Residents of Plum Springs Road in Kentucky voiced their concerns at the City-County Planning Commission meeting regarding a proposed RV park and campground. The development, led by local developer Montie Brown, includes a 33-RV site, five cabins, an event space, and walking trails on a 15-acre lot across Beech Bend Amusement Park.
The Planning Commission proceeded with Brown’s proposal, approving a future land use map amendment in a narrow 5-4 vote. This amendment marks the first step toward rezoning and developing the vacant lot. The full City-County Planning Commission board will reconvene on July 18.
Brown’s application highlighted the practical use of the parcel’s steep drop-offs and sizable floodplain. “The planned use of a campground, RV park, and event center will provide another lodging option for visitors to Warren County and would be an advantageous use of this unique property along the floodplain and its topography,” the application indicates, as reported by Bowling Green Daily News.
Although the proposed development is compatible with the area and consistent with existing zoning requirement, several nearby residents disagreed and aired their concerns during the public comment session.
Rusty Vertrees, a resident across Plum Springs Road from the proposed site, questioned the development’s compatibility with nearby residential zoning. He and others worried that the developer’s self-enforced “quiet hours” would not suffice to prevent noise disturbances.
Traffic concerns also surfaced, with residents worried about the impact of RVs traveling down Plum Springs Road. They also feared that the park might attract long-term low-income or homeless residents despite a 20-day maximum stay policy.
In response to these concerns, Brown’s attorney, Chris Davenport, addressed the public comments. He explained the development’s compatibility with the area, noting its proximity to industrial zones on Commerce Street, which would provide an entrance and exit primarily for employees.
He emphasized the site’s unique nature, suggesting that the campground would effectively use the land, given its topographical challenges.
“In my opinion, it would make great use of this acreage, give it great utility given the challenges to topography, the river, those things that will actually accentuate a campground,” Davenport said in the report.
The proposed RV park by Brown highlights the importance of adhering to local zoning requirements and engaging with the community. Future campground owners and developers can learn from this approach by ensuring their projects comply with local regulations and by maintaining open lines of communication with both authorities and residents to foster community support and address potential issues.