decision is grounded in the evidentiary record.