This week in NKY local government meetings, the Kenton County Planning Commission will discuss a Fischer Homes 48 single-family home proposal, and Covington will look at expanding golf cart use.
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 NKY government meetings?
$80M development proposed for Newport’s vacant steel mill site
A long-vacant steel mill site in Newport could be transformed into an $80 million development by PLK Communities, featuring 195 apartments, a commercial pickleball facility, and investments in tree planting and pedestrian safety. The 17.23-acre site along Route 9 at 910 Lowell Street requires $5.1 million in environmental remediation, including extensive soil replacement. The residential portion, estimated at $70 million, will include two- and three-bedroom units priced at 74-77% of the area median income, while the $10 million pickleball facility will be open to the public.
Read more about the development here.
Covington residents split on new government structure
At a public forum in Covington, residents debated whether the city’s upcoming shift to a mayor-council government should feature an at-large representation model or a hybrid system combining at-large and ward-based seats. While opinions were divided on representation structure, attendees unanimously opposed making council seats partisan, emphasizing that local governance should remain free from party politics. The forum, attended by about 15 people, was more engaging than an earlier one, and residents also submitted written feedback to the city’s government transition committee, which will continue deliberations through 2026.
Read more about the government transition here.
Boone County continues discussion on Hicks Pike, Chambers Road swap proposal
Boone County officials are considering a proposed road swap with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), exchanging control of Hicks Pike for Chambers Road (KY-2951). Hicks Pike, a 2.1-mile county road, connects Richwood Road and US-42, while Chambers Road, a 2.4-mile state-controlled road, links Richwood Road to Dixie Highway (US-25). The Boone County Fiscal Court, which will decide on the swap, discussed public concerns raised in a February forum, including safety, truck traffic, and construction impacts. KYTC has earmarked $60 million for Hicks Pike improvements, including roundabouts, turn lanes, and compliance with federal truck standards. County officials support the swap, arguing that state control would allow for faster, more efficient upgrades. While no legislative action was taken, the issue is set for an April 8 meeting, where officials will further evaluate the plan.
Read more about the road swap proposal here.
Fort Mitchell to begin fire hydrant testing
The Fort Mitchell Fire Department will begin its annual fire hydrant testing in April or May to check for clogs and malfunctions, ensuring hydrants provide adequate water flow and pressure for firefighting. Any issues found are reported to the Northern Kentucky Water District. While testing may cause temporary low water pressure or discoloration for nearby residents, the department aims to minimize disruptions, including avoiding traffic interference. Specific testing dates will be announced once coordinated with the water district.
Read more about the fire hydrant testing here.
Kenton County approves $26 million apartment project
Kenton County is moving forward with a $26 million apartment development, Bavarian Flats, next to the county’s administrative building in Covington. The project, a joint venture between Merus and Urban Sites, will feature approximately 125 units and be built atop a new parking garage at the Kenton County Government Center. The apartment complex aims to enhance the 12th Street gateway and revitalize the area, with rental pricing targeted at 80% to 120% of the area’s median income. The county is also constructing a 248-space parking garage to offset parking losses from the $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project. Funded in part by a $15 million state contribution, the garage is expected to be completed by October, with apartment construction beginning thereafter.
Read more about the apartment project here.
What’s next for South Kenton? County development debate continues
At a Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting, South Kenton residents voiced concerns over the county’s site readiness initiative (SRI), which aims to identify land for industrial development. While Focus Area 2 is paused and Focus Area 1 has been reduced to 900 acres, residents fear the loss of rural land, increased traffic, and environmental impacts. Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann stated that doing nothing is not an option, citing existing congestion and infrastructure challenges. Some residents urged the county to repurpose vacant buildings instead of developing green space.
Read more about the development debate here.
Florence to hold public hearing on solar panel zoning
The Florence City Council has scheduled an April 15 public hearing to gather input on proposed zoning text amendments regulating solar panels and battery storage facilities. While Boone County’s planning commission recommended general regulations, Florence tailored them to fit its urban environment, adding stricter guidelines on panel visibility, wiring concealment, and placement restrictions. The amendments allow rooftop solar in all zoning districts but prohibit large ground-mounted systems within city limits. Existing solar installations will be grandfathered in.
Read more about the public hearing here.
Two new hotels may be coming to Boone County
Athena Hospitality Group is seeking approval to develop two new hotels in Boone County, pending zoning changes from the planning commission and fiscal court. The first hotel, a four-story, 122-room development on Cavalier Drive in Florence, requires a zoning change from residential to office use and will be reviewed by the planning commission on April 2. The second, a Home2 Suites by Hilton with 109 rooms on Frogtown Connector Road, has already been deemed compatible with the area by the planning commission and awaits a final vote from the fiscal court.
Read more about the two hotels here.
Fort Mitchell dissolves economic development authority
Fort Mitchell plans to dissolve its Economic Development Authority, originally created in 2014 to oversee the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for the Kentucky Gateway Project. With the TIF agreement renegotiated, the authority is now obsolete, as project staff can communicate directly with city administration instead of through the committee. City Administrator Edwin King noted that the change streamlines operations, and since the authority has not met in years, it is no longer needed. Construction on the former Drawbridge Inn site began in late 2024.
Read more about the dissolution of the economic development authority here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government meetings?
Monday, March 31: no meetings
Highland Heights City Council: Tuesday, April 1
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 176 Johns Hill Road.
Covington to discuss expanding golf cart use in the city
Covington Board of Commissioners caucus meeting: Tuesday, April 1
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.
What you need to know: The Covington Code of Ordinances currently permits the operation of golf carts and other “low-speed vehicles” “between the borders of the Ohio River, Licking River, up to and including 12th Street/MLK Boulevard and Philadelphia Street.” The proposed amendment would expand the area of permitted use to all of the city of Covington. The conditions of such use would remain in place.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council: Tuesday, April 1
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Elsmere caucus meeting: Tuesday, April 1
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 3921 Dixie Highway.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Walton City Council Caucus: Tuesday, April 1
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 40 N. Main St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Erlanger City Council: Tuesday, April 1
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 505 Commonwealth Ave.
The agenda can be found here.
Campbell County Fiscal Court: Wednesday, April 2
The meeting starts at 9 a.m. at 8253 E. Main St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Fort Wright City Council: Wednesday, April 2
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 409 Kyles Lane.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Southgate City Council: Wednesday, April 2
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 122 Electric Ave.
Fischer Homes 48 single-family home proposal in unincorporated Kenton County
Kenton County Planning and Zoning: Thursday, April 3
The meeting starts at 6:15 p.m. at 1840 Simon Kenton Way.
What you need to know: The applicant, Fischer Homes, is proposing 48 single-family residential lots (approximately 2.8 dwelling units per net acre). The current zone allows attached and detached single-family residential development at approximately 4.8 dwelling units per net acre.
The development site is an area of approximately 17 acres located on the south side of Bristow Road between Greenbrook Drive to the west and Independence Road to the east, approximately 400 feet east of Greenbrook Drive in unincorporated Kenton County.
The preliminary agenda can be found here.
