State approves Lexington-UK land swap

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- A proposed land swap between the city of Lexington and the University of Kentucky has cleared a few hurdles this week as the state and the school’s board of trustees both gave it the okay.

UK officials say this land swap will benefit both the university and the city, by giving the city more land for economic development while at the same time giving the university control of nearby roads to increase safety in and around campus.

The proposed swap would give the city of Lexington around 250 acres of land in and around Coldstream Research Park which the city says it would use to lure more businesses to the area.

In exchange, the city would give the university control of several roads that snake through campus including Rose Street and Hilltop Avenue.

The school says this ownership would allow it to make the area safer for students, staff and all who travel through campus.

“People don’t always realize that the University of Kentucky sits almost right on top of downtown Lexington. We’re growing, the city’s growing. The ability to invest more in roads over a period of time, create a plan that makes roads safer, enhances roads, makes them more pedestrian friendly, that too, is a win for us and it’s a win for the city,” said Jay Blanton, spokesperson for the University of Kentucky.

Lexington mayor Jim Gray has already endorsed this land swap.

The Urban County Council is expected to put it up for consideration some time in January.