A lot has been happening in the 4th Magisterial District since my last newsletter. The most current news is the proposed annexation by the City of Nicholasville of approximately 1100 acres located between Bluegrass Industrial Park and the Fayette County line. This includes all of the property fronting on U.S. 27 on the east side of the highway and approximately 500 acres on the north side of Ash Grove Road from Noland’s Drive to a point near Ash Grove Lane . A group of developers under the leadership of Mr. Jim Hughes are planning to build over 1600 residential housing units in the area. This is the largest annexation in the history of the City of Nicholasville . Debate has taken place regarding the pro’s and con’s of this annexation. The developers have indicated it will be a financial boom for the City of Nicholasville . They have offered an incentive to the city, which includes construction of a Fire Station, the donation of 15 acres of land to the Jessamine County School Board and $1500 dollars for each home built. Opponents have argued that the impact of high density residential development that far from the existing city limits should be carefully studied to determine what the true impact will be. This includes the ability of the city to provide services such as Police and Fire protection, and what the actual cost of those services will be. Others have taken the position that the financial burden on the city will be greater than the tax and incentive benefits promised by the developers. Their view is that ultimately the financial burden of this and other future residential developments will be placed upon the existing residents of the city through higher tax and utility rates. Another concern of many citizens is the effect of residential development on our school system and the potential need for higher taxes to pay for new schools. Some of these concerns may be valid. I have been informed by Jessamine # 1 Water District officials that they will have to construct a new water tower to meet increased water pressure, water storage and fire protection needs when this annexation and development is approved. Some of the cost of these improvements may be passed on to their customers by increased water rates. In the future, as the City of Nicholasville continues to expand their utility rates may also increase. . Another impact of this annexation proposal that is relatively unknown is the fate of about 100 families that are current residents of Noland’s Mobile Home Park . The developers are planning to purchase Mr. Noland’s property and replace the park with condominiums and site built homes. The developer indicated at a City Commission meeting on March 1 st that residents will be given notice to move some time this fall. A majority of these residents are retired elderly people on fixed incomes who cannot afford to move. Even though they own their own homes and have kept them well maintained, many of these cannot be relocated due to changes in zoning laws and building codes governing manufactured homes. This mobile home park was established over 35 years ago. Some of the current residents were original tenants. On March the 22 nd , I met with the developers to discuss the issue of relocation of Noland Estates residents. The developers set November 1st as the date for relocation. I had attended this meeting with hopes of negotiating more time for the residents to move; however, the developer said his construction plans prevented him from being able to do so. I also requested consideration by the developers to provide some financial assistance to the residents to help with relocation cost. The matter was discussed but no decision was made.

Other 4th District and County News : Progress is being made on the county’s effort to provide sewer service to the residents of Tates Creek Estates, and the Mobile Home Parks on Ash Grove Road including Lee Dean, Pine Circle , Cool Breeze, Young Drive and Barletts. Noland’s is included in the project but depending on annexation that may change. Preliminary engineering and design of the system has been done. Grants and other funding applications have been completed and submitted to the funding agencies. The acceptance by the Kentucky Dept. of Local Government for our Hud Grant application has been delayed due to an existing grant project in Wilmore. As soon as that project is 80 % complete they will accept the application and “hopefully”, after a review of our request, approve funding. I cannot give any further information as to actual construction until grants and other funding are approved. I will pass on any further news on the project as soon as I can.

Improvements continue to be made to the Valley View Ferry. The Ferry Authority recently completed construction of a retaining wall on the Madison County approach to the ferry which improved the turning radius for cars boarding or departing from the car barge. $144,000.00 of funding for this construction project was provided by a Federal Highway Works Administration Grant.

The 78 acre park at the Aquatic Center has been named the Riney B. Park. The park contains 3200 feet of original rail bed of the Riney B (R.N.I. & B.) Railroad. One of the plans for the park is to promote the history of the railroad and conversion of the rail bed into a walking trail. In addition to the Aquatic Center and walking trails, long range plans for the park include picnic shelters, a YMCA, a community center , an amphitheater and small lake.

At the Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park, a new Interpretative Center is nearing completion. The building located behind the White House will contain a museum, gift shop, administrative offices and meeting room. There are now over 5 miles of hiking trails at Camp Nelson If you enjoy walking, go to Camp Nelson and explore the beauty of the park. Walk the trails and learn the unique history of our county during the Civil War.

Jessamine County Fiscal Court purchased 11 acres of land adjacent to the City County Park last year from the Sergeant Greenleaf Company. A portion of that land is being leveled and developed into playing fields for Jessamine County Youth Soccer. Chain Link fencing at the City County Park has been replaced with plank fencing by the Parks and Recreation Dept. in an effort to improve the appearance of the park. Restoration of the Keene Lodge is nearing completion. It will be used as a community center for that area of the county. The park that is adjacent to the old lodge will be renovated by Parks and Recreation as soon as construction on the building is complete. Picnic shelters have been added to High Bridge Park . and work is beginning on converting one of the old buildings for a small museum and historical interpretation display.

County Wide Cleanup and Upcoming Events in Jessamine County
The County Wide Cleanup will be held the week of April 9-16. Residents are encouraged to take their trash and debris to the County Garage between 7:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. the week of cleanup. The County Garage is located at the Road Dept. beside the City County Park on Longview Drive . There will be no charge for disposal during that week. A fee will be charged for tires. Brush and storm debris can not be accepted due to a no burn order from State Government. County residents who are handicapped or unable to deliver items to the Road Dept. may call 885-5281 to arrange pickup. They have scheduled pickup of trash and debris in Tates Creek Estates on Thursday and Friday April 14 & 15. Pickups will also be made in other areas during cleanup week. Please have your items out prior to pickup times. For more information about the cleanup or other environmental programs call 881-4465. Nicholasville residents call Gary Goldey @ City Hall 885-1121.

Icthus Music Festival - Itchus Camp Grounds - April 21-24

Relay for Life - West Jessamine Middle School - May 20-21

Nicholasville Wine Festival - Downtown Nicholasville - May 14

400 Mile U.S. 68 Across Kentucky Sale Icthus Camp Ground June 2-5

Jessamine County Fair - Fairgrounds at City County Park - July 10-17

Civil War Heritage Sites Tour - Camp Nelson Heritage Park - July 22

Camp Nelson 5 k Cross Country Run - Camp Nelson Heritage Park- July 9

High Bridge Home Coming Festival - High Bridge Park - Aug. 19-21

J.D. Crowe Bluegrass Festival - Icthus Camp Ground - Sept. 1-3

Paul Sawyier Drama - High Bridge Park - Sept. 16-17

Camp Nelson Living History - Camp Nelson Heritage Park - Sept. 9-11

Historical Facts: Over the years I have received positive feedback on the Historical Facts of the 4th District that I put on the back of my campaign cards. This information has prompted questions about other historical events and places in our area. As a result of these inquiries I have decided to expand my newsletter to include a section that will be devoted to sites or persons that have influenced history in our section of the county. This edition will showcase the old house on the corner of Ash Grove Road and U.S. 27 known as Fairview .

Construction on Fairview was started about 1850 by Dr. Lewis Marshall, youngest brother of John Marshall, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The land where Fairview stands today was originally surveyed and claimed by Alexander McKee prior to the Revolutionary War. During the War McKee remained loyal to the British. As a result. he lost his land holdings in Jessamine County . Prior to and during the war he served as an Indian Agent of the British Army. McKee organized and led several Indian raids into Kentucky between 1780 and 1782 bringing fear and death to many of Kentucky ’s early settlers. His land became the property of Transylvania College . The land was sold later to Dr. Lewis Marshall’s family. Shortly after construction was started Dr. Marshall decided to build a home in Woodford County . The house and land was sold to W. T. Bryan, son of Daniel Boone Bryan, builder of Waveland. Mr. Bryan finished the house. Descendants of Mr. Bryan own and reside in the house today. During the Civil War the house was commandeered by Union Forces. The roof of the house was used as an observation point to observe possible troop movements in the area. During the Civil War enemy troops could be spotted from long distances by clouds of dust created by the movement of large numbers of men and horses, especially during dry weather.

As always do not hesitate to contact me regarding county issues or problems that I may be able to assist you with. My home phone number is 885-4285. My pager number is 275-2614. You can also contact me by e-mail @ g.w.dean@usa.net. My website address is www.georgewdean.com. The County Government is also on line with a website @ www.jessamineco.com.

George Dean for District 4 Magistrate
2340 Lexington Road, Nicholasville, KY 40356
E-mail: g.w.dean@usa.net
Riney-B print reproduced by permission of Howard Fain

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