Kenton County Residents Rally Against Industrial Expansion in Rural Areas

Residents in southern Kenton County gathered this week to strategize on how to resist the encroachment of industrial development into their rural communities. The meeting, held by the South Kenton County Citizens Group, explored options such as countywide petitions and conservation measures aimed at delaying or preventing industrial land acquisition.

At the heart of the discussion was the county’s Site Readiness Initiative, a collaborative effort by the Kenton County Fiscal Court, Northern Kentucky Port Authority, and Kenton County Planning and Development Services. This initiative seeks to identify land suitable for industrial development, sparking concern among residents who fear it could lead to significant changes in their community’s landscape.

Community Concerns and Opposition

During the meeting, resident Betsy Berry voiced a poignant question to Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann: “How many times do our communities have to say ‘no’ before you listen?” This sentiment reflects the growing frustration among residents who have consistently opposed industrial development plans.

The Site Readiness Initiative is still in its nascent stages, serving primarily as a framework for assessing potential industrial spaces in the county. However, residents are wary of its implications, particularly the focus on two areas in the southwest end of the county that offer access to key transport infrastructure, including I-71/75, the CSX railway, and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

Focus Areas Under Scrutiny

Focus Area 1, near the Boone County border, spans 2,180 acres with a potential building coverage of 22.38%. Meanwhile, Focus Area 2, located along the Boone and Grant County borders, is earmarked for long-term industrial development due to its strategic location.

Residents have expressed opposition to these plans on multiple occasions, including meetings with the fiscal court and the Kenton County Planning Commission.

Exploring Conservation as a Solution

The meeting also featured presentations from local conservation experts, including Matt Wooten from the Kenton County Conservation District and Nicole Clements from the Banklick Watershed Council. They discussed legal mechanisms like easements and agricultural districts that could protect land from industrial use.

Agricultural districts, established in 1982, were highlighted as a promising avenue. These districts prevent prime agricultural land from being converted for other uses and are not subject to city annexation, offering a potential buffer against industrial expansion.

Wooten noted that agricultural districts could provide “mitigations” against eminent domain, though legal consultation would be necessary to confirm their effectiveness.

Next Steps and Community Engagement

Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann, who attended the meeting, acknowledged the residents’ concerns, stating, “Everybody’s comments are always valuable.” He encouraged participation in the upcoming Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting on July 22, where further discussions on the initiative will take place.

The fiscal court meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Kenton County Government Center in Covington and will be broadcast online. Residents are urged to stay informed by signing up for email updates on the initiative.

The South Kenton County Citizens Group plans to reconvene on July 28 at the Honey Locust Farms event center in Morning View, continuing their efforts to safeguard their community’s rural character.

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