BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
UNION -- Consultants hired by the Boone County Planning Commission predict the new U.S. 42 bypass will be a catalyst for development.
To manage that development, consultants Myers Schmalenberger Meisner Inc. are proposing a land use plan that centers most commercial - retail development in a Town Center. The plan, which covers about 1,750 acres, also recommends clustering residential development to preserve open space and natural features.
"It's centered around the concept of creating a new town center at the intersections of proposed U.S. 42 and Mount Zion Road. Really, to make that town center happen, the idea is to localize any commercial activity. And there would not be any commercial uses between there and Union Village to the north, which is outside the study area," said Dave Geohegan, director of planning services for the planning commission.
"What the consultants have done is drawn up a plan, in our opinion, that creates a unique type of development -- different from anything else in Northern Kentucky. It adds value to this whole area. The people who are concerned about not being able to do whatever they want . . . will come out ahead anyway, if we stick with this plan," Mr. Geohegan said.
A number of property owners disagree, saying the plan is unfair and would place harsh restrictions on their property.
Tony Frohlich of Union said he and other property owners have met several times and discussed how the plan affects them.
"We oppose it vehemently. The plan is too restrictive. It discriminates against our properties when compared to how other properties in the county are treated under the zoning restrictions. We're trying to defend our property rights," Mr. Frohlich said.
Under the proposal, he said he wouldn't be able to rebuild his house the way he wants because of certain restrictions, including use of pre-1940s architecture. He also isn't happy with the idea of dedicating 20 percent of his property to park or green space, if he rebuilds. He's afraid developers wanting to buy his land "would not be interested in it because of the premium" the plan places on green space.
Mr. Frohlich said he plans to attend Monday's 7 p.m. public hearing on the plan. "Other large property owners within the affected areas have expressed viewpoints similar to mine," he said.
Union resident Robert Smith, 73, said he's steadfastly opposed to the new U.S. 42 because it will divide his farm, which has been in the family since 1852. And, he says, the proposed regulations would make it difficult to sell his property.
Mr. Geohegan argues there will be headaches if the plan isn't followed.
"You're going to have the same commercial sprawl and everything else that you've seen toward Florence on U.S. 42. We're trying to avoid that," he said.
"Some people like the plan, some people don't. The folks that like it, really are attracted to it because of the Town Center concept, and are really intrigued by doing something different," Mr. Geohegan said.
