The Richmond Board of Commissioners on second reading adopted Ordinance 25-27 to change the zoning for 495 Duncannon Lane — a 190-acre property — from AG (agriculture) to I-2 (heavy industry), the city attorney read at the meeting.

City Manager (unnamed in the transcript) told commissioners the city received a $2,000,000 PDI state grant and matched it with $2,744,000 to purchase the property and advance development. “This is a strategy for new industry,” the city manager said, noting the corridor’s utility infrastructure and that modern industry is often robotics and clean technology rather than smokestack operations.

The planning and zoning commission had conducted a public hearing and recommended approval; the city attorney said the commission adopted written findings of fact and forwarded its recommendation to the Board of Commissioners. Commissioners discussed preparing an entrance design and concepts to attract employers and create higher-paying jobs in the community.

Commissioner Cole moved to bring the ordinance to the floor; the motion was seconded and the mayor called the roll. Commissioners Goble, Newby, Brewer, Cole and Mayor (referenced in the transcript as Mayor Blythe) voted “Yes,” and the ordinance was ordered effective immediately upon enactment and required publication under Kentucky law.

Why it matters: The rezoning and the accompanying grant and city match are intended to position the property as a build-ready industrial site, supporting the city’s economic-development strategy and expected to improve the city’s inventory of sites suitable for employers.

What’s next: The ordinance directs the director of planning and zoning to update the official city map and the city indicated staff will pursue entrance and site-concept work to attract prospective industries.