By Rachel Adams-Heard and Samantha Yates
Lexington’s Planning Commission recommended approval Thursday night of a housing plan that would require Washington and Lee University juniors to live on campus. The commission voted 6-0, with one abstention, to recommend that City Council approve modifications to the university’s master plan. Housing for about 300 students and an indoor swimming facility are part of the project, to be built near West Denny Circle and Nelson Street. City Planning Director Terry Harrington said Commission Member Albert Carr abstained from voting to avoid a conflict of interest as a member of the Washington and Lee law faculty. City Council members had earlier expressed concerns about additional traffic the new housing might generate. But Harrington said there was little discussion Thursday night, and the commission did not attach any conditions to the university’s plan. The planning commission’s recommendation for approval goes forward to City Council on Nov. 20. Meanwhile, Rockbridge County supervisors will consider the same plan on Monday. The county’s planning commission has already recommended that it be approved.