Public split as Shepherdsville council hears first reading of Mark 12’s Grace Village rezoning request

Mark 12 Ministries on Monday presented a revised site plan for “Grace Village,” a proposed transitional housing community on Old Preston Highway and Charles Hamilton Way, and the Shepherdsville City Council held a lengthy public hearing that produced dozens of speakers both in favor and opposed.

Emily Vessels, representing Mark 12 Ministries, described the proposal as a residential transitional program for people who have completed an initial recovery program and need structured, short‑ to medium‑term housing and services. The organization proposed six bunkhouses (two of the bunkhouses reserved for veterans), one community building with toilets/showers and laundry, a manager’s residence in an existing house on the site, and an expanded Outreach Thrift store. “This proposed development would allow for this community to have that type of resource,” Vessels told the council.

Why it matters: The council considered three zoning ordinance changes (dockets 2025Z‑29, 2025Z‑30 and 2025Z‑31) that would rezone approximately 0.98, 2.60 and 2.94 acres from agricultural (AG) to B‑1 highway business and B‑2 central business for the thrift store and the transitional housing components. The planning commission voted to recommend approval with two specific technical conditions: (1) provide floodplain mitigation at a minimum 1.5:1 ratio (pooled across parcels as needed) unless a higher standard is required by other authorities, and (2) reduce the predevelopment stormwater discharge by 75% (pooled across properties).

What proponents said Dozens of supporters — including clergy, veterans, thrift‑store volunteers and program graduates — told the council they have worked with Mark 12 and the Pathway Home program and urged…