Effective on: 12/20/2022

Effective on: 12/20/2022

Effective on: 12/20/2022

Effective on: 12/20/2022

Figure 17-1
Subarea One Future Land Use

2. 1. 2. b.
         Subarea One is largely built out and has little development opportunity. What opportunity does exist can mostly be found on Merchants Street. This area is not one for primary retail development and should be developed as support services due to issues of limited access and visibility. Examples of this include the automobile-related development that has already occurred in this area or possibly a long term care facility for seniors, provided that such a facility is not set up as a short/long term senior residential facility. The facility is envisioned to be a place where patients from the Gateway Rehabilitation Center could go for recuperation before either going home or to a permanent care facility.
      3. c.
         There are also available vacant parcels near the corner of KY 18 and Woodspoint Drive, one of which is occupied by a former gas station. It is recommended that these properties be combined and developed as a single project site. This single project site is recommended to be retail commercial in nature and may or may not include the continued use of the gas station. This site has excellent development and/or redevelopment opportunity due to its high visibility from I-75 and its easy access. Existing parcels on the opposite side of Woodspoint Drive should be redeveloped in the same manner. The development/redevelopment of the Houston Road/Woodspoint Drive intersection area is recommended to be aesthetically harmonious with existing surrounding land uses and cleaned up environmentally as much as is needed for new development.
      4. d.
         It is not recommended that any new “big box” commercial development happen in Subarea One. If one of the existing large scale retail centers should vacate, the site should be redeveloped as such or, alternatively, could be redeveloped as a campus-like setting for office uses. In addition, no permanent residential development, either single-family or multi-family, is recommended in Subarea One.
      5. e.
         In summary, the Planning Commission makes the following recommendations for the future of Subarea One:

         1. 1.
            Future development and/or redevelopment in Subarea One should be of commercial or office type land uses and not of light industrial or residential uses.
         2. 2.
            Support services on Merchants Street, such as automobile service related development, offices, or short/long term senior residential facilities.
         3. 3.
            The properties at the KY 18/Woodspoint Drive intersection should be combined and developed as a single entity.
         4. 4.
            The development of the KY 18/Woodspoint Drive intersection as a retail node.
         5. 5.
            New development in Subarea One should be aesthetically harmonious with existing surrounding land uses so as to fit into the built landscape.
   2. 2.
      Subarea Two

      1. a.
         The Future Land Use designation for Subarea Two is entirely Recreation (Figure 17-2). According to the Comprehensive Plan, this includes, among other things, golf courses. As Subarea Two is made up of entirely of the World of Golf recreation center, the entire Subarea is in alignment with the Comprehensive Plan.

Figure 17-2
Subarea Two Future Land Use

2. 2. 2. b.
         This is the World of Golf facility. Florence City Council made the long term decision to retain ownership of the World of Golf recreation center as green space in the heart of the City, a decision which was detailed in the Background Study. The result was the City’s decision to invest in the facility to ensure it remains a viable regional attraction for years to come. The World of Golf center continues to be an active recreation green space.
      3. c.
         The Planning Commission does not recommend any changes in the land use for Subarea Two. The Planning Commission does recommend, and in fact the City requires, that the World of Golf center maintain pedestrian access to the cemetery on the site. Furthermore, the Planning Commission recommends that environmental practices for the World of Golf center continue to be reviewed and updated as required.
   3. 3.
      Subarea Three

      1. a.
         The Future Land Use for Subarea Three is made up of two designations (Figure 17-3). Roughly two thirds of the property is Business Park while the remainder is designated as Industrial. Both of these designations allow office, warehousing and research, and light industrial/manufacturing land uses. The Business Park designation additionally allows for office and research uses and is intended to be developed in a campus like setting. Based on the allowed uses and on what is known of the Airport’s wishes for the future development of this property, the entire Subarea is in alignment with the Comprehensive Plan and is zoned appropriately.

Figure 17-3
Subarea Three Future Land Use

2. 3. 2. b.
         Subarea Three is the Airport Property. The Airport prefers that this property develop in an airport related light industrial/commercial/office land use, such as the ZF Steering Systems expansion. The zoning and future land use for the Airport Property is in place for this type of development. This development should happen in a park like or campus setting with large building setbacks, low floor area ratio, pedestrian and recreation facilities, consistent architecture and signage, extensive landscaping, and an attractive entrance. Any pedestrian facilities should link up and connect to the CVG Trail. This trail is the first leg of the proposed “Friends of CVG Trail”, a proposed 22-mile paved trail that is envisioned to eventually completely circle CVG Airport.
      3. c.
         Most of the Airport Property is undeveloped. However, there are two parcels that ZF Steering Systems utilized to expand their business. ZF Steering Systems leases this property from the Airport. ZF Steering System’s lease arrangement may be a model for development for the rest of the Airport Property, as it was a unique partnership between the company, the City of Florence, Boone County Fiscal Court, and the Kenton County Airport Board. On the other hand, although the Airport has no plans to sell any of the Airport Property at this time, that possibility exists. In any case, the land use recommendations do not change.
      4. d.
         There is a tremendous opportunity for new growth on the Airport Property. However, as this property is in the way of one of the CVG runways, none of the future development will be residential. In addition the development that does occur will have to adhere to height restrictions as determined by the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) and the Kentucky Airport Zoning Commission. The Future Land Use map and the Airport both agree that the property should develop in an aviation-related or compatible commercial, light industrial, or office land uses.
      5. e.
         While there is tremendous opportunity for new development in this subarea, it is important to note that the identified development parcels currently do not have water or sewer services readily available. This issue will need to be addressed before successful development in this subarea can occur.
      6. f.
         In summary, the Planning Commission makes the following recommendations for the future of Subarea Three:

         1. 1.
            The land should be developed as aviation related or compatible commercial, light industrial, or office uses.
         2. 2.
            The development of Subarea Three should take place in a consistent, campus-like setting.
         3. 3.
            Pedestrian facilities should be developed and connected to the CVG Trail.
   4. 4.
      Subarea Four

      1. a.
         The Future Land Use for Subarea Four is made up of three designations (Figure 17-4). Most of the Subarea is designated as Commercial. The northern portion of the Subarea is designated as Industrial. Finally, there is a small piece of property designated as Public/Institutional. Looking at the uses allowed in these districts, the entire Subarea is in alignment with the Comprehensive Plan.

Figure 17-4
Subarea Four Future Land Use

2. 4. 2. b.
         Most of Subarea Four is built out and economically viable. The cluster of office buildings on Meijer Drive are important to the city’s and the region’s marketing efforts for gaining corporate or corporate support offices. It is recommended that the unfinished retail building be completed and that office space be leased. In the alternative, the unfinished retail building could be razed and developed for office or medical office type uses.
      3. c.
         It is recommended that future land use efforts in Subarea Four be focused on redevelopment and that, if and when such development occurs, that it aesthetically fits in with the surrounding land uses.
      4. d.
         In summary, the Planning Commission makes the following recommendations for the future of Subarea Four:

         1. 1.
            Future development and/or redevelopment in Subarea Four should be of commercial or office type land uses and not of light industrial or residential uses, except for the light industrial area on Spiral Drive.
         2. 2.
            Existing office and retail structures on Meijer Drive be either completed or occupied.
         3. 3.
            That redevelopment in Subarea Four aesthetically fit in with the existing land uses.
   5. 5.
      Subarea Five

      1. a.
         The Future Land Use for Subarea Five is made up of two designations (Figure 17-5). Most of the Subarea is designated as Commercial. However, the St. Elizabeth campus on the south end of the Subarea is designated as Public/Institutional. Looking at the uses allowed in these districts, the entire Subarea is in alignment with the Comprehensive Plan.

Figure 17-5
Subarea Five Future Land Use

2. 5. 2. b.
         There is a significant redevelopment opportunity in Subarea Five in the current Garden Ridge site. Although Garden Ridge is in operation at the time of this writing, the tenant only occupies half of the structure, meaning that there is a vacant big box retail space available for redevelopment. One possibility for the future of the site is that, if Garden Ridge ever was to close, the St. Elizabeth hospital could buy that site and expand northward. Another option would be for a new commercial or public facility use to move into the vacant half of the building or to redevelop the site. Both scenarios for the potential redevelopment of the Garden Ridge site are within the vision of the Houston – Donaldson Study. Either of these scenarios are acceptable to the Planning Commission. If St. Elizabeth does expand onto the current Garden Ridge site, then the Public/Institutional designation should be extended to the north in future updates of the Comprehensive Plan.
      3. c.
         Subarea Five also has a development opportunity between Lowe’s and the Citibank property. The vacant parcel is a potential new commercial area. Possibilities for the site include fast food, coffee shops, or local retail or convenience stores with or without an attached gas station. All of these uses were noted in the market study as needed assets on north Houston Road and would cater to the morning and afternoon traffic that Subarea Five experiences. Care should be taken to assure property access to the back portion of the property if and when development happens.
      4. d.
         In any case, Beam Boulevard should be extended and turned perpendicularly to intersect with Houston Road. If this were done and then connected to the St. Elizabeth property to the south, this would solve an internal traffic problem for the hospital and increase overall traffic flow and connectivity (Figure 17-6). This proposed intersection with Houston Road should be across from the proposed road on the Marydale Property.

Figure 17-6
Proposed Beam Boulevard Extensions

2. 5. 5. e.
         In summary, the Planning Commission makes the following recommendations for the future of Subarea Five:

         1. 1.
            Future development and/or redevelopment in Subarea Five should be of commercial or office type land uses and not of light industrial or residential uses.
         2. 2.
            Any future development and/or redevelopment in Subarea Five should be made to conform and blend in with the existing built environment.
         3. 3.
            The Garden Ridge building should either fill in or be taken over and utilized by St. Elizabeth hospital or other health care provider.
         4. 4.
            If the Garden Ridge site is taken over by St. Elizabeth, the Future Land Use designation of the site should be changed to Public/Institutional.
         5. 5.
            The vacant parcel between Lowe’s and Citibank should be developed as multiple, smaller scale shops, such as local retail or food/coffee establishments.
         6. 6.
            Beam Boulevard should be extended onto the vacant parcel and turned ninety degrees to intersect with Houston Road.
   6. 6.
      Subarea Six

      1. a.
         Most of the Future Land Use for Subarea Six is made up of Recreation (Figure 17-7). This accounts for the Turfway Park race track and an adjoining property fronting on Houston Road. There is also a small Commercial designation in front of Turfway’s parking lot. In reviewing the land uses allowed in these districts, the entire Subarea is in alignment with the Comprehensive Plan.

Figure 17-7
Subarea Six Future Land Use

2. 6. 2. b.
         Subarea Six is the Turfway Park area. The owners of Turfway remain committed to horse racing but are also prepared to move forward with a business plan that adds a casino and entertainment complex to the horse racing business, should Kentucky approve casino gambling. This arrangement of a casino associated with a horse race track is a called a racino, which is allowed by the underlying zoning of the property.
      3. c.
         Turfway Park’s property adjoins Houston Road. This area is subject to an approved Concept Development Plan for a future entertainment/mini convention center, but it could be used in the future for local commercial and small business land uses.
      4. d.
         There is a third option for Turfway Park if horse racing and casino gambling fall through in the future, and that is complete redevelopment of Subarea Six. If that ends up being the case, the Planning Commission recommends that the redevelopment be complementary to and at the same mixed use ratio as that recommended for the Marydale Property (Subarea Seven) below.
      5. e.
         Regardless of the future land uses, redevelopment, or development of the Subarea, there are several issues worth considering for the future in Subarea Six. The newly completed Aero Parkway intersects at Turfway Road across from the NKY Realtors Association building. A future road and pedestrian connection to Aero Parkway and the associated CVG Trail through Subarea Six should be considered. This connection could be extended through the adjacent Marydale property to Queensway Drive to connect the Cherry Hill subdivision to the Study Area. Additionally, Turfway Road should be redesigned at some point to remove the existing 90-degree curve. This would result in a triangular parcel that would be approximately 5 acres in area. Turfway Park may consider donating this resulting acreage as potential green space. This would serve to help protect the Gunpowder Creek watershed and act as a passive park that should be connected to the CVG Trail.
      6. f.
         In summary, the Planning Commission makes the following recommendations for the future of Subarea Six:

         1. 1.
            The existing recreational use or horse racing business should be maintained and improved. One way involves the expansion of the business into a racino if allowed by the State of Kentucky.
         2. 2.
            If the horse racing business vacates the site, Subarea Six should be redeveloped in a mixed use format similar in nature to the Marydale site (Subarea Seven) to the north.
         3. 3.
            The ninety-degree curve in Turfway Road should be redesigned and softened.
         4. 4.
            The resulting leftover property after Turfway Road’s realignment should become a passive park.
         5. 5.
            A connection to the future Phase II of the CVG Trail should be made, potentially from the passive park resulting from the potential redesign of Turfway Road.
   7. 7.
      Subarea Seven

      1. a.
         No Subarea in the Houston – Donaldson Study Area faces such potential uncertain new development more than Subarea Seven, otherwise known as Marydale (Figure 17-8). That is because the Planning Commission is recommending a very flexible future development for future land uses, their ratio, and their placement on the site. The site lends itself to any number of conceptual developments. Such concepts could more than double in size if combined with the adjacent Turfway Park property (Subarea Six).

Figure 17-8
Subarea Seven Future Land Use

2. 7. 2. b.
         Elements of the approved Concept Development Plan are reflected in both the 2035 Future Land Use Map. The 2035 Future Land Use map retains the five Diocesan sites as Public Facilities, but most of the eastern two-thirds of Marydale is shown as Commercial, including all of the road frontages of Houston and Donaldson. The tributary of West Fork Dry Creek that drains Lake Mary and the entire site is coded as Developmentally Sensitive. A large wooded area between the Passionists Nuns Convent and the north end of Lake Mary is shown as Urban Density Residential, while the mixed fields and woods to the southwest of the Seminary and abutting the Turfway property is shown as Industrial.
      3. c.
         The Urban Density Residential and Industrial designations shown on the zoning and 2035 Future Land Use maps stem from recommendations made in the 1992 Houston – Donaldson Study, which called for an east/west road connection from Houston to Turfway along the north side of Turfway Park. Even if that connection is not made, the residential use is still reasonable for that part of the site, as it abuts the existing Gallenstein residential property to the southwest and could connect via Queensway to the large Cherry Hill subdivision on the north side of Donaldson. The Industrial One designation in the rear acreage of the Marydale property makes little sense for many reasons, including: (1) it is landlocked, (2) it abuts existing and potential future residential, (3) it would affect a significant portion of the drainage area for Lake Mary and hence Dry Run, and (4) it would be a disincentive for businesses looking to develop office space there, which is the primary goal of the approved 2002 CDP. The Industrial One designation on the Future Land Use map should be removed during the next update of the Boone County Comprehensive Plan.
      4. d.
         It is recommended that Marydale be developed as a single development and not parceled up into smaller sections. The Planning Commission recommends that most of Subarea Seven be rezoned into a single mixed use zoning district of UR-2/O-2/C-1/PD (Figure 17-9). This is envisioned to allow a wide variety of future development potentials.

Figure 17-9
Recommended Marydale Zoning

2. 7. 5. e.
         In terms of future development in Subarea Seven, everything hinges on the disposition of the Marydale property. At present, it is one of the most scenic sites in the Northern Kentucky region and features tree-lined drives, lake/wetland, broad open spaces, woodlots, and unexpected vistas. The Seminary building is unique, both architecturally and historically. The Seminary building, together with the Retreat House, could form the heart of a multitude of different redevelopment concepts.
      6. f.
         The office use approved in the existing Concept Development Plan is appropriate, although development of six separate office sites on the property with no other uses does not serve the property well. A mixed-use development focused around a strong corporate campus is more appropriate. A nearly self-contained town could be planned around a major headquarters, including high-density residential, and service-oriented business. Such a development should maximize the site’s existing amenities (e.g., Camp Mary and the mixed forest/open space) and utilize the existing tree lined drives for pedestrian access both within and outside of the site. Additionally, anything built on the Marydale site should avoid putting additional strain on the already heavily developed Dry Creek Watershed.
      7. g.
         Within the framework of the recommended UR-2/O-2/C-1/PD zoning, it is recommended that the Marydale property generally develop with the following mix of land uses:

         1. 1.
            Residential = 25-35%
         2. 2.
            Office = 25-35%
         3. 3.
            Green Space = 20-25%
         4. 4.
            Small Scale Commercial = 20-25%
      8. h.
         As noted, the Planning Commission is flexible on the exact mix of land uses within this general framework and encourages creative designs.
      9. i.
         It is recommended that the office space develop as a major office campus, such as a headquarters of a regional or national scale company, and not be divided up around the site. One possible consideration is that the office campus incorporates at least the main block and formal façade of the historic St. Pius Seminary building.
      10. j.
          It is recommended that Lake Mary and portions of its tributaries and downstream area remain as green space. This would serve the purposes of watershed protection, site beautification, and buffering the west side of adjacent existing single family residential in Subarea Eight. The green space could also connect to the Marydale Priests Cemetery, which will remain on the site and is an important landscape feature which needs to be protected in the future. The existing tree lined drives should remain as pedestrian/recreational paths, although light vehicular access would be acceptable for maintenance of the lake.
      11. k.
          It is recommended that Lake Mary be encircled by a non-motorized path. This would effectively create a passive park in the middle of Marydale. A civic/town commons could then be considered for the bluff overlooking the lake on the east side of St. Pius Seminary. This location has a scenic view of the lake and could function as a gathering space for both office workers and residents. The monumental facade of the seminary forms a backdrop for the commons, which has a commanding view to the east over Lake Mary and beyond. Taken together, they form a combination of unique amenities that would be a significant attractor in the region, especially when marketed in conjunction with an expanded Turfway entertainment destination.
      12. l.
          The west side of Houston Road is seen as local commercial with frontage primarily on the internal road. The south side of Donaldson Highway would have a mix of local commercial and multi-family residential land uses, serving as both support services and buffer for the residential on the north half of the Marydale site and existing residential and schools on the north side of Donaldson Highway. Residential development on the Marydale property should be a mix of higher density (e.g., condos, senior housing, multifamily, etc.), rather than low density single family.
      13. m.
          If Subarea Six should redevelop in the future, there is a potential interconnectedness of Subareas Six and Seven and it is worth looking at both Subareas together to consider their potential connectivity. This Study proposes several suggestions for infrastructure improvements to tie Subareas Six and Seven together.
      14. n.
          Road and pedestrian connections are critical to the future development of Subareas Six and Seven. One recommendation for the combined Subareas includes a major connection through Marydale from Queensway Drive south across Turfway Road to Beam Boulevard as well as a connection to the west through the Turfway site to Aero Parkway. The exact location of the westward connection cannot be identified as it is dependent on Caesars’ plans for the Turfway site.
      15. o.
          As noted in the recommendations for Subarea Six, the existing 90-degree bend in Turfway Road on the west side of Turfway Park should be redesigned with consideration given to making a public park/CVG Trail access site from the triangular parcel that will remain (Figure 17-10). It is recommended that a secondary road system encircle both sites from Queensway Drive east along Donaldson Highway and south along Turfway Road. From there, it would cross the Turfway property to Aero Parkway. Both roads are recommended to include pedestrian facilities to permit pedestrian access through the sites, to the CVG Trail, and adjacent developments such as Citibank.

Figure 17-10
Proposed Turfway Road Realignment

2. 7. 16. p.
          In summary, the Planning Commission recommends the following for the future of Subarea Seven:

          1. 1.
             Marydale should be developed as a single campus-like mixed use development using a single mixed use zoning category called UR-2/O-2/C-1/PD, as shown in Figure 17-9.
          2. 2.
             The future development of Marydale should be at the recommended mixed use ratio.
          3. 3.
             The future Office development should be developed as an office campus and not be divided up.
          4. 4.
             The main block and formal façade of the historic St. Pius Seminary building should be incorporated into an office design.
          5. 5.
             Existing tree lined access roads on the site should be preserved and saved as non-motorized facilities.
          6. 6.
             Lake Mary should be buffered by green space and surrounded by non-motorized facilities.
          7. 7.
             Green space should be developed on the site to buffer existing adjacent single family residential located in Subarea Eight.
          8. 8.
             A road connection from Queensway Drive to Aero Parkway, as described above, should be constructed.
   8. 8.
      Subarea 8

      1. a.
         Most of the Future Land Use designation in Subarea Eight is Business Park (Figure 17-11), which reflects the mostly Light Industrial nature of the Subarea’s land uses, which also includes recreational and residential. The Future Land Use map does designate two Commercial areas that are intended to serve as local business nodes.

Figure 17-11
Subarea Eight Future Land Use

2. 8. 2. b.
         A pocket of a few single family homes is tucked away on O’Hara Lane and shielded from the vehicular and industrial activity surrounding it. Care should be taken in order to continue to shield this residential enclave from the impacts of development and redevelopment. If the single family use should ever discontinue, the Future Land Use designation of the residential section should be reevaluated.
      3. c.
         Subarea Eight represents the northernmost edge of the Houston – Donaldson Study Area. It serves as the northwestern entry point into the Houston – Donaldson Study Area and has very little land available for new development.
      4. d.
         Phase II of the CVG Trail is proposed to run north through this area from its current terminus at Turfway Road and Aero Parkway. There are several opportunities on Airport owned property to incorporate parking for this phase of the CVG Trail and connections to the trail system should be encouraged where possible. It is recommended that Phase II of the CVG Trail be constructed. To that end, the Planning Commission encourages Friends of CVG to work with public agencies for possible funding opportunities.
      5. e.
         There are a few opportunities for infill development consisting of industrial/business park developments in the Subarea that have been identified. One small pocket of commercial is suggested at the intersection of Turfway Road and Donaldson Highway, while another is suggested near the intersection of O’Hara Road and Donaldson Highway. It is intended that these commercial nodes be local retail commercial development that could support the remaining residential uses along Donaldson Highway.
      6. f.
         Another issue worth considering in Subarea Eight is the John Hunt Morgan Escape Trail Markers. During the Civil War, John Hunt Morgan escaped from Kentucky through Boone County, and his route went through the modern day Subarea Eight. It is recommended that historical markers be constructed to designate points on the escape route.
      7. g.
         There is one final issue that could affect Subarea Eight. The CVG Airport has recently completed its five year Master Plan. The Airport Master Plan shows a future north-south runway on its Airport layout plan from the 2035 Master Plan. This north-south runway is described as being shown as a placeholder to “protect land use compatibility.” Under the current projected forecast scenarios, an additional runway would not be needed until beyond 2035.
      8. h.
         In summary, the Planning Commission makes the following recommendations for the future of Subarea Eight:

         1. 1.
            Existing single family residential lots on O’Hara Drive should continue to be buffered from nearby industrial uses.
         2. 2.
            Residentially zoned properties on the Airport Property should be rezoned to Airport (A) to bring them into conformance with the Future Land Use map. Phase II of the CVG Trail should be pursued.
         3. 3.
            Local retail Commercial nodes on Donaldson Highway at the intersections of Turfway Road and O’Hara Road should be developed.
         4. 4.
            Historical markers commemorating the John Hunt Morgan Escape should be erected.
         5. 5.
            Any future development on the western edge of the Subarea should respect the conceptual placement of the potential fourth CVG runway.

Effective on: 12/20/2022

Effective on: 12/20/2022

Figure 17-12
CVG Trail Phase II

4. 2. 2.
      As discussed in the Background Study for Subarea Eight, the CVG Trail is a planned 22-mile shared use path that is envisioned to encircle the CVG airport. The goal of the CVG Trail is to provide safe facilities for walkers, runners, and bicyclists around the airport. The trail has been championed since 2007 by a group called Friends of CVG Trail, a private not-for-profit community group.
   3. 3.
      The first leg of the CVG Trail, known as Phase I, was completed as a part of the construction of Aero Parkway and Ted Bushelman Boulevard in 2012. Phase II of the CVG Trail is planned to be located adjacent to Subarea Eight along its west boundary and within airport property. Phase II is planned to be approximately 3.3 miles length and is planned to extend north from the existing Phase I trail and connect to the CVG Airplane Viewing Area on Donaldson Highway.
   4. 4.
      The CVG Trail is only the first of the nonmotorized facility issues in the Houston – Donaldson Study Area. The second are the sidewalks. The Houston – Donaldson Study Area has an existing network of sidewalks that measures over 26.5 miles total in length. Thanks to this sidewalk system, even without the CVG Trail, the Houston – Donaldson Study Area has an impressive non-motorized system. However, the existing sidewalk network has gaps at certain points that should be filled in by making sidewalk connections. Making these sidewalk connections would involve filling these gaps, most of which are relatively minor (Figure 17-13). In addition, it is recommended that a non-motorized trail circle Subarea Seven. This proposed non-motorized facility should connect to the larger sidewalk system, as well as to the future Phase II of the CVG Trail.

Figure 17-13
Sidewalk Gaps In The Study Area

4. 5. 5.
      In addition to the sidewalk gaps, Figure 17-13 also shows a needed bike lane improvement. Houston Road has striped bike lanes for most of its distance. However, this bike lane disappears at the southern end of the road as it nears the intersection with KY 18. It is recommended that the bike lane be completed.
5. E.
   Stormwater

   1. 1.
      Nonpoint source runoff, commonly referred to as stormwater, has been identified as one of the leading causes of impairment to stream water quality throughout the state of Kentucky. Data collection and analysis in the Gunpowder Creek Watershed between 2009 and 2012 demonstrate the connection between land use development and stormwater. Increased development, as well as improperly managed impervious surfaces, such as roads, parking lots, and rooftops, disrupts a watershed's hydrology, altering the natural flow regime which negatively impacts stream quality. Both stream system assessments and public education play important roles in stream quality as understanding existing conditions and promoting public stewardship are critical for protecting natural resources.
   2. 2.
      The Houston – Donaldson Study Area is divided into two different watersheds (Figure 17-14). The eastern side of the Study Area drains directly into the Ohio River via Dry Creek. The western side falls within the Gunpowder Creek watershed, which drains into the Ohio River in the southwestern part of Boone County.

Figure 17-14
Watersheds In The Study Area

5. 1. 1. a.
         Gunpowder Creek

         1. 1.
            At this time, the Boone County Conservation District is writing a Watershed Plan for the Gunpowder Creek watershed plan. This plan is based on two years of collected field data and subsequent analysis. Their data suggests that the water quality in the Gunpowder Creek watershed is graded a “C“.
         2. 2.
            The Gunpowder Creek watershed faces problems in the future that need to be evaluated and planned for today and has been under increasing pressure as development in the watershed continues to expand. Gunpowder Creek has been classified on the 303(d) List of Impaired Waters for high levels of sediment, bacteria, and nutrients. Nonpoint source pollution, due to hydromodification, habitat alteration, and sedimentation, is thought to be the leading cause of impairments in the watershed. Historic land uses such as agriculture also impact the lower portions of the watershed. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), most of which lies in the Gunpowder Creek watershed, has a separate Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for ethylene glycol. Most of the upper reaches of the watershed have been developed, including most of the land in the Houston – Donaldson Study Area.
         3. 3.
            Significant impairments have already been identified in the Upper Gunpowder Creek Watershed. CVG was identified as a major source of pollution from de-icing operations and has taken mitigating steps in accordance with the approved TMDL developed to address ethylene glycol (KDOW, 1998). Additional TMDLs are under development by KDOW for other pollutants they have assessed and listed as causes of impairments in the creek and its tributaries.
         4. 4.
            These are sedimentation/siltation, nutrient/ eutrophication biological indicators, organic enrichment (sewage) biological indicators, and fecal coliform (KDOW, 2008). These impairments are related to Boone County’s rapid growth over the past decade and an increase in storm water runoff. The county will likely continue to grow for the foreseeable future. As a result, the threat to the Gunpowder Creek watershed from nonpoint source pollution will continue to grow unless proper Best Management Practices (BMPs) are taken. Based on the evidence of this growing threat, it is important that a clearer understanding of the situation facing the watershed be obtained.
      2. b.
         Ohio River

         1. 1.
            The Gunpowder Creek watershed drains into the Ohio River, one of sixty-nine major tributaries in fifteen states. However, the water from the eastern half of the Houston – Donaldson Study Area drains directly into the Ohio River itself without flowing through a tributary. Much of this water is delivered via stormwater non-point source or through pipes that drain directly into the Ohio River.
         2. 2.
            According to the Kentucky Waterways Alliance, threats to the Ohio River mainly include stormwater runoff, agricultural runoff, mercury deposition from coal-fired plants, industrial wastewater discharges, and millions of gallons of untreated sewage that flow into the river each year from sewer overflows. Of these, the issues that the Houston – Donaldson Study Area most affects are stormwater and sewer overflows. Both of these issues surface during rainfall events.
6. F.
   TANK Transit Network

   1. 1.
      The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) has provided transit services to Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties as well as downtown Cincinnati since 1973. TANK offers a “Downtown Connection” taking people from their homes in Northern Kentucky to jobs downtown as well as service to work sites in the Northern Kentucky region, with fast “reverse-commute” bus service. TANK also operates express buses that travel the highway system, providing more direct access to the Downtown Cincinnati Central Business District. TANK operates 27 routes, through 19 Park & Ride locations, 365 days a year. TANK also operates the Regional Area Mobility Program (RAMP), a service for disabled citizens and the DayTripper program for seniors over age 60. In the 2009 Fiscal Year, TANK carried 3.7 million passengers to destinations throughout Northern Kentucky and downtown Cincinnati.
   2. 2.
      One of the routes TANK operates is the #1 Route. This is the route that travels to and from the Houston – Donaldson Study Area and is has more ridership than any other TANK bus route. The #1 Route travels from downtown Cincinnati down Dixie Highway and loops through the Mall Road area and the southern half of the Houston – Donaldson Study Area. At the time of this writing, TANK is proposing to change the #1 Route to a faster service by eliminating approximately three-quarters of the existing stops. This change is expected to result in a net increase in ridership and a higher frequency of busses, making it a more suitable route for commuters. The Houston – Donaldson Study Area would continue to be served by this new rapid bus system, although the number of stops would be reduced.
   3. 3.
      The Houston – Donaldson Study Area is also affected by the 2X Route, which is designed to deliver passengers to and from the CVG Airport. This route travels from Cincinnati to I-75 to I-275 and is the only route that has wifi for the riders. The route exits I-275 at the KY 212 interchange and loops through the airport, stopping at several places within. The route ultimately enters the Houston – Donaldson Study Area from the north at Turfway Road and Donaldson Highway after looping though the Circleport Business Park. The route then turns east from Turfway Road and travels along Donaldson Highway until stops again at Home at Commonwealth in Kenton County. As a result, although the 2X Route travels through the Houston – Donaldson Study Area and serves the CVG Airport, it does not directly serve the Study Area.
   4. 4.
      TANK also maintains two Park and Ride lots that serve the Houston – Donaldson Study Area. The first lot is in the parking lot of a restaurant at the southeast corner of Houston Road and Donaldson Highway and just inside the Boone County boundary line. The second lot is in the Turfway Park parking lot and located roughly behind the Target shopping center. Both of these Park and Ride lots serve the #1 Route.

Effective on: 12/20/2022

Effective on: 12/20/2022