Council Approves Housing Incentives For Proposed Development

Hopkinsville City Council approved first reading of a housing incentive district for a proposed new development off of Concord Lane and welcomed the 2019-2020 Mayor’s Youth Council at Tuesday night’s meeting.

The proposed development known as Concord Farms Subdivision is located off Concord Lane and includes 32.69 acres with 67 total lots for single-family housing.

Prior to the vote, Councilman Terry Parker questioned the City’s rules and standards concerning any increase in ad valorem tax revenue. It would be payable to the City on real property to be developed by Concord Villas, LLC. Community and Development Services Director Steve Bourne explained the difference is due to above-ground utilities for 13 of the lots.

Mayor Carter Hendricks said Council has always made it clear each incentive package is taken into consideration and they have the right to exercise flexibility to approve it.

Developer Hal McCoy then said the utility company denied the removal of four utility poles because it wasn’t economical. He added they decided to remove one pole and landscape around the other poles.

McCoy said he feels they are bringing affordable housing to Hopkinsville and their goal is to provide something the city really needs to help bring in new people.

Bourne told the News Edge that Concord Villas had purchased the property to finish developing it.

In other business, Mayor Hendricks deferred an ordinance that would prohibit pedestrians, or panhandlers, approaching vehicles on roadways which carry the most traffic in the city. He says they are still working on making some changes to the ordinance and hopes to have it ready for a vote at the next council meeting.

Also at the meeting, Mayor Hendricks introduced seventeen high school students selected for the fifth year of the Mayor’s Youth Council. The program provides juniors and seniors the opportunity to learn about local city government, develop leadership skills and serve as a voice for the youth in the community.

The Mayor’s Youth Council for 2019-2020 include:

CCHS Senior Destinee Allen

CCHS Senior Olivia Bostick

HCA Junior Luke Bottoms

HHS Senior Destiny Davie

UHA Junior Rohan Desai

CCHS Senior Macey Dukes

HHS Junior Anna “Mara” Howell

HHS Junior James “Tyler” Kinney

UHA Senior Kinsley Livingston

HCA Junior Elizabeth Pitts

HHS Senior Carter Pollard