Richard Edwards

The commission reviewed several residential project proposals. Key actions included the approval of revised exterior plans for a new home construction at 11608 Hazelwood Road. The board also deliberated on the demolition and construction plans for 1661 Cold Spring Road, addressing neighbor concerns regarding driveway placement and zoning compliance. Additionally, the commission approved the demolition of a shed and guest house at 11602 Ridge Road, along with the proposed construction of a new two-car garage featuring a guest studio.

The meeting featured a presentation from the Anchorage Independent School Superintendent regarding school year celebrations and high school placement test scores. The council reviewed reports from the Treasurer, Police Department, and Historic Preservation Commission. Under new business, the council acknowledged the annual certification for the Bellewood & Brooklawn campus, noting its closure. Additionally, the Mayor provided reminders regarding the upcoming tax appeal deadline and a local PTA auction.

Key discussions included the review and revision of the January minutes, focusing on the Ridge Road Landscaping section. The Forester's Report detailed five tree removal permits issued in January, resulting in the removal of 18 trees, and noted two fines for construction permit violations. Project discussions covered planning for the Arbor Day & Tree Giveaway 2026, including speaker confirmation, tree orders, and revisions to planting instruction tags. The Board also reviewed the theme for the 2027 calendar, planned a meeting to finalize the Ridge Road Landscaping selections, and discussed the Tree City USA/Growth Award application process, with a volunteer taking the lead. The next newsletter article was outlined to cover the Arbor Day program.

Key discussions involved the nomination and unanimous election of a new Historic Preservation Commission Chairman (Clyde Ensor), Vice-Chairman (Bill Wilkinson), and Secretary (Mary Easterling). The committee approved the removal of a small wooden shed at 11703 Osage Road due to disrepair. Several Certificate of Appropriateness applications were reviewed with specific stipulations: the project at 1403 Walnut Lane required changes to porch detailing, including beam dropping and column finishing. The pergola project at 13100 N. Osage Road required adding two additional columns and specific trim/gutter matching. The addition for 11801 E Osage Road required adjustments to window sizing, cedar shingle flair matching the existing garage, and revisions to the breezeway columns. The committee also reviewed and approved the Kentucky Certified Local Government FY2025 Annual Report for submission. A procedural discussion occurred regarding future accountability for construction changes made without subsequent committee approval.

The meeting, rescheduled from January 5, 2026, included a review of the December minutes. Key discussions centered on the Forester Report, noting that two permits were issued in December for tree removal. For upcoming projects, the Board planned for the Arbor Day and Tree Giveaway on March 18, 2026, with efforts to secure a speaker on soil testing. Progress on hazardous tree removals was noted, and ideas for the 2027 calendar were discussed, potentially focusing on street signs or newly tagged park trees. A plan for Ridge Road Landscaping was initiated, involving price checking and securing a donation from the Anchorage Botanical Society. For the Tree City USA / Growth Award application, a new volunteer is needed, and the Board anticipates a visit from the Kentucky Division of Forestry Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator on March 2. The February newsletter will feature a save-the-date for Arbor Day.