Union Weighs Commercial Rezoning Along US-42
Union City Commission heard first reading of an ordinance to rezone a 3.5-acre lot across from Central Bank for commercial use.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Live Poll
Should your city allow commercial development next to existing homes?
Union City Commission heard first reading of Ordinance 2026-13, which proposes rezoning a 3.5-acre lot along US-42 from its current residential and neighborhood office classifications to Union commercial. The Boone County Planning Commission recommended approval of the change.
Why it matters
The proposal would allow businesses, offices, and restaurants on land that abuts the Villas at Fowler's Creek subdivision, a change that could shape traffic and development along the corridor in Union. Supporters argue the current zoning is inappropriate for the lot.
The rezoning covers a 3.5-acre parcel that includes an empty grassy field, a few trees, and a stream within the Upper Gunpowder Creek watershed. The stream has not been assessed for water quality, and the city has not yet voted on the second reading.
The players
Union City Commission
The Union City Commission is the governing body that will hear the second reading and vote on Ordinance 2026-13.
Boone County Planning Commission
The Boone County Planning Commission is the county body that recommended approval of the zoning change.
Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet
The Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet is the state agency responsible for assessing water quality, and it has not yet assessed the stream on the lot.
The details
Steve Berling, on behalf of Arlinghaus Builders, proposed rezoning the lot from rural suburban estates, the Union town overlay district, and Union neighborhood office to Union commercial. Arlinghaus Builders has plans to develop the location as a bank and funeral home.
Timeline
Monday, November 2, 2026: City Commissioner Kimberly Tuyn acknowledged citizen density concern in committee report.
November 3, 2026: Commission heard first reading of Ordinance 2026-13.
Monday, November 16, 2026: Second reading and vote scheduled at the next caucus meeting.
Market Landscape
The proposal sits within the Union town overlay district, which governs how land along the corridor may be used. Moving a parcel from neighborhood office and rural estate classifications to commercial use marks a shift in how that corridor is zoned.
If approved, the rezoning would allow banks, funeral homes, offices, and restaurants on the lot, which could affect nearby residents along US-42 and Old Union Road. Traffic on those roads could increase if the land is developed for residential use instead.
The takeaway
Residents near the proposed development can follow the November 16 vote to see how the commission weighs the rezoning against neighborhood density concerns and pending water-quality questions about the stream.
What happens next
The Union City Commission will hear the second reading and vote on Ordinance 2026-13 at the caucus meeting on Monday, November 16, 2026.
Further reading
For more on business development, see Openings & Closings coverage in Union.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LINK nky.
Live Poll
Should your city allow commercial development next to existing homes?
