Given that recently published editorials included misinformation about Economic Development projects, I want to take this opportunity to present accurate information based on the current zoning maps and a timeline of Planning Commission meetings of record. KCDC is committed to providing fair and accurate information to our community and we encourage the State Journal to hold its guest columnists to the same standard. It is imperative that citizens, leaders, and decision makers are girded in truth about the situation analysis and the benefits of development, especially during the Comprehensive Planning process. To that end, I would like to set the record straight.
In a guest column in the State Journal on 7/13/22, Chris Schimmoeller incorrectly stated that, “only a third of the occupants of Industrial Parks 1 and 2 are industrial users”. In FACT, the entirety of industrial parks 1 and 2 qualify as industrial users. We believe that Ms. Schimmoeller has confused the industrial parks with existing business parks that are located nearby. For example, in Industrial Park #1, Progress Drive and the adjacent stretch of Chenault Road are a Business Park; zoned Professional Office (PO), which is appropriate for the current occupants. The same applies to Democrat Drive and Mill Creek Park near Industrial Park 2. They are Business Parks and are not zoned industrial, thus not inhabited by industry.
And, while I would disagree with her inference that everyone wants an office job, I want to correct the reported numbers for industrial property in Franklin County. The numbers actually reported were approximately 700 acres of industrial land in Franklin County that provides $3.7M annually in property taxes (not including ad valorem or “barrel” taxes.) and hosts 4,500 jobs that generate $240M in salaries and $2.4M in occupational taxes to the city and county annually.
In another guest column in the State Journal published 7/17/22, Jim Daniels falsely stated that Buffalo Trace and the Planning Commission had a “hidden” and “not transparent” process, which allowed Buffalo Trace to build warehouses on the Dobner Farm under Commercial Zoning.
The FACTS are that on 05/12/16, the Planning Commission held a PUBLIC HEARING related to a request by Buffalo Trace to rezone 294 acres at 1078 Lewis Ferry Road and 5701 US 127 N from Agriculture (AG) to Industrial General (IG). On 06/09/16, in a PUBLIC MEETING, they established three finding of facts and recommended approval of the zone change from AG to IG to the Franklin County Fiscal Court (FCFC) by a vote of 7-1. On 7/14/16, the FCFC, in a PUBLIC MEETING, had first reading of the ordinance related to the zone change and on 8/9/16, in a PUBLIC MEETING, approved the request from AG to IG by Ordinances #13 and #14.
On 2/13/17, Buffalo Trace submitted to the Planning Commission, in a PUBLIC MEETING, a development plan requesting consideration for Phase 1 of a bourbon warehouse development at the Lewis Ferry and US 127 properties. By unanimous vote, it was approved, with 6 conditions that have since been satisfied.
All subsequent phases of the development in 2018 and 2019 were approved in a PUBLIC MEETING before the Planning Commission.
On 8/12/21 Buffalo Trace presented, again in a PUBLIC HEARING, a zone map amendment request from AG to IG for an additional 53.5 acres adjacent to the previously mentioned Lewis Ferry/US 127 properties. On 9/15/21 the Planning Commission, by unanimous vote, recommended the application to the FCFC with two Findings of Fact, during a PUBLIC MEETING. On 10/14/21, FCFC held a first reading to amend zoning of 53.5 acres from AG to IG. The second reading occurred on 11/19/21 at which time the Court approved the zone change, from AG to IG, with a Vote of 6-0. Both were PUBLIC MEETINGS.
KCDC keeps a vast library of the changes made by the Planning Commission as well as the voting records on each proposal presented to the FCFC and City Commission. We have access to updated zoning maps and, as expected from any economic development agency, we know the historical and current composition of all industrial parks. This institutional recollection of the facts is important to understand how Franklin County / Frankfort has arrived at its current inventory of available properties and to understand where the opportunities for growth exist. This information will be particularly vital in determining how to construct an effective comprehensive plan for years to come and I hope you will use our organization to help you remain informed about development issues in Franklin County.
Terri Bradshaw
KCDC President & CEO
Commentaires