Town Council Adopts Ambitious 'Vision Plan'

Lexington Town Council took the first step in charting a course for Lexington's future, adopting the town's first-ever long-range "vision plan."

Approving the ambitious plan, which aims to turn Lexington into the jewel that town leaders believe it can become, is the easy part. 

"This is a long-term plan; in many ways it's a wish list," Mayor Randy Halfacre said Monday night. For it to succeed, town leaders will need buy-in and cooperation from the public, the county government, business, and other stakeholders. 

And it will take money. A pricetag, and the various funding mechanisms that will be necessary to make the wish list a reality, have yet to be ironed out, as the plan is designed to proceed in phases over the next several years.

View the entire Vision Plan here.

Part of the plan is already in action. One is the new Lexington Square park under construction at the corner of Main Street and South Lake Drive downtown, next to the Judicial Center. The park is expected to be completed within weeks.

"The Square will be the epicenter of the community and will feature landscaping, water fountain features and the Lexington County Law Enforcement Memorial," the plan states.

A second project -- a roadway-corridor beautification project at the Sunset Boulevard/Interstate 20 interchange -- is now underway. That $600,000 project, largely funded by state and federal money and proceeds from such events as the upcoming Wine Walk, will be one of several "front porches" located at key entry points into the town to entice visitors and increase the town's aesthetic appeal.

A key component of the plan -- what Halfacre and other Council members believe is THE key -- will be the revitalization of downtown, particularly along Main Street. The idea is to turn what is primarily now a thoroughfare into a "destination," where people will desire to visit for shopping and entertainment.

Other key goals quoted in the plan:

Improve Traffic Flow: Implement transportation strategies that are innovative, progressive, provide options and enhance the quality of life; diminish traffic from being Lexington's story; work in concert with the county. 

Support and Encourage an Iconic Presence on Lake Murray: Support a multi-use development for residents and visitors that improves connectivity and access between the town and Lake Murray. 

Preserve and Celebrate the Origins of Lexington: Many feel as if the history of Lexington is slipping away. Work to preserve and celebrate the treasured history of Lexington through signage, tourism opportunities, design standards, community events and local businesses. 

Create a Welcoming Atmosphere with Beautiful, Landscaped "Front Porches:" Design and construct unique and beautiful "front porches" that welcome all to this historic town with landscaping that provides beauty and shade; install signage (I-20 interchanges, in town and throughout the county) that directs people to places in Lexington; work in concert with the county. 

Improve Pedestrian and Bike Access and Connectivity: Create a comprehensive trail system that connects people to venues in town and throughout the region (Lake Murray, Saluda Shoals Park, Three Rivers Greenway, Palmetto trail, etc.); work in concert with the county. 

Remain a Charming Small Town in the Face of Exponential Growth: Adopt planning districts throughout town with appropriate design and development standards that reflect the unique character and use/activity of each district; enforce/encourage authentic efforts that celebrate the spirit of Lexington; connect and enhance what's here. 

Provide for the Social and Recreational Needs of Residents: Meet the needs of all residents, but particularly youth and young professionals, beyond organized sports by encouraging more in-town opportunities for movies, entertainment, food, cultural activities, access to Lake Murray, social and passive recreation, etc. 

Respect the Unique Rural Character of Lexington: Institute rural development standards that are sustainable while encouraging continued economic activity; work in concert with the county.

"This plan is not only something that this Council will use … but future Councils and future staffs, to have a roadmap to continue making this place we call Lexington a better place," Halfacre said.

State Sen. Shane Massey (R-Edgefield), whose District 25 has been redrawn to include a significant portion of the town, gave the plan a thumbs up.

"I congratulate you," he told Council. "I really do applaud you for where you want to get and who you want to be."

Do you approve of the Vision Plan? Have your own vision of how to shape Lexington's future? Let us know in the comments.