The Dollar General Corp. is proposing to the Danville-Boyle County Planning and Zoning Commission a revision of the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) as well as a zone change in order to build a Dollar General store with apartments behind it on a new street off Third Street (Shakertown Road), Hwy 33, near the Hwy 2168 roundabout. The five-acre property involved is within the city limits.

The public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan 27, 9 a.m. at the Showroom on Lebanon Rd. The P&Z Commission will first decide on the FLUM revision; if it is defeated, then the proposal is moot. If the FLUM revision is approved, then the zone change will be discussed with the possibility of approval. The public may attend and speak.

The Comprehensive Plan, which includes Goals and Objectives and the Future Land Use Map, is the blueprint for development for our city and county. The P&Z Commission has already updated various sections, with the City of Danville to be revised within the next year. Instead of making exceptions piece by piece, it would be prudent to look at the big picture before making any more spot changes.

The very successful Smart Growth Conference held in November 2019 encouraged long-range planning following agreed-upon Goals and Objectives. It is important that any housing or commercial proposals be appropriate and adhere to the Comprehensive Plan. Danville and Boyle County continue to attract needed residents and businesses; growth should be planned carefully.

Much housing already exists along Third Street and Hwy 33. There are four fairly large subdivisions on both sides of Third Street before the roundabout.

Also, approval has been given for up to 67 new apartments to be built near the intersection of Old Shakertown Road and Third Street, which is narrow and curvy with steady traffic. The Dollar General proposal so close to the roundabout would only increase safety issues as well as the smooth flow of traffic.

Since Boyle County is relatively small, it does not take long for residents to reach various shopping areas. There are already five Dollar General Stores within the county limits, one of them on Danville’s Main Street. Adding another might affect our community’s attempts to keep the Danville downtown area viable.

Any opinions on this matter may be sent to the Danville-Boyle County Planning and Zoning Commission at zoning@danvilleky.gov or by calling 859-238-1235. The Comprehensive Plan is available on the website http://www.boyleplaning.org. City commissioners may also be contacted.

Sallie Bright

On behalf of Smart Growth Boyle Steering Committee