Neighbors push back on proposed 199-unit apartment development in St. Matthews

ST. MATTHEWS, Ky. (WDRB) — Signs reading "SAY NO TO LDG" can be found in nearly every yard of the homes along Ridgeway Avenue in St. Matthews.

Residents are opposing what LDG Development is proposing: a 199-unit market-rate apartment complex on a vacant lot where Ridgeway Avenue meets Westport Road. Plans include four buildings, along with amenities such as a clubhouse, pool and dog park.

The project would be built on roughly 7.5 acres of land the company purchased for $750,000 in 2022.

"Gilmans Point," according to LDG's website, "offers a sophisticated lifestyle that balances luxury with a deep commitment to the local community."

But most of the local community is saying no.

"We knew that, at some point, probably, something was going to come onto that vacant lot but not something to that extreme," said Lisa Schrenger, who has lived in her home on Ridgeway Avenue for 37 years.

Schrenger, among others, argued the development doesn't fit with the neighborhood.

"Part of the plan is for there to be some buildings that are four stories tall," she said . "... They would be overlooking people's backyards."

Other neighbors said the size and scale of the project, along with potential traffic impacts, are among their biggest concerns.

"What they plan on putting there is going to be a nightmare," said Sandy Grant, who lives directly across the street from the lot where the apartments are being proposed.

Grant is one of many surrounding neighbors who worry about the impact to traffic. Many believe the area is already difficult to navigate due to local schools and Shelbyville Road traffic.

LDG has pushed back against those claims, however, citing a traffic study that revealed "a minimal impact to existing traffic, and current neighbors are not expected to notice additional traffic impact."

"There's already a lot of traffic here, especially during school time," Grant said. "There's plenty of times I couldn't even get out of the driveway in the morning to get to work."

The plans originally called for up to five-story buildings and access from both Westport Road and Ridgeway Avenue. Those plans were altered when LDG requested a zoning change in 2022 and heard concerns from the public.

"The first version of this plan, which elicited significant community feedback, was nearly 300 units," LDG said in a statement. "But, after hearing from the community, LDG decided to reduce the size of the development, increased the open space, and increased traffic and drainage improvements. The current plan complies with the zoning on the property, too, but at a lower density."

The property is currently zoned for commercial and multi-family use. LDG just needs approval for the development from the St. Matthews City Council.

Councilmembers will consider the proposal Tuesday.

"This is our home," said Charles Todd, who lives directly adjacent to the lot. "This is our lives. You know, this is something that, when (LDG) leaves, we're gonna have to deal with."

The public will be allowed to comment at Tuesday's meeting. It's happening at 7 p.m. at the Arterburn on 310 Ten Pin Lane.