This week in NKY government meetings, Union is considering changing the zoning of about 22 acres at 9944 Old Union Road that would allow a suburban housing development.
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 in NKY government last week?
Newport takes first step to preserve iconic Southgate-Thompson House
The Newport Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved the first step toward designating the more than 200-year-old Southgate-Thompson House as a local historic landmark, with final approval now requiring two readings by the Newport Board of Commissioners. Located at 24 E. Third St., the landmark has served many roles throughout its history, from the Southgate family home and birthplace of Thompson submachine gun inventor John Taliaferro Thompson to the longtime headquarters of the Knights of Columbus and, more recently, the iconic Thompson House music venue. Commissioners called it one of Newport’s most significant historic properties because of its architectural evolution, ties to the city’s founding and cultural impact, while supporters, including Southgate House Revival owner Morrella Raleigh, said preserving the building honors its legacy as a nationally recognized hub for live music and community gatherings.
Read more about the steps to preserve the Southgate-Thompson House here.
Covington looks to expand small business incentives in Latonia
Covington is poised to expand its small business incentive program to encourage investment around the historic Ritte’s Corner area in Latonia, where the city has made revitalization a priority. The proposal, expected to be approved by the Board of Commissioners next week, would increase the maximum forgivable facade improvement loan from $10,000 to $15,000 for eligible commercial properties along portions of KY-16, Southern Avenue and Decoursey Avenue. City officials said the higher incentive is intended to encourage property owners to renovate storefronts and fill vacant spaces, while all other small business incentives, including rent subsidies and historic sign restoration, will remain unchanged. The city has budgeted $150,000 for the program this fiscal year, enough to fund about 25 incentives.
Read more about the expansion of business incentives here.
Park Hills approves fund transfer for street stairs repair
The Park Hills City Council unanimously approved transferring $40,000 from the city’s general fund to its capital improvement fund to repair the public stairs connecting Alhambra Court and Amsterdam Road. Council members also discussed residents’ concerns about speeding on Park Drive, Arlington Road and Old State Road, particularly near Trolley Park where children and pedestrians frequently cross. Potential solutions included installing additional speed bumps, adding radar speed signs and placing empty police cruisers along Arlington Road as a deterrent, though no formal action was taken and the issue will likely be revisited at a future caucus meeting.
Read more about the fund transfer here.
Fort Mitchell discusses regulating e-bikes, e-scooters
Fort Mitchell officials said they are working on an ordinance to regulate e-bikes and e-scooters but have not established a timeline for adopting it. The discussion follows resident concerns about the growing use of battery-powered devices on sidewalks and complaints about safety, particularly involving faster e-bikes. Mayor Greg Pohlgeers said the city is considering banning Class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks but noted that Kentucky law generally treats e-bikes the same as traditional bicycles, limiting local regulation. City officials are reviewing recently adopted Indiana ordinances as a potential model while researching options for a local policy.
Read more about the possible regulations here.
Kenton County Fiscal Court votes to terminate animal services director, coordinator
The Kenton County Fiscal Court unanimously voted Tuesday to terminate Animal Services Director Kelly Sauer and Canine Behavior Coordinator Trevor Diaz Waggoner, while appointing Whitney Quint as interim animal services director. County commissioners did not publicly provide a reason for the personnel changes, which come about eight months after a pit bull died while in the care of a private caretaker following an animal control visit that had drawn public criticism of the shelter. However, officials have not linked Tuesday’s terminations to that incident, and no allegations against the shelter were substantiated.
Read more about the termination here.
Elsmere approves design contract for new public works building
The Elsmere City Council unanimously approved a design contract with SHP Architecture and Design and a proposed $6.4 million budget for a new 20,000-square-foot public works building at 717 Bedinger St. next to Woodside Park. The facility will consolidate the city’s public works offices, vehicles and equipment, which are currently split between two Ash Street locations, into one building with indoor vehicle storage, maintenance and wash bays, office space, locker rooms and a meeting room. City officials said the project will improve efficiency, better protect equipment from the elements and streamline daily operations as Elsmere continues to grow.
Read more about the contract here.
Boone County engineer retiring; public works director named interim replacement
Boone County Engineer Rob Franxman will retire July 31 after nearly six years in the role, prompting the Boone County Fiscal Court to appoint Public Works Director Tom Logan as interim county engineer until a permanent replacement is hired. Franxman, who joined the county in 2019 after nearly two decades with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, oversaw major infrastructure projects including the Rural Water 3.0 expansion, the Camp Ernst and Longbranch road roundabouts, the Graves Road/I-275 interchange and the county’s transportation plan update. County officials said Logan’s appointment is part of a long-term succession plan, citing his experience managing Boone County’s public works operations and his previous leadership roles in public infrastructure.
Read more about the interim replacement here.
Kenton County Fiscal Court holds off on license plate reader vote… again
Community members packed the Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting Tuesday to voice unanimous opposition to the proposed use of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) in unincorporated Kenton County, prompting officials to postpone a vote on the issue for a second time. County Police Chief Michael “Spike” Jones said the department wants to install six cameras, one at the county jail and five at park entrances, to help deter crime and protect children, while residents and local political candidates from across the political spectrum raised concerns about privacy, surveillance, constitutional rights and data security. Commissioners expressed mixed views, with several urging caution, and the fiscal court said it will revisit the proposal at a future meeting.
Read more about the license plate reader discussion here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Campbell County Board of Education meeting: Monday, July 20
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 51 Orchard Lane in Alexandria.
The agenda can be found here.
Newport City Commission meeting: Monday, July 20
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 998 Monmouth St.
The agenda can be found here.
Fort Thomas City Council meeting: Monday, July 20
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 130 N Ft Thomas Ave.
The agenda can be found here.
Union City Commission meeting: Monday, July 20
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 1843 Bristow Drive.
What you need to know: Union is considering changing about 22 acres at 9944 Old Union Road from mostly agricultural and low-density residential zoning to a zoning classification that would allow a suburban housing development, following a recommendation from the Boone County Planning Commission.
Drees Homes, in conjunction with Arlinghaus Builders, wants to build 135 residential units on a nearly 22-acre plot of land. To move forward, the developers have requested a rezoning of the property, which currently encompasses multiple zoning designations. The Union commission will do a first reading on the item.
Read more about the proposed development in Union here.
The agenda can be found here.
Highland Heights City Council meeting: Tuesday, July 21
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 176 Johns Hill Road.
Covington Commission meeting: Tuesday, July 21
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St. in Covington.
The agenda can be found here.
Erlanger City Council meeting: Tuesday, July 21
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 505 Commonwealth Ave.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council Caucus meeting: Tuesday, July 21
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here.
Ludlow City Council meeting: Thursday, July 23
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. 51 Elm St.
