Fayette School Board explores agreement with private developer connected to former mayor

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) appears to be negotiating a significant agreement with a private apartment complex being developed by Scott Shapiro, the former Chief Innovation Officer for ex-Mayor Jim Gray. The project, known as Midland Station, is set to transform a key downtown area.

Details of the “Midland Station Pilot Agreement” were mysteriously pulled from the July 22 school board meeting agenda, raising transparency concerns. Board Chairman Tyler Murphy announced the item’s removal, which was initially planned for closed session discussion. Superintendent Demetrus Liggins clarified that it was tabled due to a lack of updates and would be revisited in a future planning meeting, according to the Herald-Leader.

UCD Midland LLC, co-managed by Shapiro and real estate developer Andrew Ganahl, has been actively developing the site into a prominent mixed-use facility. The development includes two five-story buildings with 260 apartments and a 2,000-square-foot retail space, significantly expanding from its original 180-unit plan. Construction is expected to commence in mid-2024, with completion by early 2027. The site at 276 Midland Avenue is the former location of the Lexington Cut Stone Marble & Tile Company.

The developers have already sold $1.85 million of a $21 million securities offering, as disclosed in their SEC Form D filing. Despite this financial progress, FCPS officials have remained tight-lipped about the potential public funding or resources involved in their agreement with the developers.

The lack of transparency has led to public speculation and demands for accountability. An open records request has been filed to uncover more details about the agreement and its implications for the community and FCPS resources.

This collaboration between FCPS and private developers highlights the growing trend of public-private partnerships in urban development, emphasizing the need for transparency and public engagement in such endeavors.