By Sebastian Ernst
The issues of economic stagnation, dilapidated buildings, undeveloped city property and lack of code enforcement are the same issues we’ve been facing for well over 20 years now. Falmouth has been on a slow, self-induced economic decline for decades. We have the ability to fix these problems quickly, but like all things, it’s going to take hard work and resources. What we are doing now isn’t working, and it’s time our elected leaders realize that fact. If it was, this question wouldn’t be asked every election.
The reason we don’t see any improvements in town is because the city doesn’t spend any time or resources trying to improve it. We spend less than $10,000 a year on city improvements despite having a budget of over one million. With my proposed plan, we could invest over $600,000 a year into our city without costing the taxpayers a penny more than what they’re being charged now. With a budget like that, we could turn Falmouth into the nicest city in Kentucky. These investments will increase your property values and draw in more homeowners to the area. As property values begin to rise, so will our general fund.
A few municipal projects I hope to achieve during my term on Council is developing and selling the Klee property for residential use (we need more housing), renovating Veterans Park into a splash park, updating/installing new sidewalks along high traffic areas, city-wide clean up efforts, as well as offering mini-grants for art and historic preservation projects.
By Craig Owen
Concerning the Klee property, I think it needs to be sold and put into someone else’s hands for development. As for what the best option would be to develop on that property, I know most people seem to favor a retail option but maybe it would be better to consider a housing development. There definitely aren’t many areas for people who may want to locate here to build a home within the city limits.
As for the dilapidated buildings strewn throughout town, the best approach to tackling that problem is stronger code enforcement. Seems to me that the city has been a little complacent over the years when it comes to this process. Regarding the similar issue with downtown Falmouth, I actually think some people who own property there have taken steps to improve that situation as best they can. Based on what I’ve been told ,the biggest hurdle has been the exorbitant restoration costs which are primarily due to certain restrictions that are currently in place. Hopefully, if elected, I can work with fellow city council members at finding a way to lighten these restrictions and ease the financial burden on the property owners trying to breathe new life into downtown Falmouth.
By Amy Beckett Hurst
The city council is currently working on several plans concerning properties located within the city limits. One of these plans concerns the Klee Property. The plan for the Klee Property is being addressed through The Catalytic Fund and Mr. Mitchell. The Catalytic Fund is promoting the property to potential developers. There has been a Request for Qualifications sent out to attract potential developers. This project is in the beginning phase.
The downtown area has been undergoing improvements over the past few months. Owners of the properties in the downtown area are in the process of remodeling them. The remodeling of some properties have been delayed because of some structural issues. The owners are working with engineers and the state in order to proceed. These buildings are not only hazardous in their current conditions, but are not aesthetically pleasing for the tourists and future developers coming to our community.
The council has also been working on the dilapidated buildings throughout the town. Unfortunately, there is a lot of red tape and due process with many of the properties. The council has formed a Nuisance Ordinance Committee which is working on rewriting the city’s current ordinance to coincide with the county’s new ordinance. The new (revised) ordinance will not only coincide with the county’s ordinance, but will pertain to specific city needs, as well.
If we focus on these points and continue to see progress, businesses will be more interested in opening establishments in the City of Falmouth, therefore promoting economic growth.
By Joyce Carson
City Council and the Mayor are currently actively seeking a developer to offer ideas for the Klee property, which helps us market and evaluate viable investors. I’d like to see a mixed community of residential and commercial. This type of development could spur economic growth and give us a bigger tax base. I’d like to see housing for moderate income families. A family style restaurant would be welcome, but we must have someone willing to take that risk. While we have three gas stations, we need one out of the flood plain. Remember when we couldn’t get gas during the ‘97 flood?
Our nuisance ordinance is in dire need of revamping and a committee is currently working to do so. We need stricter ordinances that can be enforced more effectively. If a building is inspected and condemned or a fire hazard, these buildings would have to be razed. Property owners need to take more responsibility keeping properties habitable and neat, and I aim to help incentivize such actions.
I’d love to see downtown be more vibrant, and it will take much collaboration. Some of the old buildings are in dire need of rehabbing, but it takes lots of money. Incentives to rehab and invest is an option that could be worked out. Believe me, no one wants this town to be cleaned up more than I do, and it will take all of us to do our respective part.
By Shannon Johnson
The Klee Property has been an important topic during the two years that I have been in office. It is a prime piece of property with lots of possibilities. The type of development that goes in there will make or break this community. We all want something that will benefit the community as a whole and for years to come. That is why we recently decided to collaborate with The Catalytic Fund from Northern Kentucky. They are experienced with this type of project, and I feel they will help point us in the right direction.
There are a few properties that have been eyesores in our community for years. Every administration that comes in has good intentions on getting them cleaned up, but then nothing gets done. “Our hands are tied” has been the response I’ve gotten. I believe property owners/tenants should be held responsible. There is something that must be done. This also includes our downtown area. We have allowed buildings to crumble around us and do nothing but watch. It is sad to think that one day, those historical buildings may be torn down and our downtown area will not exist any longer. I have wanted to see an entertainment destination area similar to what Maysville is doing with their historical downtown. We just have to work together to make it happen. We also need to stop the monopoly to allow others in with similar goals for the overall bigger picture and longer term.
By Luke Price
The Klee Property is a key piece of property to the city. It is the last piece of property that can be developed in the city limits that is not in the flood plain. I believe we should try to utilize this property in many ways that fit the needs of Falmouth--I believe affordable housing for beginner homeowners, assisted living, retirement center for elderly citizens, and potentially a restaurant or a gas station out of the flood plain. The Klee property development is a key project to offer economic growth to the City of Falmouth which I believe is a must for the city’s future. I am excited to see what this property holds for Falmouth’s future growth.
I believe that city council could help lead the clean up of dilapidated buildings in the downtown area along with the help of property owners. This needs to be a group effort to potentially fix some of our great historic buildings. Investment groups that specialize in this style of projects do exist and can be utilized. Projects like these don’t happen over night and can take some time but they can be done with a group effort.