Georgetown City Council Halts Business Park Plans, Threatening 1,400 Jobs

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Georgetown City Council discussing business park proposals

News Summary

The Georgetown City Council’s recent vote against an inter-local agreement has put brakes on a proposed 500-acre business park, which was expected to create around 1,400 jobs in the area. The project, supported by over $6 million in state funding, faced community opposition and funding challenges, leaving the future of economic growth in Georgetown in question. This decision has raised concerns among residents about the potential impact on local employment opportunities.

Georgetown City Council Delays Plans for Business Park, Impacting 1,400 Jobs

In a recent turn of events, the Georgetown City Council has made a notable decision that puts a halt on the possibility of a large regional business park in north Georgetown, Scott County. In a decisive vote of 6-2, council members chose to reject an inter-local agreement that would have paved the way for a proposed 500-acre business park aimed at serving the surrounding three-county area. This development was projected to create a staggering 1,400 jobs, which has left many local residents speculating about the future of economic opportunities in the region.

The Project That Could Have Been

This ambitious project had already garnered impressive support, with over $6 million in state matching funds and hopes for additional federal funding. The proposal was the result of collaboration between various local partners, including the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, Madison, and Scott counties, as well as nearby cities like Georgetown, Berea, and Richmond. Miami-like dreams of economic growth were in the air, with expectations of significant tax revenue and job opportunities for the community.

Funding Challenges and Community Concerns

Even though the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council had slated a substantial contribution of $2.1 million towards the business park’s creation, the inter-local agreement faced several hurdles. Each participating county was set to contribute roughly $4 million, while a careful application process for funding from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority was in place to secure the necessary land purchases. Unfortunately, without Georgetown’s backing, the project appears to be nothing more than a distant vision now left “off the table”.

Furthermore, the rejection was bolstered by a wave of community opposition. With more than 800 individuals joining a Facebook group to voice dissent, concerns ranged from the potential for increased traffic and strain on local infrastructure to worries about the park’s proximity to schools and environmentally sensitive areas like the Elkhorn Creek.

Divided Opinions on Economic Growth

As the voting unfolded, a clear division emerged among council members. While some, like Showalter and Tackett, leaned towards supporting the inter-local agreement, others outlined various concerns, including what they perceived to be insufficient community support. One major sticking point was the profit-sharing agreement. This proposal suggested allocating 33.3% of generated taxes to the Lexington area while Georgetown and Scott County would only reap slightly more than 50%. Many members saw this as a recipe for economic disadvantage.

Despite these challenges, Georgetown’s Mayor, Burney Jenkins, remained an advocate for the pursuit of economic diversification, underlining the importance of generating revenue without the need for an increase in taxes. The city’s dependence on business taxes was emphasized as a reason for pushing forward with initiatives aimed at job creation.

The Future Remains Uncertain

As it stands now, there is still a pending zone change application for the potential business park site, leaving some feeling that perhaps hope isn’t entirely lost. However, the recent developments paint a challenging picture for Georgetown’s economic ambitions and job market. With the council’s rejection fresh in the minds of residents, questions about what the future holds for local employment opportunities loom large.

In summary, Georgetown finds itself at an economic crossroads, navigating community concerns and ambitious proposals in an ever-evolving landscape. As discussions continue in the wake of this council decision, residents and local leaders alike will be watching closely to see what steps will be taken next in the pursuit of job creation and economic development.