Pulse of Union

Navigating City Evolution & Development Processes

DOING BUSINESS IN UNION: Every property falls within a Zoning District and regulations are defined per zone.  The regulations include a list of permitted primary and accessory uses. For example, the Union Commercial (UC) District allows “eating and drinking establishments including alcoholic beverages, and drive-through, franchise style fast food establishments”, among many other uses. In other words, an eating establishment must:

• Choose to locate in the city,
• Agree to associated costs (lease, purchase price, etc.),
• Meet zoning regulations,
• Meet any requirements established within a specific development,
• And if new construction, receive approval from the Boone County Planning Commission,
• Receive final approval from the City of Union Commission.

A lot of questions have arisen concerning the Union Promenade development. We would like to share a few of the frequently asked questions along with responses.

Q: Why can’t my favorite restaurant open in the Union Promenade?

A: It can if it falls within the approved project plans. It also depends on whether your favorite restaurant wants to come to Union with a desire to build or lease. If you own or know of a restaurant that wants to open in the Promenade, please let us know and we will be happy to put you in touch with the Commercial Realtor. 

Q: Why are there fast-food restaurants at the Promenade?

A: The Union Promenade development was approved to be an entertainment district offering eating establishments.  Each Promenade lot allows a building from 6,000 to 12,000 square feet with appropriate parking on each lot.  A maximum of two (2) drive-through and two (2) pick up window food and beverage establishments are also allowed. The city does not have the ability to pick and choose which restaurants open if they meet the approved zoning and project requirements.

Q: If the city cannot pick and choose companies, why wasn’t Aldi allowed to open?

A: Grocer is a permitted use, but the size of the proposed building exceeded the maximum size specified in the approved project.  Additionally, the company wanted to combine two large lots into one which is also not part of the approved project. If Aldi reduced their building size and built on one lot, they could have opened at the Promenade.

Q: Does the city grant exceptions to the approved Union Promenade development plan?

A: No, if the city granted a change to the development, then the next developer would want the same exception.  If that happened, then the promised entertainment district would be lost forever.  To keep the integrity of the approved entertainment district, the city turned down the Aldi request for a development change and granted no exceptions to the original Promenade plan.

Resources: Union Town Center Zoning Districts

• https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/boonecounty-ky/doc-viewer.aspx#secid–1

https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/boonecounty-ky/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-2073

 Pulse of Union

Navigating City Evolution & Development Processes

 Boone County Schools Start Thursday, August 15 As schools are starting, please be extra cautious while driving. Watch for increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic around school zones. Remember to stop for school buses and stay alert for children crossing the street. Let’s ensure a safe and smooth transition for everyone heading back to school.

Union Rice Cemetery Maintenance Update We wanted to share some updates with you! Today, we are removing two unhealthy trees at the Union Rice Cemetery with plans to replace them when the ground is able to allow planting new ones.

Brilliance Avenue Update We are getting closer to a temporary road closure of Brilliance Ave between US 42 & Melody Dr. Once we have a date is set, we will update everyone . Our contractor will be removing the stamped pavement and completing a partial demo of a traffic island. Please see the road closure graphic. We will be notifying the bus garage, fire/EMS/sheriff, USPS, Rumpke, etc. The length of the closure is weather dependent,
but hopefully less than two weeks down time.