Armstrong Mill Road West Neighborhood is comprised of several neighborhoods of diverse character with varying densities. Like many suburban neighborhoods of its era, the built environment has evolved around the exclusive use of automobiles with single-use development patterns. Despite being densely populated in areas, and surrounded by public spaces, it lacks availability of certain goods and services including healthy foods and neighborhood retail. Many residents look outside of the neighborhood for these services which creates issues of social equity and accessibility.

EHI proposed a combination of traditional elements of neighborhood planning and community asset-based development. Guiding principles involved concepts of accessibility and connectivity by linking areas through infrastructure improvements and social networking. Throughout the process, EHI conducted significant public outreach and engagement that led to sustainable plan elements and urban design to create safe, and walkable and bicycle friendly neighborhood.

The plan was adopted by the Lexington-Fayette County Planning Commission in April 2015. A challenge within the neighborhood included accessibility and mobility. As part of the implementation of plan goals, EHI proposed significant improvements to the Armstrong Mill Road corridor, a major neighborhood connector, to provide multi-modal linkages within and to areas directly outside of the neighborhood. Although neighborhood residents and stakeholders supported the improvements, there are significant costs associated with these improvements. Since the plan’s adoption, the Council District representative has advocated for its inclusion in the Transportation Improvement Program and to be a priority for the City as it dedicates funds for road improvement projects.