UPDATE: South Kenton County residents are voicing strong opposition to a proposed industrial development initiative during a heated meeting of the Kenton County Fiscal Court on July 22, 2025. Despite reassurances from county officials and industry leaders, locals packed the chambers in Covington, expressing their fears that the initiative threatens farmland and local identity.
Residents, including outspoken critic Rhonda Shank, argue that the initiative is less about community readiness and more about generating revenue through the destruction of vital agricultural land. “It’s about paving over farmland that feeds us, sustains local families, and protects our water,” Shank stated emphatically.
The Site Readiness Initiative, a collaboration between the Kenton County Fiscal Court, the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, and county planning services, aims to identify land suitable for industrial development. However, many residents feel the project is being rushed without sufficient community input. The initiative identifies two primary focus areas near I-71/75, with a total of 2,180 acres available for potential development.
Despite the initiative being in its early stages, public backlash has been mounting since it was first introduced. In March, the county announced a pause on one focus area and a reduction in the size of another, but the community remains unconvinced. Local fears escalated after nearly 3,000 signatures were gathered on a petition opposing the initiative.
Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann reiterated during the meeting that “doing nothing is not an option.” He emphasized the ongoing infrastructure issues, stating, “Roads are congested; warehouses are being built. We cannot ignore these facts.” This message, however, did little to pacify critics who feel the plan prioritizes development over community needs.
The meeting featured presentations from industry officials, including Lee Crume, CEO of BE NKY, who supported the initiative as a means of economic growth. Crume argued that modern manufacturing does not resemble the past, insisting that no proposals for traditional smokestack industries have been presented in years. Yet, many residents remain skeptical, questioning the actual job creation potential amid increasing automation in manufacturing.
As the public comments section unfolded, frustration grew among attendees. Critics characterized the official presentations as mere performances, with some accusing officials of being puppets for developers. “Amazon now employs as many robots as people,” said resident Dan Barnes, highlighting concerns about the future of jobs in an automated manufacturing landscape.
Commissioner Jon Draud assured attendees that the timeline for any development would span an estimated eight to ten years, and he would never support using eminent domain for industrial expansion. Meanwhile, Commissioner Beth Sewell encouraged residents to continue voicing their concerns.
As emotions ran high, Knochelmann concluded the meeting by inviting further dialogue, stating, “We’re always open for a phone call. We’ve got lots of them coming forward.” But with strong local resistance and organized petitions, the future of the Site Readiness Initiative hangs in the balance.
Residents of South Kenton County are calling for a comprehensive plan that respects their agricultural heritage and addresses infrastructure needs without jeopardizing their land. With the next fiscal court meeting approaching, the community’s response will be critical in shaping the future of their region. Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.