This week in NKY government meetings, Covington will officially join Read Ready Covington with the Educate NKY Read Ready network.
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?
New Italian restaurant to open in Union at the end of June
Bella Vita Ristorante, a new Italian restaurant founded by local residents Kevin Preston, John Daugherty, and Rob Trump, is set to open at the end of June in the former Farmstand Market and Cafe space on Old Union Road in Union. The owners say the project was inspired by a desire to bring more fine dining options to the area and create a welcoming local gathering spot. The restaurant will serve authentic Italian cuisine prepared by a local Italian chef and feature indoor dining, an outdoor patio, dinner service Wednesday through Saturday, and brunch on Sundays. Renovations are already underway, and community leaders have expressed strong support for the addition, noting residents’ desire for more dining options closer to home. Bella Vita is currently hiring as it prepares to open.
Read more about the new restaurant here.
Union Public Works director named as new city administrator
Paul Kremer, a 30-year Army veteran and current director of Union’s Public Works Department, was appointed as the city’s new administrator Monday night, succeeding retiring administrator Amy Safran after her five years in the role. Kremer, who joined the city in 2023, previously served as both a combat and construction engineer with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Pentagon. He said he is eager to continue overseeing Union’s many public projects and is focused on improving the city “a little better every single day” as a way of giving back to the community.
Read more about the new city administrator here.
Newport approves financing for 342-unit development at former steel mill site
Newport officials approved up to $100 million in industrial revenue bonds Monday to support PLK Communities’ planned 342-unit housing development at the long-vacant former steel mill site along Route 9. The bonds will help finance the acquisition, construction, and site improvements for the 17-acre project at 910 Lowell St., which city officials say is moving forward after years of inactivity and environmental cleanup efforts. Originally proposed as a 195-unit development, the project expanded at the city’s request to address housing shortages. While most city leaders praised the redevelopment and its potential to increase housing supply, Commissioner Ken Rechtin voted against the measure, citing concerns about density and walkability. As part of the agreement, PLK Communities will also contribute $150,000 toward Newport’s tree-planting efforts.
Read more about the financing here.
What’s happening in NKY government this week?
Monday, May 25 is Memorial Day and government offices are closed.
Crescent Springs City Council special meeting: Tuesday, May 26
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 739 Buttermilk Pike.
The agenda can be found here.
Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting: Tuesday, May 26
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 1840 Simon Kenton Way in Covington.
The agenda can be found here.
Covington Commission meeting: Tuesday, May 26
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.
What you need to know: The city will read a resolution in support of the further development of Read Ready Covington, via the Educate NKY Read Ready network.
Read more about the Read Ready network here.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council caucus meeting: Tuesday, May 26
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here.
Newport Board of Education meeting: Wednesday, May 27
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 30 W. 8th St.
The agenda can be found here.
Ludlow City Council caucus meeting: Thursday, May 28
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 51 Elm St.
