Over 100 people attended a meeting Tuesday, April 9 in the Jessamine County Courthouse, most opposed to a proposal that was passed 6-1. The approval sets aside 94 acres of land (larger than Fayette Mall's 86 acres, yet smaller than Hamburg's 148 acres) and could increase traffic on U.S. 27 by 22,000 vehicles daily, on a road that already averages approximately 37,000. This should make the drive on Nicholasville Road sweet come Christmastime. Bellerive Development Co. will develop the land for office and retail space, which will create an estimated1,700 jobs, estimated payroll of $38M and earn Jessamine County an estimated $1,452,955 in property tax.

Ace's own sports columnist, Kevin Faris, will be participating in the "Dizzy Bat" competition on Opening Night at the Lexington Legends this Thursday (April 11). As he relays it to us, he will spin around several times (possibly as many as 15), and then attempt to hit water balloons. Also, it is his birthday this week. We hope Ace readers will turn out to cheer Faris on in his quest for birthday glory, and for his undaunting willingness to accept any task that furthers his journalistic quests.

They're Back

Just when you thought you would starve to death: Farmers Market will open on Vine Street on Saturday, April 13. They are planning for lettuce, maybe some early asparagus, green onions, vegetable transplants, flower plants, and eucalyptus plants.

Arts & Activism

Join Alternate ROOTS for four and a half days of performances and discussions. Focus On Community Arts South (FOCAS) is the Intersection of Art and Activism, a gathering and conference. It will be held April 17-21 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel. Visit www.alternateroots.org/focas or call 1-888-871-9898.

Clean it Up

Volunteers are needed to help the Downtown Lexington Corporation with an afternoon clean-up of downtown Lexington on Friday, April 19, beginning at 12 noon. Lunch and t-shirts will be provided to the first 100 registered volunteers, and interested persons should meet at Cheapside Park at 12 noon. Participating DLC members can request to have the sidewalk in front of their businesses pressure washed any time that day. To volunteer and request sidewalk cleaning, please call the DLC office at 231-7335. Rain Date: Friday, April 26 at 12noon.