This week, in government meetings, Covington will consider a zone change for a 39-unit apartment building, while Crescent Springs will discuss a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement navigator program.
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?
Mi Cozumel coming to Boone County
Boone County residents will soon welcome the first Kentucky location of Mi Cozumel, a popular Springdale, Ohio-based Mexican restaurant known for its vibrant margaritas and traditional Mexican cuisine. The restaurant will open at 7484 Turfway Road in Florence, occupying an 8,770-square-foot building with two outdoor patios and a design adapted to improve customer comfort. Approved by the Boone County Planning Commission, the project is set to launch by May, aiming to coincide with Cinco de Mayo.
Read more about the restaurant here.
Florence considers extended-stay hotel project
Florence may soon welcome a new extended-stay hotel, LivSmart Studios by Hilton, pending a zoning change discussed during the Jan. 21 Florence City Council caucus meeting. The proposed hotel, located at 5935-5945 Merchant St. near Kemba Credit Union, requires a shift from “Commercial 2 Planned Development” to “Office 2 Planned Development” to accommodate its planned four-story, 99-room design with a 97-space parking lot. The zoning change would address current restrictions on height and square footage, increasing allowable limits to 70 feet and 30,000 square feet. Nearby residents raised concerns about lighting, prompting the Boone County Planning Commission to recommend adjustments, such as limiting light placement and intensity and adding evergreen trees for screening. The council has yet to vote on the recommendation.
Read more about the hotel project here.
Newport adds Tesla Model Y to electric fleet, expanding beyond police use
Newport is expanding its electric vehicle fleet by adding a Tesla Model Y for its planning, development, and code departments, building on the success of Tesla Model 3s used in its police department since 2023. The Model Y, priced at over $48,000 minus a $7,500 subsidy, offers long-term savings due to lower maintenance costs and regenerative braking technology. City officials view this as a cost-effective alternative to traditional gasoline vehicles, despite higher upfront costs. Newport is also investing in charging infrastructure to support broader adoption of electric vehicles, including potential future use of the Model Y for police patrols. The city plans to proceed gradually, ensuring effectiveness before committing to a larger fleet.
Read more about electric vehicle efforts here.
Newport to develop five ‘income-aligned’ homes for purchase
Newport received a $994,818 federal grant through the Community Development Block Grant Program to build five income-aligned single-family homes on vacant lots across the city. These two-story, three-bedroom homes, priced at $190,000 with $20,000 in down payment assistance, are designed for middle-income buyers such as teachers and first responders. To qualify, buyers must meet income limits, complete a homebuyer education program and secure a mortgage. Restrictions ensure long-term ownership and compliance with city codes, with financial penalties for violations or resale within 10 years. Supported by local organizations, the project aims to address Newport’s housing shortage while fostering neighborhood revitalization and affordable homeownership opportunities.
Read more about the income-aligned housing opportunity.
Newport to launch community affairs role to bridge police, residents
The Newport Police Department is hiring Barry Shields, currently with the code department, as a community affairs specialist to strengthen relationships with residents and address community needs. The role focuses on outreach, identifying underserved individuals, and resolving issues like alcohol-related disturbances, working closely with the police social worker and Alcohol Beverage Control Administration. Shields brings experience from initiatives like the “Third Street Collaborative,” which improved safety and cooperation among local businesses. This position, implemented at minimal cost by reallocating roles, aims to proactively address problems before requiring police intervention and enhance community trust.
Read more about the new role here.
Union considers solutions to avoid more Election Day mishaps
Following reports of incorrect ballots during November’s general election, Union’s city commission passed a resolution urging the Boone County Board of Elections to redraw voting precincts so only city residents vote within Union’s boundaries. The errors occurred in precincts where voters from both inside and outside Union cast ballots at city polling sites. The issue stemmed from pre-printed ballots, with county residents’ ballots missing city-specific races and measures. Mayor Larry Solomon advocated for print-on-demand ballots to eliminate human error; a suggestion included in the resolution. While the resolution is non-binding, it signals the city’s desire for reforms to prevent future mistakes. Meanwhile, a legal challenge to the election is ongoing, with both sides set to present arguments by Jan. 27.
Read more about the efforts here.
Zone change approved for Mt. Zion Road Wendy’s
The Boone County Fiscal Court approved a zoning change for a 1.2-acre plot on Mt. Zion Road, reclassifying it from “Mobile Home Park” to “Commercial Four” to allow for the construction of a new Wendy’s restaurant. The 2,300-square-foot building will feature 29 parking spaces, including designated spots for ADA, delivery pickup, and mobile orders.
Read more about the Wendy’s here.
Boone County lends support to ‘President Donald J. Trump Highway’ resolution
Newly elected State Rep. T.J. Roberts of Burlington has introduced a resolution to rename a portion of Kentucky Route 18 in Boone County as “President Donald J. Trump Highway,” which has received unanimous support from the Boone County Fiscal Court. The resolution, which Roberts argues honors Trump’s accomplishments during his presidency, seeks to rename a stretch of the highway from mile 0 to mile 11.775. While the fiscal court supports the measure, they have no power to enact the change, as the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has jurisdiction. Some residents and groups, including the Boone County Democratic Party, have opposed the idea, citing concerns about naming infrastructure after a living individual, a break from local tradition.
Read more about the renaming here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Cold Spring City Council: Monday, Jan. 27
The meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. at 5694 E. Alexandria Pike.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Crescent Springs to discuss a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement navigator program
Crescent Springs City Council: Monday, Jan. 27
What you need to know: The Crescent Springs City Council will discuss an interlocal agreement with the Kenton County Fiscal Court and other cities within the county regarding the use of opioid abatement funds for the multi-jurisdictional law enforcement navigator program. The program is similar to a police social worker program.
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 739 Buttermilk Pike.
The agenda can be found here.
Park Hills City Council caucus meeting: Monday, Jan. 27
The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at 1106 Amsterdam Road.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Kenton County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, Jan. 28
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Kenton County Government Center located at
The meeting agenda can be found here when it is published.
Covington Commission to appoint members to the government transition committee, discuss 39-unit apartment complex
Covington Board of Commission: Tuesday, Jan. 28
What you need to know about the transition committee: The city of Covington has announced the members of a committee tasked with advising the city commission on transitioning from its current city manager form to a mayor-council, or strong mayor, system. The committee includes representatives from various city neighborhoods, such as Licking Riverside, West Latonia, and Latonia-Rosedale. The city commission will vote to confirm the appointments next week. The committee will be chaired by Washington, with City Manager Ken Smith and others serving in advisory roles. It will meet until May 1, 2026, gathering public input through surveys and forums as the city works to establish new ordinances for the government structure. Voters will elect the new council members in 2026.
Read more about the transition committee members here.
What you need to know about the apartment complex: A zoning change request to convert an old warehouse on Banklick Street in Covington’s Westside neighborhood into 39 apartments has been sent to the city commission for final approval. The property, previously part of a cordage manufacturer, is being developed by Orleans Development, which plans to create 39 units—one studio and 38 one-bedroom apartments. The proposal, which includes rents ranging from $1,150 to $1,495, was challenged by local resident Thurman Wenzl, who argued that the rent prices did not meet the community’s needs. Despite this, the Kenton County Planning Commission recommended approval, and Wenzl’s appeal brought the matter to the city commission.
The developers aim to revitalize the property, and the city commission has chosen to proceed without a public hearing, opting for a regular legislative process. Supporters of the project, including city staff and commissioners, see it as a much-needed addition to the city’s rental market, especially given the 2023 housing study showing a shortage of smaller rental properties. The project also aims to preserve the historic building, with plans to apply for National Register status and use historic tax credits.
Read more about the apartment complex here.
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at Covington City Hall located at 20 W Pike St.
Florence City Council: Tuesday, Jan. 28
The meeting will start at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Boulevard.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
