Winchester community upset by zoning changes; court defends stance

WINCHESTER, Ky. (WTVQ) — Zoning changes have been a big discussion in Clark County — and the 2024 Comprehensive Plan underwent major changes in court.

Disappointed looks came from residents of Clark County as they sat and listened to the Fiscal Court make substantial changes to goals and objectives that the planning commission previously approved.

“The Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee produced a set of goals and objectives that was a result of a year-long process,” said Will Mayer, executive director of County Coalition.

Instead, members of the court added their amendments.

People who live in the area are against boundary expansion saying it would only cost the local government more money.

Mayer says that this decision could fundamentally change the growth plans for Clark County.

“The Fiscal Court did not accept those updated goals and objectives and decided to make major changes in the course of today’s meeting which fundamentally alter Winchester county’s comprehensive plan,” said Mayer.

The 2024 Comprehensive Plan Goals and Objectives read for the merger of county and city government, protection of farmland and rejection of the expansion of county boundaries.

Magistrate Davis with the Fiscal Court explained his opposition to the goals and objectives presented, saying they have to face the reality that growth is coming to the county.

Overall, while the community worked to put together a Comprehensive Plan of zoning goals and objectives for their county, the Fiscal Court ultimately amended the majority of those goals and objectives.

The county will now have to wait for the Winchester City Commission to approve the amendments.