Planning Commission - 2026-04-23
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Louisville Metro Planning Commission approved a rezoning of 1901 Rear Payne Street from M2 industrial to CM commercial manufacturing following a November 2024 explosion at the site, with a 8-1 vote recommending Metro Council also explore rezoning adjacent M2 properties. The commission also approved a major retail development at Preston Highway and Maple Spring Drive featuring a 129,000 sq ft retail building, 58,700 sq ft grocery store, and Jaggers restaurant, requiring $700,000-$1,000,000 in traffic improvements including a new signal. A scrap metal processing facility was approved at 258 Eiler Avenue with conditions limiting operations and vehicle storage.
Key Decisions (12)
Rezoning at 1901 Rear Payne Street from M2 to CM
Area-wide rezoning of 3.1-acre former industrial site from M2 industrial to CM commercial manufacturing following November 2024 explosion. Site previously used for manufacturing since 1940s. Metro Council Resolution 121 Series 2025 initiated the rezoning. Vote was 8-1 with Commissioner Lanner opposed.
Binding Element Citation at 6405 Chisholm Road
Citation upheld against DJN LLC for expired landscape plan and operating auto repair without approved development plan. Property recently purchased by Barbara Aguirre who was unaware of compliance requirements. Fine zeroed out due to change in ownership.
Binding Element Citation at 5323 Newcutt Road
Citation upheld for property not constructed per approved development plan from 2023 R4 to R5A rezoning. Parking lot, entrance improvements, and sidewalks not completed. Property owner Joe Worth purchased in March 2024 and claims he was unaware of requirements.
Binding Element Citation at 4826 Preston Highway
Citation upheld for auto sales property not in compliance with 2004 development plan. Parking does not comply with display locations shown on approved plan. Property purchased in November 2024.
Rezoning at 3827 Poplar Level Road from R5 to R6
Change in zoning from R5 residential to R6 residential for 0.22-acre property to convert existing single family structure to duplex with existing accessory dwelling unit becoming third unit. No new construction proposed. Applicants Mike and Nadine Brewer.
Waiver for 3827 Poplar Level Road landscape buffer
Waiver from LDC 10.2.4 to omit property perimeter landscape buffer area along Northwestern and Southeastern property lines adjacent to R5 zoning.
Preston Highway Retail Center Rezoning
Change in zoning from R4 single family residential to C2 commercial for approximately 19 acres at Maple Spring Drive and Preston Highway. Developer Stern Group proposing 129,000 sq ft retail building, 58,700 sq ft grocery store, and 3,500 sq ft Jaggers restaurant. $50 million private investment creating 350+ permanent jobs.
Preston Highway Form District Change
Change in form district from neighborhood to suburban marketplace corridor for Preston Highway retail development site.
Preston Highway Stream Buffer Variance
Variance from LDC 4.8.3.c to allow impervious areas to encroach into middle and outer zone of protected waterway buffer by 36 feet along Fish Pool Creek. Applicant providing additional buffer areas exceeding encroachment as offset.
Preston Highway Development Plan Waivers
Three waivers approved: reduced landscape buffer from 15 to 10 feet along Maple Spring Drive; waiver from clear windows/doors/entrance requirements on retail building facade facing Maple Spring; waiver from 60% animating features and 50% clear windows requirements on both retail buildings.
Scrap Metal Facility Rezoning at 258 Eiler Avenue
Change in zoning from EZ1 to M3 industrial for 4.8-acre site to allow scrap metal processing facility operated by Red Bull Recycling. Closest residential properties approximately 800+ feet away.
Scrap Metal Facility Conditional Use Permit
CUP for scrap metal processing facility at 258 Eiler Avenue. Facility will serve as transfer operation collecting scrap for shipment to Jeffersonville, Indiana facility. No crushers or shredders on site.
Zoning Changes (4)
1901 Rear Payne Street
Louisville Metro Council (area-wide rezoning)
3827 Poplar Level Road
Mike and Nadine Brewer
Various addresses on Maple Spring Drive and Preston Highway
Stern Group
258 Eiler Avenue
Hanna Investment Holdings LLC
Development Activity (4)
Preston Highway Retail Center
129,000 sq ft retail building, 58,700 sq ft grocery store, 3,500 sq ft Jaggers restaurant on approximately 19 acres. $50 million investment, 350+ permanent jobs, several hundred construction jobs.
Red Bull Recycling Scrap Metal Facility
Scrap metal transfer facility on 4.8 acres. Existing building to be repurposed, one building demolished, truck scales installed. Gravel surface with dust mitigation.
Poplar Level Road Duplex Conversion
Conversion of existing single family structure to duplex with existing accessory dwelling unit becoming third unit. 0.22 acres, no new construction.
1901 Rear Payne Street Redevelopment
3.1-acre former industrial site rezoned from M2 to CM following November 2024 explosion. Current owner reportedly relocating out of state. No development plan submitted yet.
Market Signals (5)
Commercial Demand
Stern Group's $50 million Preston Highway retail development with 129,000 sq ft retail and grocery store indicates strong demand for neighborhood-serving commercial in south Louisville corridor.
Housing Demand
Highgates Development apartment community approved near Preston Highway corridor has not yet been constructed, suggesting potential timing or financing considerations for multifamily in the area.
Infrastructure
KYTC requiring $700,000-$1,000,000 in traffic improvements including new signal at Maple Spring and Preston Highway as condition of retail development approval.
Sentiment
Clifton Community Council strongly supports rezoning of former industrial explosion site to allow mixed-use development, indicating neighborhood preference for transitioning industrial areas to less intensive uses.
Commercial Demand
Red Bull Recycling expanding scrap metal operations from Indiana into Louisville market with new transfer facility, indicating regional industrial demand.