07.11.2024

Today’s Forecast

88º | 15% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:24 a.m. | Sunset 9:01 p.m.

Make your voice heard

Public input session announced for Urban Service Boundary expansion

An aerial drone photo of a neighborhood, a highway, a lake, and the sunset behind clouds

Zone changes could mean more housing options around Lexington. | Photo by @shoeless.photographer

Next Monday, July 15, Fayette County residents are invited to share their thoughts on the Urban Service Boundary (USB) expansion draft designs. The public input session will take place at the Lexington Senior Center (195 Life Ln.) from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The USB expansion has been a long-talked about topic, so let’s recap.

Details, definitions + dates

Created in 1958 — the first in the US — the USB was established to define where new urban + higher density development can occur in Fayette County. Additionally, it identifies where urban services will be provided. Think: Waste collection, streetlights, and street sweeping.

An aerial shot of Jacobson Park with a lake and lots of green space and neighborhoods — The USB will be expanded by ~4.4 square miles for this first time since 1996. | Photo by @maxcaswellphotos

According to CivicLex, Fayette County as a whole is ~285 square miles: ~85 square miles inside the USB + ~200 square miles outside. In November 2023, the Urban County Council voted to approve the expansion of the USB by 2,800 acres (~4.4 square miles) — the first expansion since 1996.

As a way to organize community input + share information, the Division of Planning created the 2024 Urban Growth Master Plan (UGM). The plan is following three steps:

Gather input + information
Develop concepts + draft plans (we’re currently at this step)
Review, check, and finalize the plan

Before heading to the meeting next week, be sure to browse the “initial concept presentation.” Pages 36-47 will walk you through draft plans of each of the five areas tabbed for expansion. As a quick refresher, the UGM goals are:

Build successful neighborhoods through varied housing options + smart neighborhood design
Improve transportation networks with complete streets + public transit
Protect the environment by being mindful of our carbon footprint + waterways
Promote social + racial equity through policies, jobs, and transportation accessibility
Create jobs + prosperity by attracting businesses and improving economic mobility

The final plan is set to be revealed in October 2024.

Asked

Which area of expansion are you most excited about?

A. Parkers Mill + Man O War
B. Winchester + Hume Roads
C. Athens-Boonesboro Road
D. Todds Road + Canebrake Drive
E. Blue Sky Parkway

Let us know

Events

Thursday, July 11

Summer Playground Days | Thursday, July 11 | 2-4 p.m. | Wellington Park, 565 Wellington Way, Lexington | Free | Kids ages 5+ will love participating in engaging programming, such as recreational sports, make-and-take arts and crafts, STEM projects, and checking out the Park & Play program van.
Jake’s Annual Summer Bash | Thursday, July 11 | 6-9 p.m. | Jake’s Cigar Bar, 100 Langley Dr., Nicholasville | Free | This community cookout in Brannon Crossing will include live music from The Hummingbirds, local vendors, free food, and cocktails available for purchase.

Friday, July 12

Nature in Your Neighborhood | Friday, July 12 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Valley Park, 2077 Cambridge Dr., Lexington | This week’s theme, Tree Huggers, will utilize hands-on activities to discover the importance of trees + their connection to humans and the local ecosystem.
Rooftop Sessions | Friday, July 12 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Manchester, 941 Manchester St., Lexington | Free | Head to the rooftop bar Lost Palm for creative libations + grooving in the moonlight to a live DJ set.

Saturday, July 13

Roller Derby of Kentucky vs. South Bend | Saturday, July 13 | 5-9 p.m. | Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington | $0-$20 | Watch the ROCK Stars take on South Bend during this double header + help raise money for the Lexington Humane Society.
The Tillers | Saturday, July 13 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $15-$18 | Have yourself a knee-slapping good time with this Ohio River Valley string band.

Sunday, July 14

Trivia | Sunday, July 14 | 4-6 p.m. | Wise Bird Cider, 1170 Manchester St., Ste. 140, Lexington | Free | Calling all knowledge nerds, sip and laugh the Sunday scaries away with brain-teasing trivia + cider.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Biz

🥞 Rise and dine with Scramblers in the Horse Capital of the World

After 30+ years, Scramblers has expanded across more than 10 cities (and ours could be next). | Photo provided by Scramblers

Ever thought about opening a restaurant but felt overwhelmed by the process? You’re not alone.

With 35+ years of experience, the leadership team at Scramblers has done the leg work to perfect a breakfast, lunch, and brunch restaurant model that stands out from the competition.

From site selection to opening aid + marketing services, Scramblers offers top-notch franchisee training and support every step of the way to help each location succeed. Read: Buying into an egg-cellent business has never been easier.

Ready to get crackin'?

News Notes

List

Lexington was named as one of “12 underrated summer travel destinations in 2024.” The list, courtesy of The Points Guy, cited our ample opportunities to see horses, and tour bourbon distilleries, as well as attractions like The Kentucky Castle + The Manchester. See the full list.

Closed

Brick Oven Pizza announced via its Facebook page that it’s “closing down this week” and the closure will most likely be permanent. We’ll keep you posted on any other updates from the Old Harrodsburg Road pizza spot.

Community

This Saturday, July 13, the city is hosting a Trash Disposal Day at the Bluegrass Regional Transfer Station from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fayette County residents can bring one car, SUV, or pick-up truckload of non-hazardous household waste, including small indoor furniture + mattresses.

Concert

After taking some time to “regroup, revive, and revitalize,” the Lakeside Live concert series at Lexington Green is returning this Friday, July 12, 7-10 p.m. Concerts will take place Fridays through September 6, with acts like TeeDee Young, Boogie G & The Titanics, and Kara Shepherd.

Drink

Sweet sippable summer. After a t-shirt tease in late June, Ale-8-One has announced a new seasonal flavor — StrawMelon. The strawberry/watermelon soda will be available in four packs at participating locations for a limited time.

Shop

John’s Run/Walk Shop is hosting a flash sale through Sunday, July 14. Stop by either location for deals like 20% off summer apparel (with brands like Vuori + Smartwool included), Original Powerstep insoles, and more.

Finance

Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? Yes, it sounds crazy. But it’s true. The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best.*

Health

“The clarity is insane.” That’s what we’re hearing (loud and clear) about this best-selling hearing device. It makes conversation effortless, even in background noise. Join 350,000+ happy customers with a no-risk trial.*

Small Business

Flowers: A bloomin’ good idea

Flower farms and subscriptions near Lexington, KY

A set of eight overflowing bouquets from In Bloom Flower Farm with hot pink, orange, purple, and light pink blooms.

Fresh colorful local flowers are the perfect pick-me-up. | Photo courtesy of @inbloomflowerfarm

Imagine a CSA, but for flowers, so you can add a splash of color + cheer to your home while supporting local farmers. If that piqued your interest, keep reading.

Agape Fields, Nicholasville

Named after the Greek word meaning love, Agape Fields is a family farm operation in north Jessamine County that is truly a labor of love. They are a Kentucky Proud member and offer U-Pick days for a fun family outing.

In Bloom Flower Farm, Georgetown

While owner and grower Carly Reed calls In Bloom a small-scale flower farm, her blooms are anything but. Be sure to check out the Dahlia Days Workshop in September for a farm tour + DIY bouquet class.

Michler’s, Lexington

Did you know this community-favorite greenhouse + florist has been blessing the Bluegrass with blooms since the early 1900s? Plus, the adjoining Kentucky Native Cafe is a hidden oasis of outdoor dining.

See subscription details

The Buy

The Buy 7.11.24 (Affiliate)

A really soft, breathable men’s performance t-shirt that Nordstrom just marked down. The Vuori shirt is great for everyday wear or working out.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

I want to give a very big birthday shout out to my fellow Cancer queen + one of my besties, Liz. And Marshall, if you’re reading, you raised one wonderful daughter. Happy birthday, Liz.

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