"Everyone has struggled with "fill-in-the-blank" questions at some point in their lives. Filling in blanks always require more thought and consideration, regardless of the subjects being addressed by the questions. These questions could possibly have more than one correct solution. Multiple choice or matching quizzes are always easier, because you can recognize the answer and may have used it many times before. If the answer does not immediately come to mind, one must think of a creative solution in order to "fill in the blank."
Lexington is facing some fill-in-the-blank questions of its own. In our case, it is how we "fill in the blank" on infill and redevelopment projects. There is a formal mechanism in place to guide and direct infill and redevelopment on 90 parcels in the core of downtown — the Courthouse Area Design Overlay Zone.
The design review in this zone is carried out by the Courthouse Area Design Review Board. According to its by laws, this five-member volunteer group of citizens reviews "changes to sites and structures in the Courthouse Area Design Overlay Zone, including proposed exterior alterations, demolitions, relocations and new construction." The by laws also outline the purpose of the CADRB, which is to "promote those qualities in the environment which bring value to the community; foster the attractiveness and functional utility of the community as a place to live and work; preserve the character and quality of Lexington's heritage by maintaining those areas which have special historic significance; protect investment in those areas; raise the level of community expectations for the quality of its environment."
The design guidelines for the overlay zone are very user friendly and are full of descriptions of various types of architecture, photographs, maps and drawings to assist applicants in achieving the best possible design solution. The application process entails, prior to ordering materials or beginning construction, reviewing design guidelines, reviewing the CADRB meeting schedule and the submission filing deadlines, to completing review application forms, scheduling meeting on-site with CADRB officer, filing required submission materials with the CADRB officer, and attending CADRB meetings. Please note that other permits may be required. Specific examples of items reviewed by the CADRB would be building facade renovations, window replacements, streetscape renovation/improvements, installation of any type of site amenity, and more. Some items are reviewed and approved at staff level while more complex projects are reviewed at the Board level. An applicant has an option of coming to a CADRB meeting and presenting a concept for the project before formally submitting a request for approval.
To date, the Board and the Design Review Officer have approved 18 projects in the design overlay zone. The review process allows the applicant, the Board and the Design Review Officer to discuss the project in a positive manner and to work toward the best possible design solution.
Infill and redevelopment of this core area of downtown is especially important as we approach the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games. Constructing new buildings on vacant lots, facade improvements, streetscape improvements and other projects that will make our downtown vibrant and safe will be the key to making a positive impression on our guests from all over the world. These improvements will also perpetuate the synergy of many infill and redevelopment projects currently under construction. Long term, creatively "filling in the blanks" will create a downtown in which Fayette County citizens will want to live, learn, play, visit, shop and participate. These are the ingredients for good long-term economic health and vitality.
As a side note, I would like to clarify a point that came up several times during the discussion of the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan Update. There seems to be a misconception that infill and redevelopment can only occur downtown. Infill and redevelopment can and should take place anywhere inside of the Urban Services Boundary. There are opportunities throughout the existing USB to come up with creative design solutions to help blighted, underused or unused parcels of land. We have to maximize the potential of these "blanks" to their highest and best possible use, downtown and throughout the Urban Services Area. Maximizing this potential will allow Lexington to conserve its world-renowned and finite signature landscape and its related sustainable industries.
Matching and multiple choice answers give us known, used, and sometimes overused, solutions. Fill-in-the-blank answers are more difficult and time consuming. They take more thought and require creative consideration.
All of the information on the Courthouse Area Design Review Overlay Zone and the Courthouse Area Design Review Board, including a map, is available at www.lfucg.com/cadrb.
Billy Van Pelt is a registered landscape architect, the chair of the Courthouse Area Design Review Board and is the director of the Purchase of Development Rights Program.
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