Oldham County fiscal court approves zoning change for proposed Buckner family entertainment center

The Oldham County Fiscal Court on March 4 approved an ordinance rezoning a 2.23‑acre parcel on North Highway 393 in Buckner from I‑2 Heavy Industrial to C‑3 General Business to allow construction of a proposed 19,267‑square‑foot family entertainment center.

The zoning change (Ordinance KOC 25‑920‑081) was put forward by Jamf Enterprises LLC and recommended to the fiscal court by the Oldham County Planning Commission after a lengthy review and a December 10 planning‑commission hearing. Planning staff and the applicant described the facility as containing indoor multiuse courts (primarily for pickleball), a fenced outdoor games/lawn area, a playground and a café with a drive‑through lane. Planning Director Ryan Fisher told the court the planning commission recommended approval of the zoning map amendment and associated waivers and approved the preliminary development plan.

Why it matters: the rezoning permits a business‑oriented use on land currently designated industrial, altering the regulatory framework for setbacks, parking and other site requirements. The project’s proponents said it would create local recreation options and jobs; opponents and some magistrates said the location — directly across KY‑393 from Oldham County High School — raises pedestrian‑safety and traffic concerns that merit attention.

Planning, review and waivers Mike Swansberg, attorney for Jamf Enterprises, described a multi‑year review process in which the applicant met repeatedly with county staff,…