Anderson County Board of Zoning Adjustments (Kentucky) unanimously approved the establishment of a year-round campground and recreational vehicle (RV) park.
The RV park will be an addition to a motorsports park currently owned by Guy E. Carey. As explained by Attorney David Nutgrass during the meeting, this arrangement is a reinstatement of the original permit issued in May 2021. The campground, initially proposed, had been left out when the board reissued the permit in June 2021. Nutgrass described this inclusion as more of a “house-keeping measure”.
However, this decision has stirred considerable unease amongst the community members. Several significant apprehensions were raised, key among them being the park’s proximity to a historical cemetery.
Local resident Dan Beaver articulated these concerns, stressing that, “The people of this county who have loved ones buried there should not have to go through the distress of coming there to visit their loved ones’ graves and find damaged, tipped over or broken gravestones.”
In response, Carey assured that provisions have been made for the cemetery to adjust its fencing if necessary to avoid such unfortunate incidents.
The establishment of the RV park also spurred concerns over the possibility of long-term residency, leading to potential management and policing problems.
Resident Jo Johnson echoed these worries, expressing skepticism about the RV park’s compatibility with community values.
This echoes a broader sentiment among many private campground owners and RV park operators in the region, who strive to maintain a harmonious balance between tourism and community wellbeing.
Carey, anticipating these concerns, promised to institute quiet hours starting from 10 p.m. However, this proposal was met with skepticism due to concurrent racing events at the motorsports venue that have been approved to run until 1 a.m. Queries were raised about how these rules could be enforced amidst the potential noise from the racing events.
In the face of these challenges, Nutgrass reassured attendees that existing state statutes prohibiting disturbance of the peace would be applicable. He also noted that the additional use permit allows Carey to stay on the property, helping to manage these issues personally.
Despite these assurances, some residents continued to express serious concerns. Notably, Sue Rhineheimer voiced apprehensions about the potential for the RV park to become a hub for illegal activities, specifically human and drug trafficking. This stark worry puts a spotlight on the broader responsibilities that private campground owners and RV park operators must bear in terms of security and community safety.
Board members, including Gary MacInfurf, stood by their approval of the campground. They emphasized the need for consistency and their trust in Carey’s commitment to managing the facility responsibly. MacInfurf drew parallels to surrounding hotels and campgrounds, highlighting that they don’t limit the duration of a guest’s stay, and hence, the same should apply to the RV park.
Lastly, the board clarified that the campground would not allow primitive camping or the use of tents. The facility will solely cater to motor vehicles and trailers, limiting the nature of its use and potentially controlling the crowd it attracts.
While the unanimous approval signifies a win for Carey, it also underscores the careful navigation required by private campground owners and RV park operators. They must balance their business interests with the responsibilities of maintaining harmony, security, and compliance with local rules and regulations. This decision has undeniably set a precedent, and it will be interesting to watch how this plays out for other stakeholders in the industry.