Where has 2007 gone? Can you believe how fast time flies? Well, needless to say, 2007 has been a big year in Lexington and in our district. With this month's article I wanted to take a look back and to assess just what has happened in your city and in your district.
New Mayor/New Council
The year began with the inauguration of a new mayor and a new council that has turned out to be such a welcome change. Many Lexingtonians (and others around the region) have remarked about the noticeable difference in decorum in our meetings and the business-like manner in which we are now working.
Among the accomplishments were three major retreats between the administration and the council in 2007; a budget that passed 15-0 (it included $2 million for trails, $2 million for infill and redevelopment, $3 million for roads, and major funding to Commerce Lexington for economic development); and a restructuring of entire government organizational chart.
All of these point to a major shift toward collaboration and civility in your local government (a much-needed change from where we were)!
No Expansion to the Urban Service Boundary
The Planning Commission decided (after exhaustive public discussion) not to expand the Urban Service Boundary (the area for growth and development). This means no new expansion in Fayette County for at least the next five years.
Roads
Notice all the blacktop? Over $200 million has been invested by the Fletcher Administration alone into Lexington roads. Couple that with $3 million of local monies and we are seeing a huge move toward fixing what was (just two years ago) a deplorable road infrastructure.
9th District Highlights
We've seen more than $6 million in road improvements and paving (Clays Mill improved after 30 years of waiting); the Miracle League's construction; trails built in Old Higbee Mill Park, Southpoint Park, and in front of Lexington Christian Academy. In addition, there were "clean-up sweeps along Man o' War using inmate labor...just to name a few!
Three BIG Issues to Come
Environmental Protection Agency lawsuitóEvery Lexingtonian needs to grasp the magnitude of this pending litigation. Due to water quality issues