Fort Thomas residents press planning commission to revise 2018 comprehensive plan; commissioners pause review

Fort Thomas Planning Commission members heard extended public comment on revising the city's 2018 comprehensive plan during their meeting, with residents urging clearer evidence-based changes, more outreach and caution about proposed increases in housing density.

The comments focused on whether the plan's goals and objectives reflect citizen preferences and existing law. "I had no idea that a comprehensive plan even existed," said Peggy Maggio, a Fort Thomas resident of 37 South Shoreline, recounting her reaction to zoning proposals shown during an earlier adoption process. Maggio criticized several land-use goals in the 2018 plan as inconsistent with the results of a city survey and asked commissioners to "take a serious look" and revise sections she says are not supported by evidence.

Why it matters: Under Kentucky law, courts may look to a municipality's comprehensive plan when resolving land-use disputes. Speakers said inconsistencies between the plan text, prior public-survey responses and the city's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) risk producing confusion for residents and developers.

Public comment and staff responses

Maggio said…