This week in NKY local government meetings, Covington will discuss allowing golf carts on all non-state city roads; Kenton County Fiscal Court talks PILOT payment for a Covington apartment project.
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 meetings?
Upscale wedding venue proposed in Union
A Boone County-based company, the Northern Kentucky Development Alliance—led by Dale McPherson and Patrick Rector—plans to develop the upscale Allora Wedding and Event Center in Union, a 13,000-square-foot facility on an 18.8-acre site with luxury amenities such as multiple ballrooms, banquet halls, and a full-service Italianate Country Club finish, but local residents have raised concerns over potential noise, traffic, and septic issues; to move forward, the Alliance has requested a zoning change from Suburban Residential One to Suburban Residential One/Planned Development, and the proposal is currently under review by the Boone County Planning Commission.
Read more about the venue here.
Highland Heights recognizes public works director
The Highland Heights City Council honored Public Works Director Steve Lehman on Tuesday in celebration of Arbor Day for his outstanding service to the community. Over the past seven years, Lehman has helped plant more than 1,000 trees with the city’s tree board, earning him recognition from the Highland Heights Tree Commission, which annually dedicates the award to a deserving community member.
Read more about the public works director here.
Covington considers allowing golf carts on all city streets
The Covington City Commission is considering an amendment to expand the streets where golf carts and low-speed vehicles can operate, potentially allowing them on all non-state city roads. Proposed by Commissioner Tim Acri, the change would explicitly include golf carts and require insurance, safety equipment, and licensing. However, concerns were raised about enforcement, potential use on state routes, and whether the expansion is necessary. The commission will discuss possible amendments at their next meeting before a final vote on April 22.
Read more about the golf carts here.
Covington aims to replace equipment at 35th and Carlisle Park
The Covington City Commission reviewed a proposal to replace 30-year-old playground equipment at 35th and Carlisle Park in Latonia. The $120,000 contract with County Line Companies/Play Pros aims to complete the upgrades by June 6. The agreement was added to the consent agenda for next week’s legislative meeting, where it is expected to pass.
Read more about the playground equipment here.
$35M Kroger Marketplace moves forward in Alexandria – with conditions
Plans for a 122,912-square-foot Kroger Marketplace with a fuel center and wine and spirits shop are progressing in Alexandria, representing a $35 million investment. The Alexandria Planning and Zoning Commission approved the site plans 6-1 and unanimously approved necessary zone changes, though concerns remain about traffic flow, signage, and having only one entrance/exit. The project includes a double-lane pharmacy drive-thru, grocery departments, home goods, and 570 parking spaces, employing 350 people. Some residents oppose the development, citing overdevelopment and proximity to existing stores, while others argue Alexandria is growing and needs more retail options. The plans still require city council approval and a revised traffic study before final approval.
Read more about the Kroger proposal here.
Owen family members petition Elsmere council for virtual meetings
Elsmere City Council denied Councilmember Serena Owen’s request for virtual meeting attendance despite petitions from her family citing safety concerns and past accommodations for other members. Owen, who has sought remote participation since September 2024, fears attending due to unloaded weapons in council chambers. The council had previously removed her from her duties in March after rejecting her request in January, arguing virtual attendance would be difficult to implement. A public hearing on the matter will be scheduled, though the date is yet to be determined.
Read more about the family members petition here.
Amended Fischer Homes development clears planning commission
The Kenton County Planning Commission unanimously approved an amendment to a development plan from Fischer Homes that increases the number of single-family homes from 42 to 48 on a 17-acre parcel south of Bristow Road. Part of a broader 67-acre development approved in 2009, the updated plan reflects changes in housing trends, allowing for more medium-sized lots by adding six 50-foot lots and reducing one 60-foot lot. Although county staff supported the amendment, they noted uncertainty about whether the $300,000–$400,000 homes align with the county’s income goals. Some commissioners and residents raised concerns about the proposed 25-foot front setbacks, preferring consistency with neighboring 30-foot setbacks due to potential issues like vehicles overhanging sidewalks. Fischer Homes agreed to revise the plan to include the 30-foot setbacks, leading to its approval. The decision stands unless appealed within 21 days.
Read more about the development here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Edgewood City Council: Monday, April 7
The meeting starts at 6:30 a.m. at the Edgewood City Building at 385 Dudley Road.
The meeting agenda can be found here when it is published.
Newport Board of Commissioners caucus meeting: Monday, April 7
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 998 Monmouth St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Union City Commission: Monday, April 7
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 1843 Bristow Drive.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Wilder City Council: Monday, April 7
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 520 Licking Pike.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Independence City Council: Monday, April 7
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 5409 Madison Pike.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Boone County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, April 8
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 2950 Washington St.
The meeting agenda can be found here.
Kenton County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, April 8
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Kenton County Historic Courthouse, 5272 Madison Pike in Independence.
What you need to know: The Fiscal Court will discuss an agreement for payments in lieu of taxes, also known as PILOT Payments, for a 39-unit apartment adaptive reuse of a vacant industrial building located at 1564 Banklick St. in Covington by Orleans Development.
Read more about the 39-unit apartment project here.
The meeting agenda can be found here.
Covington Board of Commissioners: Tuesday, April 8
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St. in Covington.
What you need to know: Covington City Commission is considering amending its ordinance to allow golf carts on all city streets or, at least, expanding the current number of city roads on which residents could drive carts and other slow-moving vehicles. The idea was discussed at a recent caucus meeting. The commission will hold the official first reading of the ordinance on Tuesday.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council: Tuesday, April 8
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The meeting agenda can be found here.
Elsmere City Council: Tuesday, April 8
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 3921 Dixie Highway.
Dayton City Council: Tuesday, April 8
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 625 Second Ave.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Walton City Council: Tuesday, April 8
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 40 North Main St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Taylor Mill City Commission: Wednesday, April 9
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 5225 Taylor Mill Road.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Ludlow City Council: Thursday, April 10
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 51 Elm St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
