Residents had mixed opinions about the Union Landing development proposal at Monday night’s commission meeting, while officials took notes to prepare to make a final decision in December.
The public hearing addressed the zoning map amendment for the Robert E. Reeves estate, focusing on traffic, density and the area’s rural character. The proposal includes a 319-unit development at 2063 Hathaway Road.
Developer Paul Gallenstein and attorney Dan Taberki presented updated plans that reduce the project from 382 to 319 dwelling units, shifting away from apartments to condos and townhomes marketed toward empty nesters.
They emphasized preserved open space, walking trails, pickleball courts, a park and a plan to convert the historic Dr. Crouch House into a clubhouse, potentially.
A study of housing in Northern Kentucky has revealed troubling trends for housing in the region, with the largest need being for “workforce housing” for households earning between $15 and $25 per hour, with monthly housing costs between $500 and $1,500. The region needs about 3,000 more housing units to provide for people within that income range, according to the study. The demand for one- to two-bedroom rentals and owned properties consistently exceeds their supply, while supply for three and four-bedroom properties consistently exceeds demand. The study suggests that the region needs to build 6,650 housing units to support economic development in the next five years, which equates to 1,330 units per year. Read more here.
Understanding NKY’s housing shortage
Additionally, developers said the project would help address a regional shortage of smaller, more affordable homes, particularly for moderate-income residents such as teachers, nurses and police officers.
Resident Jim Reynolds said this is why he supports the project — he thinks the area needs more options for older adults who are downsizing.
“I’m for the development primarily because I think there’s a lack of that product,” Reynolds said, referring to the proposed 55-plus community.
Other residents were less supportive of the idea, expressing worries about density, the concurrent effect of multiple simultaneous developments, and whether the project aligns with the city’s long-term vision. Several referenced the Boone County Planning Commission’s unanimous recommendation to deny the proposal.
“The development isn’t in keeping with the area’s character and will diminish our home value,” said resident Stephanie Ross.
City officials emphasized that they will make the final decision at the Dec. 15 meeting, which gives them time to review the 17–18 written comments and all public testimony. Click here to see the calendar of upcoming Union meetings.