Neighbors voice concerns as Georgetown proposes business park on agricultural land

500-Acre Agricultural Land in Scott County to Potentially Become Urban Service Boundary

SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) – A 500-acre parcel of agricultural land off McClelland Circle in Georgetown could soon become part of the city’s urban service boundary.

Scott Co. Judge-Executive Joe Pat Covington says they’re looking to create a business park to bring diverse, new jobs to the community.

“There’s going to be over 5,000 young people (in Scott County) that will graduate from school in the next six years, and they need jobs,” said Covington.

So, they’re seeking funding from Fayette and Madison Counties to make this a reality, with the help of a new state grant focused on promoting regional economies.

“It’d be a huge stretch for Georgetown-Scott County to navigate the significant cost for the land acquisition and for the infrastructure,” Covington said. “To draw in more business and more investment, we have to work regionally, together.”

Concerns about Land Usage and Sustainable Development Goals

• Locals are worried about the potential impact on the land and its surroundings.
• Jackson Cobb, an 18-year-old who grew up on a nearby farm, expressed concern about the land being used for a Walmart or similar industrial business.
• Covington clarifies that the area, classified as a BP-1 zone, would not be open to industrial business. The plan is to model it after Lanes Run Business Park, which houses lower-impact companies like Country Boy Brewing.
• The property has been for sale for some time, raising questions about its future usage.
• Covington warns that alternatives like a subdivision could bring more drastic changes to the landscape.

Shared Investment Strategy and Community Involvement

1. The joint economic development project involves multiple regional partners.
2. Erin Hsu, a neighbor to the property, raises concerns about the lack of involvement and influence of local stakeholders in the project.
3. Questions arise about the potential easing of restrictions if the expected return on investment is not achieved by the regional partners in the future.
4. The city of Richmond has approved participation in the joint economic development, while Lexington is yet to decide on its involvement.
5. The Georgetown-Scott County Planning Commission will meet in July to discuss approval of its Comprehensive Plan, which includes the expansion of the urban service boundary and the proposed business park.

Copyright 2024 WKYT. All rights reserved.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 percent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries
   • Indicator 8.1.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita

   The article discusses the need for new jobs in Scott County to accommodate the graduating students. This aligns with SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries
   • Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate

   The article mentions the potential expansion of the city’s urban service boundary and the creation of a business park. This relates to SDG 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Source: wkyt.com