LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A motion to approve the development of a 199-unit apartment complex in St. Matthews failed Tuesday evening at the neighborhood's city council meeting.

The denial followed a nearly hour-long, closed-door discussion about potential litigation tied to the proposal.

This comes after a weeks-long debate and community pushback, including an April 14 meeting where council members held hours of discussion before ultimately tabling the resolution.

The complex, called Gilmans Pointe, was proposed by developer LDG to be built on roughly 7.5 acres of land where Ridgeway Avenue meets Westport Road. Plans included four buildings, along with amenities such as a clubhouse, pool and dog park.

The proposal originally called for up to five buildings and access from both Westport Road and Ridgeway Avenue, but that was altered when LDG requested a zoning change in 2022 and heard concerns from the public.

Even with the changes, community members continued to oppose the development, arguing the complex didn't fit with the neighborhood, and that it would add to the already confusing traffic patterns in the area.

LDG pushed back against those claims, citing a traffic study that revealed "a minimal impact to existing traffic."

Steve Porter, counsel for neighbors opposed to the project, said at Tuesday's meeting that while development of the property is expected, many residents were hoping for a smaller-scale option.

"The property needs to be developed, no question about it,” Porter said. "I think the neighborhood would like to see possibly townhomes — a much smaller development, one and two-story. Not four stories. That type of thing. And I think the neighborhood would support that."

In a statement, LDF said it disagreed with the council’s decision and raised concerns about housing availability in the area.

"While we respect the council’s vote, we remain concerned about the ongoing lack of diverse, high-quality housing options in St. Matthews and throughout the area," the statement said. "While we have appreciated working with the City of St. Matthews, we do not feel that this decision is lawful."

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