[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6566509,"mediaKeyId","3204906-3158159916c6558daa6b3fde76ba51a5","parentId",3204906,"title","Hopkinsville City Council approves rezones, grant match for greenway and several ordinance updates","audioSeconds",703,"startMs",2557000,"endMs",3260000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3204906-3158159916c6558daa6b3fde76ba51a5&start=2557&end=3260","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3204906-3158159916c6558daa6b3fde76ba51a5/thumbnail_2557000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6566509/Hopkinsville-City/Christian-County/Kentucky/Hopkinsville-City-Council-approves-rezones-grant-match-for-greenway-and-several-ordinance-updates","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566509-ebe99d1bbe9515fcbe55ac66c045ce68/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197603&Signature=EhSgjAHDDE8Fa8lBRms0VjcIaxPzoYX7rra6A6E6mRkx~ewiAAZN0~ChjDXV472c5KYh27rn06crVaxqUMsZ71adaqJuNLD0zMLV7cdeFM08TZZUucDgzbau7fSAlwWdFOo36X8fQLOv74kwu3p3mSVkHCdVqHVyY~ZyuJw~Bd41ffObKz4TcNXRo4AdCMxAZ1FZKab-jUzOeS7dGn8C1FPjVYitZ1KKQ0B0ub-9OlS3720~yVwwCQ-LEahn2WM1I5cZXWNpSiWZj1k5XqiDA0JyUbSj5bNxc-6Nv6F91D7GmoidQuyZ~cOOWiZNaSa-zELZTtxzeZwJtJhG67Dw3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Hopkinsville, KY","date","2025-05-07T12:01:20Z","article","Hopkinsville City Council on May 6 approved two rezoning ordinances on second reading, authorized a city match for a federal trail grant, and advanced multiple city-code changes on first reading during a meeting where council also passed several municipal orders and executive appointments.

The council voted to rezone 30.78 acres at 3125 and 3165 Katy's Road (ordinance O-8-2025) and 14.4966 acres at 4526 Lafayette Road (O-9-2025). Council approved the ward-map amendment (O-10-2025), the Hopkinsville Small Business Commission ordinance (O-11-2025), the landmarks and historic districts ordinance (O-12-2025) and the updated ordinance fine schedule (O-13-2025) on first reading. The council also approved municipal orders including designation of citation officers (MO 17-2025), authorization to accept and commit a 20% local match for a Transportation Alternatives Program grant (MO 18-2025), renaming Second Street Park as Fred Atkins Park (MO 19-2025), declaring surplus public-works property (MO 20-2025), and a grant agreement for the L & M Depot incentive (MO 21-2025). An executive order appointed three members to the Human Rights Commission.

Why it matters: the TAP grant match will enable phase 3 design and construction of the Hopkinsville Greenway — a project council and staff described as connecting the bypass area to Tie Breaker Park and the water park — while the zoning and code updates change how development and enforcement will operate across the city.

Most significant actions and outcomes
- O-8-2025 (3125 & 3165 Katy's Road rezoning): Passed on second reading. Motion to adopt carried by roll call. The ordinance reassigns 30.78 acres into AT-1 (agricultural/transitional) and R-2 (single-family residential) as described in exhibit A. (See actions array for vote record.)

- O-9-2025 (4526 Lafayette Road rezoning): Passed on second reading. Ordinance zones 14.4966 acres as R-4 (multifamily residential) following a Community & Development Services recommendation.

- MO 18-2025 (Transportation Alternatives Program grant): Approved. Council authorized up to a 20% local match, capped at $1,383,002.69, for a total estimated project cost of $6,916,346.10 and authorized the mayor to sign grant documents.

- O-10 through O-13 (ward map; Small Business Commission; landmarks/historic district language; ordinance fine schedule): Advanced on first reading after individual roll-call votes in which council members voted to pass each ordinance to first reading consideration.

- MO 19-2025 (park renaming): Unanimously adopted; Second Street Park will be named Fred Atkins Park.

- MO 21-2025 (L & M Depot incentive): Approved: council authorized the mayor to sign a grant agreement of $87,500 with Real Marks Holding, Inc.

- Executive Order 27-2025: Appointments of Kristen Middlebrook, Jack Shaw and Andrew Trochey to fill unexpired terms on the Human Rights Commission were announced; no council action was required.

Council procedure and roll calls: the meeting record shows roll-call votes for several ordinances and municipal orders. Where roll-call names were recorded in the transcript, all recorded votes were affirmative. Items either passed on second reading (O-8, O-9) or passed/advanced on first reading (O-10–O-13) as noted above.

What’s next: rezoning ordinances take effect after passage and publication as required by law; the TAP grant acceptance requires execution of federal and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet documents and funding commitments within the match cap authorized by council. First-reading ordinances (O-10–O-13) will return for subsequent readings as required by the city code.

Votes at a glance: see the actions array below for each formal motion text, recorded mover/second (when reported), roll-call vote records and outcomes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hopkinsville City Council Meeting - May 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Hopkinsville City Council on May 6 approved two rezoning ordinances on second reading, authorized a local match for a federal trail grant and advanced several municipal code changes, actions council said will support development and the Hopkinsville Greenway.","taxTitle","Hopkinsville City, Christian County, Kentucky","taxId",51060,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6566495,"Residents urge council to retain neighborhood legacy program as mayor outlines restructuring plans",111,1507000,1618000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3204906-3158159916c6558daa6b3fde76ba51a5&start=1507&end=1618","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3204906-3158159916c6558daa6b3fde76ba51a5/thumbnail_1507000.jpg","/articles/6566495/Hopkinsville-City/Christian-County/Kentucky/Residents-urge-council-to-retain-neighborhood-legacy-program-as-mayor-outlines-restructuring-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566495-7f32eac344a14efe2a1e2ab78072b4bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197603&Signature=n9CNMAJvLmkPidkY9tb1I2BDu07z0I~SJliXhmF9xkKssGG4OSvE0qmIgnZBrpjCgjC-bOIDzkzPP6TK~M-nY~3GK-1wdbuhqSxYrzi1y8VAyvgMTHlZLM8vRm3RsXqW11BNZYpeRauN5usUH-LuwWl~08oxX1ljmkj-6bB6OamNWJEs~RI0wWosMKNrpS-OwP1QK~Z2oOgnzZl32PKbqPHkzfRRyMPUUQUdhOeBOjBWVikEejR-d2lF~~1jLmqy1g0hhBMcQHPssvvSzuNqE2xO-Kxy253W~7HdB-RGLvA8AVWyII32oPEw4KPGDiu3fcChntH0GploSptFVDs18w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents used the public-comment period at the May 6 Hopkinsville City Council meeting to urge the council to maintain neighborhood-focused programs that support homeownership and revitalization.

Olivia Thomas, who identified herself as an East Side resident and a 24-year-old recent homeowner, cited a Christian County Now article saying the city budget showed an 11% increase but indicated a cut to the \"legacy program\" that \"primarily affects the inner city neighborhoods.\" Thomas said removing the program would be \"like starving us out\" and asked how the city will rebuild after removing abandoned homes and other remediation services. She requested the city revise its plan so neighborhoods are not left behind.

Mayor James R. Knight responded that city staff were already looking at restructuring and exploring other ways to support affected neighborhoods. He said the work would be part of a forthcoming \"growing home\" program and compared it to previous restructuring of the rental rehab program. A second speaker representing the Westside Neighborhood Association reiterated the program’s importance, saying many residents had been helped and urging the city to continue revitalization efforts. Ardel Lawrence, Third Avenue Neighborhood Association president, also raised concerns about not receiving information and asked to meet with the mayor.

What was decided: no formal policy or budget vote occurred during public comment. Mayor Knight said staff will \"look into\" revisions and incorporate neighborhood-support efforts into the growing home program; he invited residents to meet with him in person for further discussion.

Why it matters: residents said the legacy program supports vulnerable neighborhoods and recent homeowners. The exchange occurred as council prepared to consider the mayor’s proposed budget; any change to neighborhood programs could affect housing stability and local revitalization work.

Next steps: Mayor Knight offered meetings and said staff are working on restructuring. Council will consider the mayor's budget in upcoming sessions where specific funding decisions will be made.","During public comment on May 6, residents told council a proposed cut to the city’s legacy/neighborhood program would harm inner-city revitalization; the mayor responded that staff are reviewing options and that a new 'growing home' program will be part of the approach.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6566500,"City reports $1.18 million balance in police and fire pension fund; city contribution maintained",101,2404000,2505000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3204906-3158159916c6558daa6b3fde76ba51a5&start=2404&end=2505","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3204906-3158159916c6558daa6b3fde76ba51a5/thumbnail_2404000.jpg","/articles/6566500/Hopkinsville-City/Christian-County/Kentucky/City-reports-118-million-balance-in-police-and-fire-pension-fund-city-contribution-maintained","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566500-52944ae736b001bdcd49a78ec131bfc4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197603&Signature=Iov5A3CBi~rU9oQW44TJ1rSKR2T1Zez7XUqsxPK4oAyw~USvKYDvexCvuw9~yK9zXaKyvHnUgEoeNd0CH5pZ7ZdopVo2Fk7L0P1-0h81gMVOsRlKrepD-~DC3KpQNMsgEcJdPDn6G0FGXfPmfOt-C1bTwJdZKYTmqBjuE8d5VLHDQSLMcVQzfvNuja6A5U2R5T2wxeyKLETseVIGJlOrgM6U~sXgRYcRQqpuUBmri0sNUpdzx3RyhPVUlBLyRyEPSQxnHgN-k3hcdbfv~M7PwN~mRPHCL5dzTx~xAZgtHN1zkRPJkJrbP1~ykyaPvRQk-ocGLcvaYftdJk8Zgd7WkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Melissa Clayton presented the annual report on the Hopkinsville policeman and firemen pension fund as required under KRS 95.623, giving council the calendar-year 2024 financial summary.

Clayton said the fund began 2024 with $1,114,560. Investment revenue (interest and dividends) totaled $59,630. The city made an annual contribution of $220,000 in 2024 and paid benefits and expenses of $215,223, leaving a December 31, 2024, fund balance of $1,178,967. The report noted 11 participants currently receive monthly payments totaling $16,822.50; that annualizes to $201,870 in benefit payments. Clayton said the city made a 2025 contribution of $200,000 in January and has budgeted $200,000 for 2026.

Why it matters: this fund covers retired city police officers and firefighters who retired before the city entered the state retirement system. The council receives this annual report under state statute to track fund solvency and city contributions.

Details from the report
- Beginning balance (1/1/2024): $1,114,560
- Investment income (interest/dividends): $59,630
- City contribution (2024): $220,000 (2025 contribution noted as $200,000)
- Expenses/benefit payments (2024): $215,223
- Ending balance (12/31/2024): $1,178,967
- Participants: 11; monthly payments total $16,822.50 (annual $201,870)

Council response: Clayton invited questions; none were recorded in the transcript. The report will be kept on record and used for future budget planning.

Ending: Clayton offered to answer questions and concluded the annual report.","Finance staff reported the city’s policeman and firemen pension fund began 2024 with $1,114,560, recorded investment income and a $220,000 city contribution, ending the year with a balance of $1,178,967. The fund covers 11 participants.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6566504,"Visit Hopkinsville reports growth, cites 300,000 annual visitors and tourism economic impact",459,1911000,2370000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3204906-3158159916c6558daa6b3fde76ba51a5&start=1911&end=2370","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3204906-3158159916c6558daa6b3fde76ba51a5/thumbnail_1911000.jpg","/articles/6566504/Hopkinsville-City/Christian-County/Kentucky/Visit-Hopkinsville-reports-growth-cites-300000-annual-visitors-and-tourism-economic-impact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566504-67fedfb591ed43a24dbfc2b3732923d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197603&Signature=H4WaNwQn9FeeSHlzQcHia26y-F8lspQxtrDrWjM3g~yg63RMiwIuB7Lkhn0DKUidoDp48XiPhPSbsZHwrAxDOe387r0JQpz7Ls3lcOiXUU8CtEAc4YEP2HgDtk5jymfCddHUFw3gpbcndWOWB2~KnD68QjwiU5DqhxvWOC5Ep12Yusm3keeyT6q1RHmJfddUfU3uz44XgrfiRtTBvu2MgiNyvBEb6qmLMjG1oxnyDh6nqi-biOxDQTx58JIuq2c6TqsTu~qKA1TekI~UGzMdijIrUNrcpIWEpJR-qLCesx7g806GMrgN5OJsdiq03yITggcP2juiYgLGpOgJnV1VhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Amy Rogers, executive director of the Hopkinsville Christian County Convention & Visitors Bureau, presented the bureau’s annual update to Hopkinsville City Council on May 6, 2025, reporting continued growth in visitation and economic impact for Christian County.

Rogers said Visit Hopkinsville used location-analysis tools to estimate more than 300,000 visitors annually to the community and reported more than 3,000 visitor-center walk-ins last year. Citing 2023 figures, she said visitor-supported employment in Christian County totaled 1,804 jobs, labor income was about $46.7 million, state and local tax revenue from visitors was about $16 million and total visitor spending was $239.1 million — roughly $1.9 million more than 2022.

Rogers described how Visit Hopkinsville leverages the city’s 3% transient room tax and state ARPA funds the bureau received (she said Visit Hopkinsville received more than $700,000 from state-distributed ARPA funds) to run marketing campaigns and bid for events. She noted recent efforts to position Hopkinsville as a sports destination — citing a Southern Pickleball Association tournament and an upcoming cheer competition — and other events, including an inaugural GoblinCon tied to local cultural attractions.

Why it matters: Tourism-generated spending supports local jobs, sales at hotels and restaurants, and tax receipts that contribute to city and county revenues. Rogers asked council and the public to use the visitor center and support fundraising for parks and other amenities that attract visitors.

Details Rogers provided
- Estimated visitors: \"over 300,000\" annually (Placer AI estimate)
- Visitor-center walk-ins: more than 3,000 last year
- 2023 economic impact (Christian County): 1,804 visitor-supported jobs; $46,700,000 labor income; $16,000,000 state/local taxes; $239,100,000 total spending
- Funding: city transient room tax (3%) and state ARPA distributions enabled marketing campaigns.

Council response and next steps: Rogers closed by offering the visitor center as a community resource (1730 East Ninth Street) and asked council members to continue supporting tourism marketing and event-hosting efforts. No formal council action was required on the presentation.

Ending: Rogers said Visit Hopkinsville will continue marketing and pursuing events that draw visitors and generate local spending.","Amy Rogers, executive director of the Hopkinsville Christian County Convention & Visitors Bureau, told council Visit Hopkinsville estimates more than 300,000 visitors to the community and summarized 2023 economic impacts including 1,804 visitor-supported jobs and $239.1 million in spending.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hopkinsville City Council approves rezones, grant match for greenway and several ordinance updates

Residents urge council to retain neighborhood legacy program as mayor outlines restructuring plans

City reports $1.18 million balance in police and fire pension fund; city contribution maintained

Visit Hopkinsville reports growth, cites 300,000 annual visitors and tourism economic impact