Lexington, Ky. – After a lengthy deliberation lasting over four hours, the Lexington Urban County Council voted against a contentious proposal to rezone a residential area into a mobile home park zone. The decision, made on Tuesday evening, means that the boundaries of the St. Martins Village neighborhood will remain intact. Proposed changes would have allowed a mobile home park to expand into this historic area, which is recognized as Lexington’s first African American subdivision.
The proposed zoning change sought to convert 16 acres from residential single family to mobile home park designation, potentially adding 52 manufactured homes adjacent to St. Martins Village. Local residents expressed strong opposition during the council meeting, voicing concerns over their longstanding community and its character. “The Village has been a safe place to live and to raise a family. My neighbors are my extended family. This is my community,” stated Michelle Davis, President of the St. Martins Village Neighborhood Association, who has lived in the area for 67 years.
Residents fear that the expansion of the neighboring mobile home park, Suburban Pointe, would disturb their history and threaten their future. Developer representatives argued that the new mobile home units would provide affordable housing and include amenities such as playgrounds and basketball courts. Nick Nicholson, attorney for Suburban Pointe, noted the contemporary design of manufactured homes may not align with previous perceptions of mobile home parks.
In stark contrast, the legal representative for St. Martins Village, Bruce Simpson, warned that the rezoning would negatively impact property values and is not consistent with the city’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan. Simpson emphasized the significance of preserving African American neighborhoods, which embody a critical aspect of Lexington’s history. “These people are living history of what happened in 1955 and what has continued to this day,” he said, further highlighting the community’s resilience.
District 8 Councilmember Fred Brown cast the lone dissenting vote on the measure. The overwhelming sentiment from dozens who addressed the council was clear: the preservation of St. Martins Village is essential for safeguarding the heritage and future of its residents.
The council’s decision marks a pivotal moment for the community, reinforcing their commitment to preserving the integrity of their neighborhood for generations to come.
