Kenton County Residents Rally Against Industrial Development Plan
UPDATE: South Kenton County residents are voicing strong opposition to a proposed manufacturing initiative, sparking urgent concerns at a fiscal court meeting in Covington on July 22, 2025. Despite reassurances from county officials, locals remain unconvinced about the impact of industrial development on their farmland and community identity.
Residents packed the Kenton County Fiscal Court chambers, expressing their fears that the initiative is less about readiness and more about commercial profit. “Let’s be honest, this initiative isn’t about readiness,” stated resident Rhonda Shank. “It’s about paving over farmland. Land that feeds us and preserves our history.”
The plan, known as the Site Readiness Initiative, is a collaborative effort involving the Kenton County Fiscal Court, Northern Kentucky Port Authority, and Kenton County Planning and Development Services. It aims to identify land suitable for industrial use, specifically targeting two areas in the southwest region of the county. Focus Area 1 spans 2,180 acres near the Boone County border, while Focus Area 2 is strategically located along US-25 and close to key freight infrastructure.
Residents have previously voiced their dissent during public meetings over the past few months, with opposition intensifying in March when the county announced a pause on Focus Area 2 due to public backlash. In a letter, Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann stated, “Doing nothing is not an option… Roads are congested; infrastructure is inadequate.” This statement has failed to alleviate residents’ concerns, many of whom fear that industrial growth will jeopardize their land and livelihoods.
Furthermore, an online petition against the Site Readiness Initiative has gained significant traction, amassing nearly 3,000 signatures as of last night. Attendees at the meeting expressed skepticism regarding claims that manufacturing would create additional jobs, with resident Dan Barnes highlighting the rise of automation in industries, stating, “Amazon now employs as many robots as people.”
During the meeting, officials presented the initiative as a necessary step for economic development, with Lee Crume, CEO of BE NKY, asserting that the initiative would allow for informed decision-making to elevate prosperity in Northern Kentucky. However, the residents remained skeptical, questioning the true benefits of industrial development.
As the public comment segment unfolded, it became clear that many attendees felt unheard. Criticism of the presentation style emerged, with some labeling it as a “performance” rather than an open dialogue.
“I am confident not a single person who came here tonight in opposition of the SRI project was swayed,”
remarked resident Heather Grothaus.
Kenton County officials responded to the community’s grievances, with Commissioner Jon Draud promising that implementing eminent domain for industrial development would never occur during his tenure. He emphasized that any development would take at least eight to ten years, giving residents time to voice their concerns and influence decisions.
The meeting concluded with calls for balance between development and community needs, as Knochelmann reiterated the importance of preparing for the future. “We’re always open for a phone call. We’ve got lots of them coming forward,” he said.
As the debate continues, the tension between residents and county officials illustrates a critical moment in Kenton County’s future. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as community voices clash with plans for industrial progress.
