COVINGTON — As a 12th Street businessman and resident, Dillard Powell is upset that a planned reconstruction of the state route has put property owners like him in limbo for more than a decade.

        “The way things are now, I can't sell my property, and I'm not going to fix it up,” Mr. Powell said. “We've been here more than 10 years arguing about (the reconstruction of 12th Street). I think the improvements they've talked about are going to help the city. Let's just quit arguing and get them done.”

The view west from Russell Street of 12th Street in Covington is where fifty-seven homes and businesses on the south side are slated to be razed for the $13 million project. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

        Fifty-seven homes and businesses on the south side of 12th Street are slated to be razed for the $13 million project.

        However, others at a meeting Tuesday to discuss how to minimize the 12th Street project's impact on historic neighborhoods expressed concerns about that process.

        Covington City Commissioner Craig Bohman sought reassurances that the state will act fairly in choosing the 15 to 20 consulting parties — defined as individuals or groups with a legal, economic or preservation interest in the affected properties — who will suggest ways to minimize the project's damage to historic districts and historically significant properties within those districts.

        Jane H. Fiegel of the Kentucky Heritage Council said three groups — the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Federal Highway Administration and the state heritage council — will work as a team to ensure that the public's concerns are addressed, both in the selection of the consulting parties and in the ensuing historic mitigation process that should be completed by year's end.

CONSULTING PARTIES

Individuals or groups seeking to be chosen as consulting parties should have a demonstrated legal, economic or preservation interest in the affected properties.     Submit a written request to Sharon Laycock, environmental coordinator, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Department of Highways, District 6 offices, 421-423 Buttermilk Pike, P.O. Box 17130, Covington, KY 41017.     Describe your interest in the project and its effects on historic properties. State any legal and/or economic interest you have, as well as any affiliation with neighborhood groups or historic preservation societies. Include addresses and phone numbers.     Include: 12th Street (Ky. 1120) improvement study, Item No. 6-273.00. Letters must be postmarked no later than April 10.     Information: (859) 341-2700.

        Covington Commissioner J.T. Spence also asked how the state would respond if the consulting parties decided that most of the 57 homes and businesses slated for demolition had enough historical significance to justify moving them nearby.

        State and federal highway officials said regulations call for those overseeing the project to determine what's “reasonable,” when it comes to issues such as how many and which buildings should be moved, and their impact on the project's budget.

        “I can't give an exact number, but we wouldn't be moving all 57 buildings, or even 90 percent of them,” said Richard Guidi, a transportation engineering branch manager.

        Using the “significant but reasonable” criteria, Mr. Guidi said 12th Street buildings considered for relocation would have to be in good condition and almost certainly would have to be historic on their own merits, rather than as contributing elements to an historic district.

        Two years ago, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recommended widening 12th Street from two narrow lanes to a two-lane boulevard with a 44-foot-wide median between Interstate 75 and Scott Boulevard. Turn lanes would be added at major intersections.

        The project affects the Helentown, Seminary Square, Lee Holman and East Lewisburg Districts, which are on the National Register of Historic Places, or are eligible for listing on it.

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