Louisville Conservation Subdivision Proposal Hits a Snag

A development controversy in Louisville centers on the definition of a conservation subdivision and an environmental threat in the form of an insect known as the emerald ash borer.

1 minute read

February 25, 2016, 1:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


James Bruggers reports on a controversy outside Louisville over logging in an area targeted for a conservation subdivision.

"Photographs taken Monday from an airplane show hundreds of logged trees near Floyds Fork on land where developers have been planning to seek approval for a "conservation" subdivision that emphasizes protection of natural areas," according to Bruggers.

Subsequently, city officials "determined that unapproved logging occurred in a zone that's designed to protect Floyds Fork" and ordered the logging to stop.

The area is a hot topic for local planners, after developers "submitted a preliminary application for zoning changes in mid-January on 135 acres of the 448-acre parcel slated for single-family homes. A design map identifies nearly 1,400 lots and an 18-acre commercial area."

The developers purchased the site last fall and entered into a logging contract shortly after. The article quotes developer's attorney saying that the loggers might have gone beyond a simple removal of dead or dying trees under attack by the emerald ash borer. There is also some speculation that the logging might be a threat to the approval fo the pending conservation subdivision.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016 in The Courier-Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

3 hours ago - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

4 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

5 hours ago - Cities Today