This week, in NKY local government meetings, Cold Spring will hold a vote to allow for the Martha Layne Collins Kroger zone change and expansion, while Elsmere gears up for its public hearing next month for council member Serena Owen’s removal.
Keep reading to find out what happened in local government over the past week and what you need to know for this week.
What happened last week in government meetings?
Boone County debates zoning changes to address growing truck parking demands
Throughout April, the Boone County Fiscal Court has grappled with truck staging and parking challenges driven by the county’s booming logistics industry near I-75 and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Discussions began with a 2022 request by Chavez Properties to restripe its Fast Park & Relax lot for broader vehicle use, including trucks, which was denied because truck parking wasn’t permitted under the current zoning code. Chavez now faces needing both a special use permit and a rezoning from Commercial-3 to Industrial-1. Seeking more clarity, Chavez and his attorney urged updates to the zoning definition of commercial parking to include trucks. While officials are updating the comprehensive plan (expected to take a year), some commissioners, like Chet Hand and Jesse Brewer, favor fast-tracking a solution by creating a new zoning classification for truck parking, balancing the county’s need for more truck facilities with appropriate regulation.
Read more about the truck parking here.
Covington considers changing open records policies
Covington is considering amending its open records ordinance to align with Kentucky state law by requiring requesters to be Kentucky residents. The change, which had its first reading by the city commission on April 15, would define residents to include individuals living in Kentucky, businesses located or registered in the state, property owners, employees of Kentucky businesses, authorized agents, and news-gathering organizations. City Attorney Frank Schultz said the update is needed because about 41% of open records requests come from out-of-state, often from companies and data miners seeking free information, which burdens the city’s legal department. Media outlets, including those in nearby Cincinnati, would still be able to make requests if they follow the proper procedures. A second reading and final vote are scheduled for May 13.
Read more about the open records policies here.
Covington passes golf cart, slow moving vehicle ordinance
On April 22, Covington passed an ordinance allowing golf carts and other slow-moving vehicles to operate on city streets with 20-mile-per-hour or lower speed limits, excluding state routes. Drivers must meet all safety, licensing, and insurance requirements. The ordinance, first introduced in early April and later amended, permits these vehicles within boundaries north of 12th Street, stretching west to Devou Park and east to the Licking River. City Attorney Frank Schultz clarified the area and noted a minor error in the ordinance’s original heading.
Read more about the new golf cart rules here.
Residents call for safe, accessible closure of Riverfront Commons
The Covington City Commission unanimously voted to accept the Brent Spence Project’s commitment to minimize harm during the temporary closure of a portion of the Riverfront Commons trail for bridge construction. About 0.8 miles of the trail will close for approximately five years starting this summer, with a one-mile detour set up along city streets. Residents, especially from Botany Hills, voiced concerns about safety and accessibility, emphasizing that the trail is a vital connection for daily activities. The Botany Hills Neighborhood Association proposed additional safety measures, including a new crosswalk, though project leaders said such changes fall outside the current construction scope but expressed willingness to collaborate. Southbank Partners and city officials also pledged to work toward minimizing disruption during the extended closure.
Read more about the Riverfront Commons closure here.
Newport reconsiders bar IDs, extended hours licenses in push to modernize rules
Newport is working to modernize its alcohol-related regulations by proposing to replace the costly and time-consuming bar ID requirement with a simpler roster system and mandating STAR training for all employees handling alcohol. City leaders discussed eliminating the $45 bar ID, which burdens businesses, and instead requiring establishments to submit updated staff rosters while ensuring employees complete STAR training every three years. Additionally, Newport is considering expanding its extended-hours licenses, allowing more bars to stay open until 2:30 a.m. beyond Newport on the Levee, through a new five-member review board aimed at balancing business growth with public safety. While no formal votes were taken, city officials emphasized moving thoughtfully but pragmatically to support both businesses and community standards.
Read more about the bar IDs and extended hours licenses here.
Southgate plans ahead for repairs on Blossom Lane, Valley View Drive
An engineering report confirmed the need for major repairs on Blossom Lane and Valley View Drive in Southgate, prompting the city council to move forward with a phased plan that includes full reconstruction and curb repairs. The estimated $1 million project, with contingencies, will be funded through a $1.34 million bond over 20 years via the Kentucky League of Cities. However, construction must wait until the Northern Kentucky Water District completes its planned water main work, with street repairs expected to begin in phases starting in early 2026 and wrapping up by October.
Read more about the street repairs here.
Florence takes steps toward first medical cannabis facility
Florence is considering approving its first medical cannabis facility, Bluegrass Cannacare LLC, which has requested a zone map change for a former bank site at 6809 Burlington Pike. At a city caucus meeting on April 15, officials discussed how the proposed dispensary meets all city regulations, including distance requirements from schools, parks, churches, and other sensitive sites. The facility would operate under strict state and local rules, allowing only patients with medical marijuana ID cards to enter and limiting the number of customers to the number of employees, with minimal signage and limited hours. The city council will vote on the zoning change and conditional use permit at their next business meeting.
Read more about the facility here.
What’s happening this week in local government?
Crescent Springs City Council: Monday, April 28
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 739 Buttermilk Pike
The agenda can be found here.
Park Hills City Council: Monday, April 28
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 1106 Amsterdam Road.
The agenda can be found here.
Cold Spring City Council: Monday, April 28
The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at 5694 Alexandria Pike.
What you need to know: The council will hold a second reading for a zone change that would allow for the Martha Layne Collins Kroger expansion. Read more about the $35 million project here.
The meeting agenda can be found here.
Elsmere special city council meeting: Tuesday, April 29
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 3921 Dixie Highway
What you need to know: The city council will meet in a closed session with the purpose of, “Discussions or hearings which might lead to the appointment, discipline, or dismissal of an individual employee, member, or student without restricting that employee’s, member’s, or student’s right to a public hearing if requested.” The agenda also has an item for approval to hire an expert for a public hearing.
The city council is holding a public hearing on Tuesday, May 27, at 6:30 p.m. to remove council member Serena Owen from her duties in March due to her prolonged absence from meetings. She is afforded a public hearing over the decision. Read more about that decision here.
The agenda can be found here.
Kenton County Planning Commission: Thursday, May 1
The meeting starts at 6:15 p.m. at 1840 Simon Kenton Way.
The agenda can be found here when it is available.
Alexandria City Council: Thursday, May 1
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 8236 West Main St.
The agenda can be found here when it is available.
