Pralltown Project
The proposed eight-story complex bordering Pralltown, a historically Black neighborhood with deep roots in the city, does appear on track for city approval.
The original proposal was trimmed back and the new deal would see the developer, St. Louis-based Subtext, paying $3 million to the Pralltown neighborhood association to help preserve that history.
"We've acknowledged the existence of this agreement as well as the fact that we are willing to withhold some permits down the line if it's not complied with, which was one of the terms and conditions of that agreement," Lexington law commissioner David Barberie told the council Tuesday.
A final vote on the near-campus development is expected in mid-March.
Simms Retirement
In the meantime, Lexington Housing Authority Executive Director Austin Simms is planning to step away from the agency he's led for nearly 50 years.
The housing authority manages Section 8 housing vouchers and more than 1,100 public housing units.
Simms told the Lexington Herald-Leader he hopes the group's work to "erase some of the stereotypes concerning affordable housing" will be part of its legacy.
Simms plans to exit the post at the end of July.