Georgetown Planning Commission Approves New Developments Amid Traffic Concerns from Residents

Georgetown, Kentucky — The Georgetown-Scott County Planning Commission held a meeting on Tuesday, where they approved a preliminary development plan for Georgetown Commons, a mixed-use project set near Lemons Mill Elementary. This initiative aims to create both residential and commercial spaces, with access granted through a traffic light at Quality Drive and McClelland Circle.

The commission also made significant decisions regarding another development at Frankfort Pike and McClelland Circle. This plan entails building a 56,585 square-foot grocery store accompanied by an attached liquor store, as well as a 7,000 square-foot retail tenant space on a 12.1-acre lot. Additionally, the plan includes the establishment of four new entrances: two to Frankfort Pike, one from McClelland Circle, and one for Fincastle Drive adjacent to Northside Christian Church.

During the meeting, Planner Elise Ketz indicated that the intersection across from Elkhorn Crossing School may require a traffic light to manage expected vehicle influx. “Ultimately, that is a determination of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet local district office,” Ketz noted regarding traffic light installation. Furthermore, traffic patterns would be finalized by state officials.

Despite the commission’s approval, local residents voiced concerns, particularly regarding an entrance linking the development to Fincastle Drive. Lisa Manning, a resident of the neighboring McClelland View subdivision, expressed apprehension about potential traffic increases from the development, stating, “You probably wouldn’t want 700 extra cars coming through your neighborhood at five o’clock in the evening.”

In another matter, the commission approved a zoning change from B-1 neighborhood commercial to B-3 central business district for a building located at 3285 Main Street in Stamping Ground. This change permits a mixed-use approach, and Kevin Bradley, the applicant, plans to turn the space into a short-term rental. The approval came despite opposition from community members concerned about safety, especially given the property’s proximity to a school.

Local resident Dale Perry highlighted risks associated with short-term rentals, saying, “Short-term rental isn’t like living in the apartment across the street… A pedophile could rent that property, and he could have immediate access to children.” While some residents opposed the change, others supported it, emphasizing the need for active use of the space instead of allowing it to remain vacant.

The commission ultimately voted 6-1 in favor of the zoning change, with Commissioner Harold Dean Jessie casting the lone dissenting vote, highlighting the divided sentiments within the community regarding these developments.

As these planning initiatives move forward, community members will likely continue discussions about the future of their neighborhoods and the implications of increased traffic and changing land use in Georgetown and Stamping Ground.