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(DRAFT) 2024 Kenton County Comprehensive Plan > ELEMENTS > Sub Areas Element > Suburban

Suburban Sub Area

1. Recommendation: Promote policies and regulations which allow residents to age in place with convenient and accessible housing options, goods and services, and other amenities.

Associated Goal & Objective:

Goal 4 – Objective C

Tasks:

  1. 1)  Identify the needs of the aging population and determine the challenges in meeting those needs.
  2. 2)  Identify other strategies where the built environment can play a role in accommodating aging in place.

Basis:

Research indicates that for Baby Boomers to age in place, existing communities may require updates and changes to the built environment. Commercial areas will need to be more walkable with shops close together for easy accessibility. Housing options close to commercial areas allowing residents to walk to shops will also be a desirable option. Research indicates that lack of physical exercise is considered to be one of the major causes for the rise in obesity rates. While there are many contributing factors to decreased levels of physical activity, the built environment also influences public health.

Resource Links:

Sub Areas Research Report
Health Research Report

2. Recommendation: Develop flexible regulations to accommodate a more active and engaging built environment, with alternative forms of housing, jobs, services, and recreation located within a neighborhood.

Associated Goal & Objective:

Goal 4 – Objective C

Tasks:“The housing market is likely to undergo significant changes in the coming decades. Baby Boomers are retiring and expected to down size. Millennials are moving to urban areas and often renting. Generation X wants large suburban homes within walkable communities.” –Direction 2030 Housing Research Report

  1. 1)  Coordinate with communities to assess their needs and the desire for mixed use development.
  2. 2)  Identify strategic areas and proactively pursue regulatory changes to incentivize this form of development.
  3. 3)  Implement a baseline standard for the proximity residential neighborhoods should be to recreation facilities and identify areas that do not meet the standard.

Basis:

Research indicates that there are shifts in lifestyle choices for certain generations, particularly the Millennials, who rent longer and desire urban living. Research also indicates that the baby boomers have a desire to age in place but are looking for convenient and easy access to amenities.

Resource Links:

Sub Areas Research Report

3. Recommendation: Support the need for a variety of housing options within suburban areas.

Associated Goal & Objective:

Goal 4 – Objective C

Tasks:Residential Construction in Kenton County

  1. 1)  Identify areas that are appropriate for lower density, larger lot developments.
  2. 2)  Encourage age-friendly developments such as no-step housing and low maintenance communities.

Basis:

While there are shifts in certain generations for alternatives to the detached single-family house, there is still a demand, especially among families and younger baby boomers, for single-family homes in the suburbs.

Resource Links:

Sub Areas Research Report

4. Recommendation: Identify potential employment centers and develop strategies to attract jobs to the suburbs.

Associated Goal & Objective:

Goal 4 – Objective C

Tasks:Different Land Uses in Independence, KY

  1. 1)  Identify strategic locations with easy access to major roadways where employment centers could locate.
  2. 2)  Identify potential areas for industrial development and ensure availability of infrastructure to support these uses.
  3. 3)  Encourage rezoning areas that have been identified as strategic locations for employment and industrial development.
  4. 4)  Collaborate with local and regional economic development agencies to proactively enhance policies that promote economic development.
  5. 5)  Provide, whenever feasible, access to employment and economic centers for bicyclists and pedestrians by improving facilities, connectivity, and infrastructure for these modes of transportation.

Basis:

Industrial parks are geographically situated in areas with good access to the regional transportation networks such as the interstate highway system and rail lines. In Kenton County, major industrial parks are located along the Kenton County/Boone County line due to easy access to the interstate. Improved access and infrastructure is needed in other areas in order to promote additional economic development.

Resource Links:

Sub Areas Research Report