Council holds first reading on annexation that would fill an 87‑acre "donut hole"

The council held a first reading of Ordinance 1481, a proposal to annex two tracts of land adjoining current Jeffersontown boundaries. Planner Mister Russi (speaker 11) displayed maps showing the northern tract is about 87 acres and described the annexation as filling a 'donut hole' in the city boundary; the southern tract extends toward Easam Road.

Planner Russi told council the northern area includes commercial lots fronting Blankenbaker Access while the southern portion is primarily single‑family residential. He said the planning commission and development review committee recommended unanimous approval of the revised detailed district development plan related to other agenda items.

Council members asked whether a cost‑benefit analysis had been completed to show the fiscal impact on current taxpayers; a council member suggested the finance committee could perform that analysis between the first and second readings. A resident/landowner representative (speaker 12) said the property is owned by the Shelton family and claimed the local fire department had told them they would not cross certain bridges to provide service; council members were advised to consult the fire department and confirm service boundaries.

The presenter noted that, because this is an annexation ordinance, the council must publish notice at least 14 days prior to the second reading, as required by KRS 81A.425. The ordinance will return for a second reading on the next scheduled meeting after required notices are provided.