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Jan. 30, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: As Lexington engages with Echelon on the development for the Spotswood site, one hopes that they would evaluate other issues with the project that are equally as significant as the building’s ascetics. It was good to learn of the progress that has been made as reported by The News-Gazette. It was also distressing to learn “that the design was still a contemporary design, and that was something Echelon was set on.” That position by Echelon begs the question as to who is driving this project – Echelon or the city of Lexington? Who will be the final determinant – Echelon or the city of Lexington?
In evaluating development projects, certain criteria involving the overall public welfare must be satisfied. This provides City Council with the authority (duty?) to engage in appropriate due diligence in evaluating this project.
A concern is traffic generated by this development. The site plan shows only one 24-foot-wide entrance/exit to the project from Spotswood Drive. This entrance/exit is designed for the use of vehicles for the allocated parking spots but also for all others including emergency (police/fire) vehicles. What is the impact for the traffic on Spotswood, especially in regards to access for the hospital? If a traffic signal is required to minimize traffic impact, who is going to bear the cost of such an installation – Echelon or the city of Lexington. According to various sources, a traffic signal installation costs on average $200,000 to $500,000 dollars plus an operating cost of $5,000 to $8,000 dollars a month!
Why has the city consistently resisted such a simple evaluation tool as a traffic impact study for this project? GLEN MON Lexington, Rockbridge County
