Crescent Springs to revisit divisive 17-townhome development plan, more in NKY government – LINK nky

Review of Recent Governmental Activities and their Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Boone County: Initiatives for Sustainable Communities and Well-being

• Urban Agriculture Proposal: A proposal to ease restrictions on backyard chickens, rabbits, and bees in unincorporated areas is under review. This initiative aligns with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting local food production, enhancing food security, and supporting sustainable urban living practices.
• Infrastructure for Active Transport: The county has selected Palmer Engineering to construct a new multi-use path along Conrad Lane. This project directly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by encouraging physical activity and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by developing safe, sustainable transport infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.

Union: Strengthening Democratic Institutions

• Electoral Process Integrity: The city has acknowledged the reorganization of voting precincts by the Boone County Board of Elections. This action addresses previous electoral errors and aims to ensure the accuracy of future elections, reinforcing SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by promoting effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

Newport: Addressing Educational Equity and Promoting Economic Growth

• Educational Staffing Challenges: Newport schools are facing difficulties in hiring gifted and talented teachers due to state credentialing barriers. This issue highlights a critical challenge to achieving SDG 4 (Quality Education), which calls for inclusive and equitable education for all students, including those with exceptional abilities.
• Urban Revitalization and Job Creation: The city approved $5 million in Industrial Building Revenue Bonds for Nexigen’s office expansion. This project supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating approximately 75 new jobs and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by revitalizing historic downtown properties.

Dayton: Fostering Lifelong Learning Opportunities

• Early Childhood Literacy Initiative: The launch of “Read Ready Dayton,” supported by a planning grant, aims to improve kindergarten readiness. This program is a direct contribution to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by focusing on foundational literacy skills and promoting lifelong learning from an early age.

Erlanger: Planning for Sustainable Urban Development

• Housing Development Review: The city council is deliberating on a zoning change for a proposed 450-unit apartment complex. This process is central to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), as it addresses the need for adequate housing while balancing public input and procedural fairness in urban planning.

Covington: Balancing Economic Vitality with Community Well-being

• Commercial Zone Proposal: A public hearing was held regarding the creation of a Common Consumption Area to boost local business. This initiative relates to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) but requires careful consideration of its social impacts to ensure alignment with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which emphasizes safe and inclusive urban spaces.

Florence: Managing Commercial Growth and Land Use

• Commercial Development Approval: The Florence City Council approved a development plan for a new Wawa store. This decision impacts local economic dynamics and land use, touching upon goals within SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), particularly concerning the sustainability of local businesses and urban infrastructure.

Fort Thomas: Upholding Institutional Accountability

• Demand for Financial Transparency: Residents have called for greater financial accountability from city officials following an audit that revealed significant discrepancies. This public engagement underscores the importance of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), which advocates for effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

Kenton County: Investing in Educational Infrastructure

• School District Relocation: The Kenton County School District is moving its central offices to a new, larger facility in Covington. This move enhances administrative capacity and supports virtual learning, contributing to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by upgrading infrastructure to better serve educational needs.

Forthcoming Governmental Agendas and Sustainable Development Implications

Wilder: Industrial Development and Sustainable Growth

1. Meeting Date: Monday, Oct. 27
2. Agenda Item: A proposed zoning amendment for a 19.53-acre site for industrial use.
3. SDG Implications: This proposal will be evaluated for its potential impacts on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), balancing job creation with sustainable land management and environmental considerations.

Crescent Springs: Sustainable Housing and Urban Planning

1. Meeting Date: Monday, Oct. 27
2. Agenda Item: Discussion of an amended development plan for a 17-unit townhome project.
3. SDG Implications: The council’s decision will directly affect SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Key considerations include housing density, traffic management, environmental impacts such as drainage, and ensuring the development contributes positively to an inclusive and resilient community.

Kenton County: Public Health and Community Safety Initiative

1. Meeting Date: Tuesday, Oct. 28
2. Agenda Item: A joint proposal with the city of Covington to use opioid abatement funds for a Law Enforcement Navigator program.
3. SDG Implications: This program directly addresses SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by creating a non-law enforcement response for individuals in mental health or substance abuse crises, promoting access to health services and strengthening community support systems.

Other Scheduled Meetings

• Cold Spring City Council: A special meeting on October 27 will hold a public hearing on changes to the Special Development Area Zone.
• Park Hills: A special meeting is scheduled for October 27.
• Campbell County: A Mayor’s meeting will take place on October 28.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • The article discusses multiple educational issues in Northern Kentucky. It highlights the struggle of Newport schools to hire qualified gifted and talented teachers, which directly impacts the quality of education for exceptional students. Furthermore, it details the “Read Ready Dayton” initiative, a program specifically designed to improve kindergarten readiness and early literacy, and the Kenton County School District’s relocation to a larger facility that includes a Virtual Learning Center to support online education.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Economic development is a central theme. The approval of $5 million in bonds for Nexigen’s office expansion is aimed at creating an estimated 75 new jobs and revitalizing downtown Newport. The proposed Wawa in Florence and the industrial development in Wilder also represent economic activities. The debate over the Covington Common Consumption Area is framed around its potential to boost local commerce and support small businesses.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Many of the issues revolve around urban planning, housing, infrastructure, and public spaces. This includes proposals for a 17-townhome development in Crescent Springs and a 450-unit apartment complex in Erlanger, addressing housing needs. The construction of a new multi-use path in Boone County aims to enhance pedestrian and cyclist connectivity and promote non-motorized travel. The renovation of historic buildings by Nexigen in Newport contributes to safeguarding cultural heritage. Discussions on zoning for industrial, residential, and commercial use are all core components of sustainable urban planning.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • The article emphasizes the role and effectiveness of local government institutions. The reorganization of voting precincts in Union is a direct response to electoral errors, aiming to build more effective and reliable election processes. In Fort Thomas, residents are demanding financial accountability and transparency from their city council following an audit that revealed significant discrepancies. Public hearings and council debates in Erlanger and Covington demonstrate the process of inclusive and participatory decision-making.

5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • This goal is addressed in the plan for Kenton County and Covington to use opioid abatement funds to create a Law Enforcement Navigator program. The program is designed to provide a non-law enforcement response to individuals experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis, directly targeting the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.

6. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • While a minor theme, this goal is relevant to the discussion in Boone County about easing restrictions on keeping backyard chickens and rabbits. This move supports small-scale, local food production and could improve residents’ access to fresh food, aligning with the principles of sustainable agriculture and food security.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education. The struggle to hire a gifted and talented teacher in Newport directly relates to ensuring quality education for all students within the public school system.
   • Target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education. The “Read Ready Dayton” initiative, with its focus on kindergarten readiness and early reading skills, is a direct effort to achieve this target.
   • Target 4.c: By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers. The article’s focus on the shortage of teachers with specific endorsements in Kentucky and the district’s difficulty in filling the position highlights the challenges related to this target.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all. The Nexigen expansion project, which is expected to create 75 new jobs, directly contributes to this target by increasing local employment opportunities.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing. The proposed 450-unit apartment complex in Erlanger and the 17-townhome development in Crescent Springs are responses to local housing needs.
   • Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all. The construction of a new multi-use path in Boone County for pedestrians and cyclists is a clear example of an initiative aimed at improving non-motorized transport systems.
   • Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management. The numerous zoning debates, public hearings (Erlanger, Covington), and planning commission reviews (Florence, Crescent Springs) reflect the ongoing process of managing urban development in a participatory manner.
   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. Nexigen’s plan to renovate two historic properties (a former bank and funeral home) in Newport aligns with this target by preserving and repurposing culturally significant buildings.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The demand for a forensic audit and greater financial transparency by Fort Thomas residents directly addresses this target. The city’s pledge to post monthly general ledger updates is a step toward accountability.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. The reorganization of voting precincts in Union to prevent future ballot errors and ensure every voter receives the correct ballot is an action to make the electoral process more responsive and representative. Public hearings in Erlanger and Covington also exemplify participatory decision-making.

5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol. The proposed multi-jurisdictional Law Enforcement Navigator program, funded by opioid abatement dollars, is a specific strategy to address substance abuse crises.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For SDG 4 (Quality Education)

   • Indicator: Number of vacant teaching positions for specialized roles (e.g., gifted and talented). The article explicitly states Newport schools have an opening they are struggling to fill.
   • Indicator: Proportion of children ready for primary school. The goal of the “Read Ready Dayton” initiative is to boost kindergarten readiness, which can be measured through school assessments.
   • Indicator: Number of children enrolled in early literacy programs. The article mentions the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Footsteps to Brilliance app as tools, and enrollment numbers can be tracked.

2. For SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

   • Indicator: Number of new jobs created. The Nexigen expansion is projected to create 75 new jobs.
   • Indicator: Amount of public/private investment in economic development projects. The article mentions $5 million in Industrial Building Revenue Bonds for the Nexigen project.

3. For SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

   • Indicator: Number of new housing units approved or constructed. The article specifies proposals for 450 apartments and 17 townhomes.
   • Indicator: Total length of pedestrian and cycling paths. The project in Boone County will add a new section of multi-use path to the existing network.
   • Indicator: Number of historic buildings preserved or repurposed. The Nexigen project involves the renovation of two historic properties in Newport.

4. For SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

   • Indicator: Number of electoral errors or miscast votes. The article mentions about 800 miscast votes in the 2024 Union election, a baseline against which future improvements can be measured.
   • Indicator: Amount of unexplained financial discrepancies in public audits. The Fort Thomas audit revealed discrepancies of more than $322,000.
   • Indicator: Implementation of public transparency measures. The pledge to post monthly general ledger updates in Fort Thomas is a measurable action.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: linknky.com