This week in NKY government meetings, Kenton County Planning and Development will discuss an industrial development with three buildings totaling about 1,112,000 square feet of floor area, streets and off-street parking lots in Independence.
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?
Drees Homes proposes 377-unit Union development, faces pushback from some residents
Drees Homes has proposed a 377-unit residential development in Union on 185 acres currently zoned for agriculture, seeking approval from the Boone County Planning Commission to rezone the land for suburban residential use. The plan includes 247 single-family homes, 130 townhomes and amenities like a pool, clubhouse, trails and preserved open space, with developers emphasizing a balance between growth and conservation. However, during a public hearing, several local residents expressed concerns about increased traffic, school overcrowding and safety issues, particularly near New Haven Elementary, highlighting community apprehension as the proposal moves to further review by the planning commission’s zoning committee.
Read more about the development proposal here.Â
Crescent Springs approves $120K extra for FD in tie-breaker vote
The Crescent Springs City Council approved an additional $120,000 for the Crescent Springs/Villa Hills Fire Department after a tense, divided meeting in which Mayor Mike Daugherty cast multiple tie-breaking votes. The funding request was driven by increased service demand, including a 13.6% rise in calls, higher operational costs and overtime expenses, though some council members opposed it over concerns about rising costs, transparency and the department’s hiring of full-time staff without prior council approval. Fire Chief Jeff Wendt defended the spending, arguing that adding full-time firefighters would reduce reliance on costly overtime, while legal disagreements over the department’s authority and contract obligations added to the conflict; ultimately, both the funding and a measure retroactively approving the hires passed with the mayor’s deciding vote.
Read more about the $120,000 approval for the fire department here.Â
Boone County selects Lawrence Construction for Camp Ernst–Longbranch roundabout project
Boone County has selected Lawrence Construction to build a new roundabout at Camp Ernst and Longbranch roads after the firm submitted the lowest of three bids at about $1.66 million, coming in under the engineer’s estimate. The project, partially funded by a regional grant, will require additional county funds and is scheduled to begin this summer during school break to minimize disruption, with completion expected by late November. The roundabout aims to improve safety and traffic flow at a busy intersection near Cooper High School and residential areas, addressing longstanding concerns that led officials to redesign the project from a traditional intersection to a roundabout.
Read more about the Camp Ernst–Longbranch roundabout project here.
Covington votes to fund ‘Green Dot’ violence bystander training
In a unanimous and somewhat unexpected decision, the Covington Board of Commissioners approved a $10,000 grant to the ION Center for Violence Prevention, following a last-minute motion by Vice Mayor Shannon Smith in recognition of Women’s History Month. Smith highlighted alarming statistics about domestic and sexual violence, emphasizing the need for continued support of prevention efforts. The funding will support the ION Center’s Green Dot program, which trains individuals and organizations to recognize and intervene in situations involving power-based violence, a program shown to reduce incidents of sexual violence. Despite not previously making the city’s funding priorities, the measure received strong support from all commissioners, who praised Smith’s advocacy and commitment to the issue.
Read more about the training here.Â
Newport approves expanded 342-unit development at former steel mill site
A long-vacant former industrial site in Newport is set to be redeveloped into a 342-unit residential community after the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved PLK Communities’ plan, which was expanded at the city’s request to address housing demand. The 17-acre project will feature a mix of apartments and townhomes with amenities like a clubhouse, pool, fitness center and dog park, targeting both young professionals and families, with rents for larger units estimated around $2,300–$2,500 per month. Supported by an Industrial Revenue Bond and a PILOT agreement expected to significantly boost local tax revenue, the development also includes environmental remediation of the former steel plant site, funding for tree planting and collaboration on pedestrian safety improvements along Route 9.
Read more about the development here.
$80M mixed-use development approved in Bellevue
Bellevue officials have approved an $80 million mixed-use development at Harbor Greene Drive and Berry Avenue, led by Neyer Properties and Uptown Rental Properties, featuring around 200 residential units, a 300-space parking garage and 8,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space. Set to break ground in late 2026 and finish by 2028, the project will redevelop city-owned land and a vacant building while enhancing infrastructure, walkability and riverfront access, including connections to the Riverfront Commons Trail. Designed to serve as a gateway into Bellevue, the development aims to blend housing, commercial activity and public spaces while taking advantage of views of the Ohio River.
Read more about the development here.Â
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Kenton County Planning and Development meeting: Monday, March 30
The meeting starts at 6:15 p.m. at 1840 Simon Kenton Way, Covington.
What you need to know: The commission will discuss an area of approximately 95.6 acres located in Independence on the south side of Mt. Zion Road between Robert Spegal Road to the east and Sigmon Lane to the west. The area is west of the intersection of Mt. Zion Road and Bristow Road. The property is proposed for an industrial development to include three buildings totaling approximately 1,112,000 square feet of floor area, streets, and off-street parking lots.
The agenda can be found here.Â
Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting: Tuesday, March 31
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 1840 Simon Kenton Way in Covington.
The agenda can be found here.Â
Campbell County Fiscal Court meeting: Wednesday, April 1
The meeting starts at 9 a.m. at 8352 E Main St. in Alexandria.
The agenda can be found here.Â
Fort Wright City Council meeting: Wednesday, April 1
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 409 Kyles Lane.
The agenda can be found here.Â
Southgate City Council public hearing: Wednesday, April 1
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 122 Electric Ave.
What you need to know: The city will accept citizen comments regarding the possible uses of Municipal Road Aid funds for Fiscal year 2026-2027.
Alexandria City Council meeting: Thursday, April 2
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 8236 West Main St.
The agenda can be found here.Â
Ludlow Special City Council meeting: Thursday, April 2
The meeting starts at 4 p.m. at 51 Elm St.
What you need to know: The council will hear a governance 101 presentation by the Kentucky League of Cities.
The agenda can be found here.Â
