This week at NKY government meetings, Covington will weigh a $6 million police technology deal for license plate readers, AI and drones.
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?
Covington mulls two new workforce, senior housing developments
Covington commissioners will vote next week on selling city-owned property for two proposed affordable housing developments that could add 110 units to the city. Columbus-based Spire Development plans a 50-unit senior housing project on vacant land along Western Avenue in Lewisburg, while A.M. Titan and the Brighton Center are proposing a 60-unit workforce housing development at 609 Patton St. in Austinburg. Both sales are contingent on the developers securing low-income housing tax credits, with Spire seeking about $10 million toward its estimated $13.67 million project and the Patton Street developers seeking $10.5 million toward an estimated $23.3 million project. The developments would serve households earning up to 80% of the area median income, with the Patton Street project targeting households earning between 30% and 80%. Commissioners also raised questions about prioritizing Covington residents, involving surrounding neighborhoods and enforcing construction timelines. Both property sales were placed on next week’s consent agenda and are expected to pass.
Read more about the housing development here.
Kroger’s Richwood superstore plan hits roadblock over traffic concerns
Kroger’s plans for a $40 million Richwood Pointe development near the recently opened Richwood Publix hit a setback after the Boone County Planning Commission’s Zone Change subcommittee unanimously recommended denying the company’s rezoning request. Kroger wants to rezone about 20 acres at Frogtown Connector Road and Paddock Drive to build a 99,000-square-foot Marketplace grocery store, a 7,565-square-foot wine and spirits store, a fuel center and a 51,840-square-foot retail and restaurant building. Committee members raised concerns about traffic and semi-truck noise associated with a proposed access point on Paddock Drive near a residential neighborhood, despite Kroger representatives citing a traffic study that found the connection acceptable. The request will next go before the full Boone County Planning Commission at its Sept. 2 business meeting.
Read more about the traffic concerns here.
Kentucky law change could add years, costs to Newport’s long-delayed U.S. 27 project
A change in Kentucky law could delay Newport’s long-planned U.S. 27 and Carothers Road improvement project by another two years, pushing a project officials hoped to bid in early 2027 to potentially 2029. City officials said House Bill 542 eliminated a process that had streamlined temporary construction easements for federally funded transportation projects, meaning affected properties may now require additional appraisals that could take 18 to 24 months and significantly increase costs. The change affects projects statewide and was described by Newport officials as an unintended consequence of the legislation, prompting the city to contact lawmakers and OKI about restoring the previous provision. The latest setback follows years of delays and rising construction costs for the traffic and pedestrian safety project, leading officials to consider scaling back portions of the work, although Assistant City Manager Brian Steffen said the city remains committed to completing it.
Read more about the law change and project delay here.
Covington weighs $6M police tech deal for license plate readers, AI and drone
Covington commissioners will vote this week on a new 10-year, roughly $6 million contract with police technology company Axon Enterprise that would provide the police department with body cameras, tasers, mobile license plate readers, a drone and AI-powered software for reports and other administrative work. Police Chief Justin Wietholter said the city has used cruiser-mounted license plate readers for about a decade and distinguished them from the fixed roadside ALPR networks that have recently drawn public scrutiny, noting that Covington’s cameras collect plates only as cruisers patrol and that the department controls the resulting data. Under Kentucky law, captured ALPR data is generally stored for 90 days, and Wietholter said information can only be shared for legitimate investigative purposes with department approval. The contract, which would replace the city’s current five-year Axon agreement expiring Sept. 30, was placed on the commission’s consent agenda and is expected to pass.
Read more about the deal here.
Fire chief on Elsmere bridge: ‘We’re one call away from having something bad happen.’
Elsmere officials say there is still no timeline for repairs to the Norfolk Southern-owned Garvey Avenue Bridge, whose weight limit was reduced from 27 tons to 13 tons in July, preventing the city’s fire trucks from using it and raising concerns about delayed emergency response. Fire Chief Paul LaFontaine told the city council that Elsmere’s two fire trucks each weigh about 23 tons without water, forcing crews to take alternate routes that could add response time depending on traffic, railroad crossings and other conditions. Public Works Director Chris Zerhusen said recent severe weather has caused Norfolk Southern to reallocate resources, leaving the repair schedule uncertain, while the city has no direct control over the bridge’s maintenance. LaFontaine said the situation remains a serious public safety concern, warning that the city is “one call away from having something bad happen.”
Read more about the bridge here.
Alexandria planning commission advances 43-home Grandview development
The Alexandria Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a revised preliminary plat for D.R. Horton’s proposed 43-home subdivision at 1671 Grandview Road after more than three hours of discussion about hillside stability, groundwater and stormwater. Residents and representatives from the Hillside Trust questioned whether existing geotechnical studies adequately account for substantial grading, tree removal and areas where nearly 40 feet of fill could be placed, while project engineers said properly compacted engineered fill can safely support development and that additional analysis will occur during final engineering. Commissioners approved the plat with seven conditions, including additional testing showing a minimum slope stability factor of safety of 1.5, compaction reports for roads and home sites built on fill, and potential engineered foundations. The approval does not allow grading to begin, and D.R. Horton must still submit final construction plans and obtain required permits before work can start.
Read more about the Grandview development here.
Newport considers Mansion Hill Park playground upgrade
Newport is planning new playground equipment and broader improvements at Mansion Hill Park as part of an effort to upgrade and create a more consistent look across the city’s parks. The city commission held a first reading on an up-to-$88,796 purchase from DWA Recreation to replace roughly 25-year-old playground equipment that was removed after parts began breaking; a $48,462 matching grant will offset the city’s cost. The new playground would feature separate structures for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12, while the existing swing structure would be refurbished, and officials are considering a poured rubber surface instead of engineered wood fiber. The city is also evaluating fencing, landscaping, grass, hardscape and shelter improvements at Mansion Hill while working toward consistent branding throughout Newport’s 12 parks. A second reading on the playground purchase is expected in September, with officials hoping to install the equipment before winter.
Read more about the playground upgrades here.
Port Authority considers beefing up OneNKY Center’s security
The Northern Kentucky Port Authority is considering tightening security at Covington’s OneNKY Center by keeping its front entrance locked and staffing the lobby with a security professional who could admit visitors and deliveries. The Port Authority Board unanimously voted to seek proposals from security contractors because the anticipated cost could exceed $50,000, although no final decision has been made. The discussion comes as MeetNKY plans to discontinue staffing the building’s front desk, though officials said that decision was unrelated to security concerns. Board members discussed balancing safety with the OneNKY Center’s role as a community-focused building, including whether a concierge-style employee could be an alternative. Port Authority staff will meet with the building’s tenants next week before determining how to proceed and how the security costs would be shared.
Read more about the OneNKY Center here.
Union considers code of conduct for elected officials
Union officials are considering adopting a code of conduct for elected officials covering professionalism, behavior and dress during city meetings and other official activities. Mayor Larry Solomon said potential standards could include arriving on time, treating fellow officials, employees and residents with civility, representing the city professionally and wearing business-casual attire rather than T-shirts, tank tops or shorts. Solomon also suggested provisions addressing serious legal trouble involving elected officials, potentially including penalties or censure, although the commission is still developing the proposal. Commissioner John Mefford initially raised the idea in July, arguing that Union’s growth warrants a more professional image from its elected representatives. No action was taken Monday, and commissioners plan to continue discussing the proposal before potentially adopting it as a municipal order.
Read more about the code of conduct here.
I-471’s Park Avenue exit in Newport is getting a redesign. Here’s what will change
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans safety improvements to Newport’s I-471 southbound exit at Park Avenue after a study identified speeding, illegal U-turns and pedestrian safety concerns in an area that recorded 82 crashes from 2019 through 2023. The project will extend an existing barrier to separate interstate traffic from northbound Park Avenue traffic, add signage and pavement markings, install curb extensions and marked pedestrian crossings with a flashing beacon, and include a low-profile speed hump that Newport officials said could be the first on a Kentucky interstate exit. About 10,800 vehicles use the area daily, with average speeds of 32 mph despite a 25 mph limit. The project is expected to be bid in October, with construction beginning in spring 2027 and finishing by summer.
Read more about the exit changes here.
New e-bike ordinance raises concern for lack of helmets in Fort Thomas
Fort Thomas City Council held a first reading of a proposed ordinance regulating e-bikes, electric scooters and other mobility devices, with much of the discussion focused on whether minors should be required to wear helmets. The proposal would generally require motorized devices to follow roadway rules, restrict sidewalk riding except on residential streets, establish “walk your bike” zones in central business districts and require lights or reflective equipment at night, with violations potentially resulting in warnings and fines of up to $100. Some residents urged the city to add a helmet requirement for minors, while Police Chief Casey Kilgore favored education and community safety efforts rather than requiring officers to enforce helmet use. Council members said the ordinance could be revised before its second reading on Sept. 21.
Read more about the new ordinance here.
Fort Mitchell ends use of Flock cameras, terminates contract
Fort Mitchell is ending its use of Flock Safety automated license plate readers after residents and council members raised concerns about surveillance, data security and privacy. The city purchased five Flock cameras for $34,000 under a two-year contract in 2024, with Mayor Greg Pohlgeers initially supporting the technology as a way for the city’s small police department to enhance investigations. However, following growing public opposition and a packed council meeting Monday, Pohlgeers said maintaining residents’ trust outweighed the benefits of the technology. The city will immediately begin shutting down and removing the five cameras and will not renew its contract with Flock Safety.
Read more about the terminated contract here.
Universal opposition to Flock cameras expressed at Independence meeting
Independence residents packed a special meeting Monday to oppose the city’s use of Flock Safety automatic license plate readers, with no residents who spoke expressing support for the technology. Independence has used Flock cameras since 2023 and currently operates 17 devices, which Police Chief Brian Ferayorni and Mayor Chris Reinersman defended as useful investigative tools that have helped in cases involving missing and endangered people. Residents, however, raised concerns about mass surveillance, data security, potential future misuse and possible Fourth Amendment implications, despite no reported cases of misuse by Independence police. Council members Tom Brinker, Carol Franzen and Greg Steffen said they oppose continuing the cameras, while Chris Vogelpohl and Brian Fehler stopped short of taking a position. No official action was taken, but council members indicated a decision on the city’s future use of the technology could come at a later meeting.
Read more about the Flock discussion here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Cold Spring City Council meeting: Monday, Aug. 24
The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at 5694 E. Alexandria Pike.
The agenda can be found here.
Crescent Springs City Council meeting: Monday, Aug. 24
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 739 Buttermilk Pike.
The agenda can be found here.
Park Hills City Council meeting: Monday, Aug. 24
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 106 Amsterdam Road.
The agenda can be found here.
Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 25
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 1840 Simon Kenton Way.
The agenda can be found here.
Covington Commission meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 25
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.
What you need to know: Covington commissioners will vote this week on a new 10-year, roughly $6 million contract with police technology company Axon Enterprise that would provide the police department with body cameras, tasers, mobile license plate readers, a drone and AI-powered software for reports and other administrative work.
Read more about the deal here.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council business meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 25
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here.
Newport Board of Education meeting: Wednesday, Aug. 26
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 30 West 8th St.
The agenda can be found here.
Ludlow City Council meeting: Thursday, Aug. 27
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 51 Elm St.
