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Redistricting And A Tree Cutting Controversy: Council To Hear Plans

www.lexingtonky.gov - Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors, CC-BY-SA

The window is open for candidate filing in the election for Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council and sitting members will hear redistricting recommendations this week. As Arlo Barnette reports, the new map needs to be finalized so that candidates know which districts they live in.

15 Lexingtonians appointed by council members comprise the Redistrict Lexington Committee. They’ve worked since August to recommend a new district map based on 2020 Census data, which will be presented on Thursday. The final map was adjusted after public feedback and Council members are expected to propose further changes based on what they’ve heard from constituents. A public comment session is scheduled for December 2nd.

The plan is to approve a map within the current window for candidate filing, which is open until January 7th, but council leaves for Winter break December 9th. If the body still doesn’t have a map by April 1, the Fayette County Court would be able to prescribe its own redistricting plan.

Also on the docket this week: Kentucky Utilities will give council an update on its plans for clearing trees near electric lines. Many Lexington residents showed up to an October council meeting to protest the clearcutting and KU representatives said they would be willing to reconsider their approach. The plans called for clearing the area 15 feet beside, under, and above the towers and wires. Council will hear the update in a rare Thursday work session.

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