Farms at Barnes Mill moving forward after public hearing

RICHMOND, Ky. (WTVQ) – In Madison County, people spoke out about a proposed development as the project moves forward.

During a meeting June 8 with the Richmond Planning and Zoning Commission about the Farms at Barnes Mill Project, the commission voted unanimously in favor of the development. The project includes allowing the city to use annexed county land for a commercial, multi-residential and green space on Barnes Mill Road.

Part of the meeting consisted of members of the community speaking in favor of the project and against it.

Debbie Vescio, a resident of Richmond, said, “But what we do not support, do not support, is the development of areas that do not have infrastructure to support what is being proposed.”

“We would really appreciate, you know, something of this space, of this stature so that people can come together and younger generations can move in and start to thrive and, you know, coexist in a community like this,” shared Avery Brown, another Richmond resident.

Before tonight’s meeting, a number of people wrote letters and posted on social media their concerns, saying the project could bring more traffic, flooding and less green space. Some say they fear the development could also become a replica of the Lexington-based shopping center, The Summit.