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 Lexington, Kentucky and the Bluegrass Region 2010 and Beyond
Lexington, Kentucky, “Horse Capital of the World,” has a
unique landscape and culture. The rural countryside is
characterized by picturesque horse farms, tree-lined roads, stone
fences, and a rural heritage found only in the Bluegrass Region of
Central Kentucky. As the region’s hub, Lexington is
beginning to experience a renaissance both in its downtown and
surrounding suburban areas. With more than $500 million of
residential and “mixed-use” projects currently under
construction, the region faces rapid change. Thoughtful
consideration must be given to achieve the goals of sustaining and
improving the quality of life throughout the region.
The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the second largest
sporting event in the world, will bring hundreds of thousands of
visitors to the Lexington area over a six-week period. The region
is preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the prospect
of this international event has created enthusiasm and optimism for
improving local communities.
AIA East Kentucky
has been invited to help plan for the future, and will play an integral
role in developing solutions to ensure that Lexington and the Bluegrass
Region are better places for residents and visitors before and after
2010.
According to Forbes Magazine, Lexington ranked number nine in the
category of “Best Small Metro Places to Live” in
2004. However, many issues need to be addressed to enhance and
sustain the community amid development and expansion that will continue
to affect the region for years to come.
Through a series of public meetings, AIA East Kentucky,
in collaboration with other community organizations, will identify
specific issues and develop planning tools to present to the
city’s governing body and the public to educate and garner
political support for implementation. Stakeholders will be asked
to evaluate the assets, liabilities and potential of the region.
They will be challenged to prioritize issues that need to be addressed,
both in the short- and long-term. Some anticipated issues include:
- Public transportation
- Traffic congestion
- Pedestrian (bike/walking) trails
- Green space within the urban setting
- Affordable housing
- Arts and cultural amenities
- Public spaces for special events
- Enhancement of the entrances to the city
This initiative will help the community develop a list of issues and
concerns, as well as a strategic plan prior to the 2010 Alltech FEI
World Equestrian Games. Issues specific to the Games include
"wayfinding" and traffic flow concerns. Plans will also help
communities solve problems of suburban sprawl and other development
issues. The initiative will develop amenities such as bike
trails, pedestrian walkways, and green spaces that will improve the
quality of life for residents and the experience of visitors who come
to the region from around the world.
View all Blueprint Initiatives |
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