The Mentelle Neighborhood had its annual membership meeting Tuesday evening at the Children’s Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass, 162 N. Ashland Ave. Members elected officers for the coming year and heard presentations from our state legislator, district Council member, the city planning staff and the Warehouse Block’s owner.
Boyd Sewe and Hal Baillie of the city’s Division of Planning talked about the proposed Downtown Master Plan. More information about the plan is at downtownlexplan.com. The website also has a new, refined survey to help citizens offer comments about the plan. The Urban County Council will eventually decide whether to approve the final plan.
Anne Gay Donworth, a Democrat who represents the 76th legislative district in the Kentucky House of Representative, spoke about two issues of neighborhood interest: new legislation and enforcement to stop overnight drag racing down Richmond and Winchester roads; and efforts backed by Airbnb and other special interests to prevent Lexington and other cities from regulating short-term rentals. Such legislation, which is opposed by Lexington officials and most neighborhoods, has failed in the past two General Assembly sessions. But it is likely to be back when legislators meet again in January.
Hannah LeGris, Lexington’s Third District Council member who lives in our neighborhood, discussed street safety issues and other topics before the Council. She also introduced her new legislative aide, Reina Slaymaker. You can sign up for Hannah’s regular newsletter to constituents here.
Chad Walker, owner of the Warehouse Block, discussed plans for the new parking lot and green space under construction along National Avenue between Mirror Twin Brewing and the building that houses Blue Door Smokehouse, Sav’s Chill and several other businesses. He is seeking ideas for design and use of that green space, which will be bisected by the concrete pad that will continue hosting the Lexington Farmers Market’s Tuesday and Thursday markets. Chad also said he plans to restart his informal “advisory committee” meetings next year, where neighborhood residents can get updates and express concerns.
MNA members elected the following slate of officers, as recommended by the nominating committee. There were no nominations from the floor. Officers are listed with the street where they live: President Tom Eblen (Mentelle Park); Vice President Shelby Reynolds (Aurora); Secretary Esther Hurlburt (Given); Treasurer Beth Hellebusch (Franklin); Board members Laura Beth O’Bryan (North Ashland), Katie Mueller-White (Aurora), Stephanie Poole (Mentelle Park, D’lorah Hughes (Hambrick) and Jenn McMullen (Hanover Court). All except Jenn McMullen were incumbents.
