the best

Short-term rentals are residential properties whose owners rent out the property for short-term stays, usually to vacationers and out-of-towners looking for lodging during big events, like sporting events, concerts and conventions. Owners often use popular online boards like Airbnb and Vrbo to advertise their properties. The Commission introduced the ordinance at a caucus meeting on Feb. 7 and completed the ordinance’s first reading at the legislative session on Feb. 14.

The city froze new applications for shortterm rental licenses in December when it saw a dearth of compliant landlords.

According to a Feb. 2 press release from the city, “only 43 short-term rental licenses have been sought and issued” since applications for licenses went online in 2021. This figure paled in comparison to the “over 400” rental units being advertised online, said Mayor Joe Meyer.

Council Member Sarah Froelich said having an idea of what identity Park Hills wants to project will help offer a decision-making framework for future planning and development purposes.

For instance, Mayor Kathy Zembrodt mentioned, does the city want their businesses to have the same physical look, such as a unified, more historical-looking facade on the storefronts? Or perhaps, as Froelich pondered, a more bohemian vibe with outdoor furniture?

The commission will discuss the amendment in more detail at the caucus meeting on March 7 and then vote on the amended ordinance on March 14.

This move came as a surprise to members of the public who attended the meeting, many of whom were short-term rental property owners who had come to offer their thoughts on the ordinance during the

The ordinance would bar landlords from applying for a short-term rental license for a year if they fail to properly obtain conditional zoning permits, occupational licenses and rental licenses from the city before renting out their property. The licensing application suspension would begin one year after the city notifies a property owner that they’re in violation of the ordinance.

Anyone currently operating a short-term rental without proper licensing is in viola-

Park Hills weighs branding opportunities

A hearty round table discussion at the Park Hills Economic Development Committee meeting this week centered on branding ideas for Park Hills’ identity.

Part of an ongoing discussion in partnership with the Planning and Development Services (PDS) of Kenton County, the committee brainstormed answers to the question of “Who is Park Hills?”

PDS is in the process of analyzing and updating Kenton County zoning ordinances, which currently are 30 years old and show weakness in meeting current day needs. Using Tax Increment Financing (TIF), where tax income can be diverted to invest in participating city’s infrastructure and business district development, the project, in part, hopes to “create a user/business-friendly zoning ordinance that will avoid legal pitfalls.”

This could be a significant boon to cities like Park Hills, which desire to make their business districts more robust, visible, and united with the larger community.

However, the aim for Park Hills is not to rush into increasing property values, Froelich pointed out. That could drive out entrepreneurs. The mission, rather, is to create compelling change for the city and attract both residents and newcomers to the business district.

“We are a village; humble, polite, honest,” one meeting participant said. Another mentioned how Park Hills values history, is walkable and is accessible to many other locales.

“It is a quiet, peaceful place to live,” a resident noted. The sentiment that Park Hills should be a city that aims to expand the business district without becoming congested, busy, or inconsistent with Park Hills’s historical roots was affirmed by several meeting participants.

The group also agreed upon wanting businesses to stand out and have the city resources they need to grow and prosper.

The Economic Development Committee is nowhere near bringing a plan proposal to council but is in the review phase.

“This is a conversation we’ve been needing to have for so long,” Froelich pointed out. The tension around differing ideas for how the city should grow and change “drives design because it helps you sort out what works or not.”

Future Economic Development Committee meetings plan to have continued discussions about branding, along with talks with PDS about TIF districts and design standards, and visiting local businesses for input.

NKY Chamber to host Jeff Berding for business panel in March

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce will host FC Cincinnati’s Jeff Berding for the monthly business panel series Eggs ‘N Issues in March.

Soccer fans and local businesses are invited to join the NKY Chamber and Berding for a discussion about FC Cincinnati’s plans for the season, the growth the team has experienced over the last few years, how the organization has impacted the regional economy and how it has garnered national and international attention for the Greater Cincinnati region.

Prior to his founding of the soccer team, Berding served for more than 19 years as an executive with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he led sales and public affairs efforts for the city’s NFL franchise.

Lee Crume, CEO of Northern Kentucky TriED, will also share a special announcement during the monthly event.

Eggs ‘N Issues: FC Cincinnati is scheduled for March 14 at Receptions Banquet and Conference Center on South 1379 Donaldson Road in Erlanger. Breakfast and networking will be from 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. The keynote presentation and audience Q&A session will follow until 9 a.m. Registration is $30 for NKY Chamber members and $50 for future members. The YP rate is $20.

Covington Business Council elects new chair, board members

The Covington Business Council has elected a new chair along with other board positions.

Jay Fossett, former Covington City Manager and the current Dayton City Administrator, has been elected chair of the Covington Business Council Board of Directors. Fossett is a Covington native and graduate of Holmes High School, the University of Kentucky, and Northern Kentucky University.

He received both a law degree and a master’s degree in Executive Leadership and Organizational Change.

Fossett will serve as board chair for two years, and he replaces Tom Tilmes, who recently retired from Republic Bank.

The new civic and business leaders who have joined the CBC Board are: Cara Brooks, Duke Energy, economic development manager; Julie Hopkins, Strauss Troy, attorney at law; Kenneth Webb, senior vice president, Republic Bank; Will Weber, president and CEO, Southbank Partners.