This week in NKY government meetings, Union will give a Union Town Plan update.
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?
Here’s what’s next for Brass Ass, Brass Bull properties
The Newport Board of Commissioners approved a $3.8 million purchase of nine properties on and around the 600 block of Monmouth Street, including the Brass Ass, Brass Bull and Huddle’s Cafe, marking the beginning of a downtown redevelopment effort. City officials said the immediate focus will be securing and stabilizing the buildings before issuing a request for proposals from private developers as soon as possible, with public input and a redevelopment decision expected by the end of the year. The city said it does not intend to hold the properties long-term and hopes to recoup its investment through redevelopment, estimating it could cost about $250,000 if the buildings remain vacant. As part of the sale, the businesses will permanently close, the Brass Ass, Brass Bull and Huddle’s names will transfer to the buyer to prevent future use, and the city plans to preserve the Brass Ass’s iconic neon sign.
Read more about the deal here.
Covington celebrates retirement of longtime economic dev. director
The Covington Board of Commissioners honored longtime Economic Development Director Tom West during Tuesday’s meeting ahead of his Aug. 1 retirement, recognizing his more than eight years of leadership and lasting impact on the city. West, who joined the city in 2017 after serving as executive director of the Covington Business Council, helped lead major initiatives including the Central Riverfront Development, the city’s Neighborhood Development Code and the first speculative industrial project in decades. According to the city, his work helped generate more than $240 million in private investment and 5,000 new jobs. Commissioners and city staff praised West’s vision, enthusiasm and dedication to Covington, with City Manager Sharmili Reddy and elected officials saying his contributions will shape the city for years to come.
Read more about the economic development director’s retirement here.
Fort Thomas moves closer to prohibiting e-bikes on sidewalks
Fort Thomas is preparing to update its electric mobility ordinance to improve safety while preserving the use of e-bikes and e-scooters. At its July 20 committee meeting, council members discussed a draft ordinance that would prohibit all e-bikes from riding on sidewalks, requiring them to use streets instead, while still allowing one-person electric mobility devices such as e-scooters on sidewalks if riders yield to pedestrians. The proposal also includes clarifying rules for playgrounds, “walk your bike” zones and references to Kentucky bicycle equipment laws. Officials said the goal is to establish common-sense safety regulations — not ban the devices — as e-bike and e-scooter use continues to grow, particularly among students who rely on them to get to and from school.
Read more about the conversation on banning e-bikes from sidewalks here.
Union approves ordinance allowing city to suspend business licenses over unpaid taxes, fees
The Union City Commission unanimously approved an ordinance giving the city the authority to suspend, revoke or deny renewal of business licenses for businesses that fail to pay municipal financial obligations, including occupational and property taxes, franchise fees, code enforcement fines and other city charges. City officials said the measure is intended to strengthen revenue collection by allowing the city to withhold licenses until debts are resolved, while providing businesses with due process through written notice, payment plan options and the right to appeal. Commissioners and Mayor Larry Solomon voiced strong support for the ordinance, saying it reinforces that businesses must remain current on their obligations to keep their city-issued licenses.
Read more about the ordinance here.
Workout with a river view: Newport plans fitness equipment for Festival Park
Newport is moving forward with plans for an outdoor fitness area at Festival Park after the Board of Commissioners approved a first reading to purchase $154,000 in exercise equipment as part of the park’s $8.5 million redevelopment. City officials said the project is entering the Army Corps of Engineers permitting phase and that purchasing the equipment now will help avoid rising costs due to inflation. The fitness area, supported by a $60,000 UC Health grant and additional fundraising efforts, will include workout stations similar to those at Buena Vista Park and a flexible space for activities like yoga. Planned near the Purple People Bridge, the fitness area will complement other park upgrades, including a splash pad, playground, central plaza, multi-use path and landscaping.
Read more about the new fitness equipment here.
Union Collective food hall proposed for former IGA site in Boone County
A development team behind the Liberty Collective is proposing the Union Collective, a 20,000-square-foot food hall and entertainment venue in the former IGA building at 10134 Old Union Rd. The two-story concept would feature five food vendors, a bar, communal dining areas, large indoor and outdoor seating spaces and capacity for up to 450 people while creating about 100 jobs. Developers said the project is designed to encourage community gathering and plan to preserve surrounding trees while connecting the site to nearby sidewalks and trails. Union commissioners generally welcomed the proposal but raised questions about how it would differentiate itself from existing dining options, as well as concerns about traffic, drainage and infrastructure. Before moving forward, commissioners requested more information on prospective tenants, a traffic impact study after school resumes and additional stormwater management details.
Read more about the development here.
What’s happening in NKY government this week?
Cold Spring City Council meeting: Monday, July 27
The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at 5694 East Alexandria Pike.
The agenda can be found here.
Crescent Springs City Council meeting: Monday, July 27
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 739 Buttermilk Pike.
The agenda can be found here.
Park Hills City Council meeting: Monday, July 27
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 106 Amsterdam Road.
The agenda can be found here.
Union Special City Council meeting: Monday, July 27
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 1843 Bristow Dr.
What you need to know: This is for an open-house informational Union Town Plan update on the Drees Homes proposal for a 135-unit townhome and condo development.
Read more about the project here.
The agenda can be found here.
Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting: Tuesday, July 28
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 1840 Simon Kenton Way in Covington.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council meeting: Tuesday, July 28
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here.
