HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-07-2025 (2)
MINUTES OF THE PADUCAH PLANNING COMMISSION/
URCDA
JULY 7, 2025 5:30 P.M.
Paducah City Hall Commission Chambers
Attendees: Vice-Chair Joe Benberry, Trey Griffin, Leslie Heath, Gayle Kaler, Allan Rhodes, Chairman Bob Wade
Absent:
Staff: Carol Gault, Planning Director; Joshua P. Fowler-Sommer, Planner III; Palmer Stroup, Planner II; Morgan Dennis, Planner I; Nancy Upchurch, Executive Secretary; Wes Banks, Intern; Honorable Counsel Lisa Emmons Guests: Dorthea Davis, Varetta Hurt; Shorlorn Jeter
Chairman Wade called the regular meeting of the Paducah Planning Commission/ URCDA to order at 5:30 PM.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The roll was taken.
Commissioner Rhodes offered:
I move that the reading of the minutes for June 9, 2025 be waived and that the minutes of said meeting,
as prepared by staff, be approved as written.
Vice-Chair Benberry seconded.
No corrections were requested. Chairman Wade called for the vote.
5 Ayes (Benberry, Griffin, Kaler, Rhodes, Wade), 0 Nays
Note – this was Commissioner Heath’s first meeting*
URCDA New Petitions
Planning Commission Continued Petitions
Planning Commission New Petitions
Southside Redevelopment Plan
Southside Redevelopment Plan – Recommendation to the Board of Commissioners by the Planning Commission and the URCDA.
Chairman Wade asked Mr. Fowler-Sommer to speak to the agenda item. Mr. Fowler-Sommer stated the
flow would be the same as at the public hearing. The Planning Commission would make a
recommendation to both the URCDA and the Board of Commissioners. Then the URCDA would make a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners.
MINUTES OF THE PADUCAH PLANNING COMMISSION/ URCDA – continued page 2 / 3
Chairman Wade then asked Planner II Palmer Stroup to speak to any changes that were made between the public hearing on June 9th and the current meeting.
Mr. Stroup went over some of the changes. He stated there were two major changes. There is a new
section called "I am Southside” on page 42. It is a new initiative. It will focus on inclusivity, heritage, identity and signage.
Another new section is “Southside Development Opportunities” on page 45. This section describes a potential partnership with the City for projects that may originate outside of the Southside area. Some
examples are the MeHarry Dental school and the Senior Citizens Center.
Mr. Stroup stated all the incorporated changes provides for a better flow of the plan. He also described the appendices.
Commissioner Heath asked if the home of Oscar Cross was considered. Mr. Stroup stated several options are being reviewed for historic preservation. This includes a potential nomination to the National Register
of Historic Places.
Commissioner Rhodes commented that his previous comment of having 1,200 square foot homes was reduced to 800 square feet. He thanked Mr. Stroup for recognizing his comment and including it.
Chairman Wade stated that the public hearing had already happened, but if any members of the public would like to speak, their comments would be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners.
Ms. Varetta Hurt asked about the time length for the potential property tax moratorium. Planning Director
Carol Gault stated that specific length of time would be up to the Board of Commissioners to consider and decide.
Ms. Dorthea Davis stated she had an observation. She spoke about potential mixed-income housing developments.
Hearing no further public comment, Chairman Wade called the first motion.
Commissioner Griffin offered:
I move that this Commission recommend approval of the Southside Revitalization Plan to the URCDA and Board of Commissioners and adopt a resolution recommending said approval thereof.
Commissioner Rhodes seconded.
Chairman Wade called for the vote.
6 Ayes (Benberry, Griffin, Heath, Kaler, Rhodes, Wade), 0 Nays
Commissioner Kaler offered:
I move that the URCDA accept the recommendation of approval of the Southside Revitalization Plan by the Paducah Planning Commission and further recommend approval to the City of Paducah Board of
Commissioners and adopt a resolution recommending said approval thereof.
Vice-Chair Benberry seconded.
Chairman Wade called for the vote.
6 Ayes (Benberry, Griffin, Heath, Kaler, Rhodes, Wade), 0 Nays
MINUTES OF THE PADUCAH PLANNING COMMISSION/ URCDA – continued page 3 / 3
Other Business
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:49 PM.
Respectfully submitted by Joshua P. Fowler-Sommer, AICP
Approved:
___________________________________________
Bob Wade, Chairman
Drafted by:
________________________________________
Joshua P. Fowler-Sommer, Planner III