Georgetown, Ky. – The Georgetown City Council has decisively rejected the proposed Triple Crown Regional Business Park, voting 6-2 against an agreement to participate in the project during a recent meeting on Monday night. This marks the culmination of a months-long effort to establish the business park, which was slated to occupy a 500-acre site off McClelland Circle.
During the past two weeks, council members convened three times to deliberate on the proposed development, which had drawn substantial attention from local residents. Concerns raised by community members included issues related to traffic, local control, and potential environmental impacts of the development. Erin Hsu, a vocal opponent of the project, organized a Facebook group that gained nearly 1,000 members opposing the business park.
“We as a fiscal agency don’t need this development, we as a community don’t want this development in this area,” Hsu stated during the meeting. Other opponents expressed that constructing the park would have devastating effects on the local environment and ecosystem. “This will irrevocably change our environment and our ecosystem,” warned a former resident who fondly recalled life on the historic property.
Despite the pushback, proponents of the park emphasized the potential benefits, including the creation of 1,400 jobs and the availability of $6 million in matching state funds to support the initiative. Georgetown Mayor Burney Jenkins argued that the development would enhance the local economy by leveraging state and federal funds.
However, as evidenced by the strong council vote, the council members ultimately sided with the sentiments of their constituents. “Change is going to happen, and change is not always easy,” commented council member Alonzo Allen. “It’s our job to make the best decision for this community.”
A spokesperson for the regional group behind the business park confirmed that the project has now reached a dead end. “We worked for over a year to introduce this initiative, bringing significant state and federal support along with it. The absence of backing from local officials has regrettably stalled our efforts,” the spokesperson stated.
While proponents of the project are disappointed, they acknowledge the local officials’ commitment to addressing community concerns. Hsu noted the gratifying feeling of her grassroots efforts resonating with decision-makers: “I’m a working mom. I’m not a realtor, I’m not a politician, but I saw this project and thought that can’t possibly be right.”
The rejection of the Triple Crown Regional Business Park signifies a notable moment in Georgetown’s local governance, as future development opportunities continue to be weighed against community values and environmental considerations.
