By Patricia A. Scheyer
NKyTribune reporter
BOONE COUNTY
Boone County Commissioners listened to a presentation by Zoning Administrator Michael Schwartz Tuesday night for a 9-acre roughly U shaped piece of land in Corporex Park off of Mineola and bordered by Gap Way. Developers would like to build 190 units in four buildings on the 9 acres, each building being 4 stories tall. Planning and Zoning voted 6 to 6, so they did not give the project any recommendation.
Developers say there is demand for this type of housing. Another established housing unit is to the east and north of the site. Density for the proposed project will be 21.24 units per acre, a little more dense than their neighbors.
County Administrator Matthew Webster clarified that unless they take affirmative action on this project, the motion just dies because there is no recommendation, and nothing happens to the project, but they are still under a 90-day time limit.
Commissioners decided to move forward with findings of fact and a tentative first reading for the next meeting, with no promise of which way they will vote until they have examined the findings of fact for both sides.
A presentation was held for a zoning map amendment for a 2.1 acre tract of land in Walton across from Chambers Road for an 8,000 square foot plumbing office for a plumbing contractor who wants to move his business a short way from where he is now. The change is from Rural Suburban to Industrial 1. The first reading of an ordinance to that effect was read. Planning and Zoning voted 12-0 in favor of the change.
An attorney and representatives of Whitewash car wash attended the meeting to protest the first reading of an ordinance overturning a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning last meeting for a project to have a car wash on the old Frisch’s property on Route 18. The attorney said they were not notified when the legislation would be on the agenda, and felt that there was prejudice involved.
County Administrator Webster said that it was not their practice to notify people. It was on the agenda and it was presented as are all other projects, in a standard practice. Commissioners discussed the issue, and voted to affirm their overturning of the recommendation 3 to 0, with an abstention from Commissioner Chet Hand, who was on the fence on the issue.
A proclamation was read for the WAVE Foundation. Katie Campbell received the proclamation for the foundation which is dedicated to local waterways and strives to educate people to the importance of protecting waterways. WAVE Water Warrior Day will be June 8.
Another proclamation was read honoring the achievements of the Cooper High School cheerleaders for being National Champions as well as World Champions and dedicated May 26 to be their day in the county.
A presentation was given on the Conservation District. It is focused on protecting the natural resources of the county and the education of people and students about the resources. The Conservation District is asking the court for more funding.
COVINGTON
State Representative Stephanie Dietz came to the Covington Commission meeting Tuesday evening to give an update on the legislative session this year. She also read a part of a statement she made at the end of Black History month in February, praising Mayor Ron Washington for his leadership, saying that his leadership reflects the spirit of Black History Month. Washington, in turn, praised her for her leadership and advocacy for the city of Covington, saying that she stood up for Covington when it mattered most.
An order passed for a Memorandum of Agreement with Educate NKY Inc. for the program Read Ready Covington. Mayor Washington proclaimed May 26 as Mary Kay Connolly day in the city on her retirement, noting that she was the founder of Read Ready Covington, and praising her efforts to make reading fun for kids.
Another order passed initiating sending notices of delinquency to those whose accounts are delinquent in the city.
KENTON COUNTY
Kenton County Commissioners passed several resolutions, including one on the budget adjustments. There was also one on the agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the Road Aid fund, which is $560,038.05 for the county this year. This includes setting aside 3 percent for the Emergency Road Aid fund.
A couple of ordinances passed, including the first reading of the new budget, and the second reading of an ordinance that gives a credit of occupational license for employees of RA Jones.
Two memorandum of agreements passed in the consent agenda which allows for a School Resource Officer in the Latin School and a paid College officer at Gateway Community and Technical College.
A contract was approved for a manager at risk services for the new county park. Prus Construction had a representative, Michael Prus, at the meeting and he said they could possibly get the park done by 2028. Judge Executive Kris Knochelmann said they would probably have the groundbreaking this September.