Stop the Industrial Development of Kenton County Farmlands

Recent signers:
Logan Baker and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Our lineage traces back to the rich farmlands of Kenton county that have been in my family for 80 years. It bears the sweat, toil, and love of our ancestors - a legacy that we hoped to pass onto our future generations. However, industrial development threatens these lands that not only embody our family history but also serve as the livelihoods of many in our community, taking away the last vestiges that our ancestors left for us. Many of our neighbors face the same plight, their farms standing on the verge of surrender. Reports indicate a steep rise in conversion of farmlands to industrial uses over the past decade, a trend that is accelerating at an worrying pace. This urgent situation can't be ignored. We speak not only for ourselves but for all Kenton county farming families. This land is more than property; it represents our tradition, our pride, and our legacy. We must unite to protect it. We implore Kenton county to halt the industrial development of our farmlands. Don't let the memories of our great grandparents and the stories of farmers vanish underneath concrete structures. Halt this industrial development and protect our rich farming heritage. Sign this petition now, show your support, and let's preserve our farmland for future generations.

3,297

Recent signers:
Logan Baker and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Our lineage traces back to the rich farmlands of Kenton county that have been in my family for 80 years. It bears the sweat, toil, and love of our ancestors - a legacy that we hoped to pass onto our future generations. However, industrial development threatens these lands that not only embody our family history but also serve as the livelihoods of many in our community, taking away the last vestiges that our ancestors left for us. Many of our neighbors face the same plight, their farms standing on the verge of surrender. Reports indicate a steep rise in conversion of farmlands to industrial uses over the past decade, a trend that is accelerating at an worrying pace. This urgent situation can't be ignored. We speak not only for ourselves but for all Kenton county farming families. This land is more than property; it represents our tradition, our pride, and our legacy. We must unite to protect it. We implore Kenton county to halt the industrial development of our farmlands. Don't let the memories of our great grandparents and the stories of farmers vanish underneath concrete structures. Halt this industrial development and protect our rich farming heritage. Sign this petition now, show your support, and let's preserve our farmland for future generations.

The Decision Makers

Joe Nienaber Jr.
Joe Nienaber Jr.
Kenton county commissioner district 3
Responded
First, thank you for reaching out. In nearly 23 years as an elected official, a small minority of people effected by issues such as this, actually reach out directly. This issue is very complex and encompasses over 54,000 acres in Unincorporated Kenton County, as well as, more than 15,000 residents in this territory. Quite frankly, the same issues here are discerned and decided upon throughout the whole of Kenton County on a daily basis. I can assure you that property rights, responsible development and economic development frequently interact in both positive and negative ways. Our responsibilities as your elected officials require us to balance all these elements in a responsible manner, whether you own less than an acre or hundreds of acres. We need to give equal attention to those who wish to sell in order to take advantage of financial opportunity and those who wish there never be change. In either case none of us personally gain or lose. As for myself, and I believe for my colleagues, the concept of "taking" land has never been discussed and will never gain traction with me personally. Judge Knochelmann, Commissioners Sewell, Draud and Myself are the only 4 people currently serving Kenton County who can raise our hands to even consider this. As this conversation progresses please know that regardless of whose mouths these or any words come from, only I can speak specifically for myself. The only way that we can speak collectively is through the minutes of a sanctioned public meeting of the Kenton County Fiscal Court. None of the meetings being commissioned by people outside of the Fiscal Courts Official Meetings should be construed to have value as the official stance of the Court as a whole or any of us individually. I hope you will continue to stay informed and feel comfortable reaching directly out. Respectfully, Joe Nienaber, Kenton County Commissioner
Cathy Flaig
Boone County Commission - District 1
Andy Beshear
Kentucky Governor
Beth Sewell
Kenton County Commission - District 1
Kris Knochelmann
Kenton County Judge/Executive

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