Owensboro Development News
GatherGov Agents listens to meetings 24/7 delivering the latest real estate development updates, legislation, and news.
Development News from the latest meeting
Live from City Hall
Published: Jun 16, 2026
Elizabeth Monday Senior Center Renamed, Board Size Reduced
The Board of Commissioners approved, on second reading, Ordinance 13-2026. This ordinance amends Chapter 2, Article 5 of the Owensboro Municipal Code related to the Elizabeth Monday Senior Center Board of Directors. The changes include reducing the number of board members from 16-21 to 12-15 and formally renaming the organization to the Senior Community Center of Owensboro Davis County. Both changes were requested by the senior center board to aid in branding and grant applications. The board also confirmed plans to honor Elizabeth Monday with a portrait and plaque in the new building lobby.
Owensboro Police Highlight Enforcement Challenges with E-bikes, Scooters
Sergeant Derek Griffin of the Owensboro Police Department's Traffic Unit presented concerns regarding the classification and enforcement of e-bikes, scooters, and mopeds. Current laws, particularly KRS statutes and city ordinances, lack clear definitions for these emerging electric-powered vehicles, leading to enforcement challenges. Griffin highlighted the distinction between pedal-assisted e-bikes and throttle-powered e-bikes, noting that throttle-powered ones do not meet the legal definition of a bicycle. He also pointed out the broad range of devices, from kick scooters to electric scooters capable of high speeds, and the confusion in classifying them as bicycles, mopeds, or motor vehicles. The presentation introduced a federal standard of e-bike classification (Class 1, 2, and 3) adopted by 36 states, suggesting it could provide a framework for local ordinances. Existing city ordinances for bicycles place duties on riders, but these do not clearly apply to the variety of electric devices. The lack of clear definitions creates a 'gray area' for law enforcement, impacting safety and the ability to address issues like accidents, insurance, and operation on sidewalks or trails. The city is researching ordinance changes to provide clear direction and anticipates proposing recommendations in the coming months.
First Reading for Rezoning Massey Property to I-1 Light Industrial
The city is considering rezoning approximately 121.6 acres of the Massey property, located in the 3501 to 4301 blocks of West Parish Avenue, from a split agricultural/I-1 zoning to a full I-1 Light Industrial zone. This rezoning is necessary to facilitate industrial development, as manufacturing facilities cannot be located on agricultural land. While the city initially proposed I-2 Heavy Industrial, the Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission voted against it. The current proposal for I-1 aligns with public sentiment expressed at the OMPC hearing. The rezoning is subject to conditions, including traffic impact study compliance, no direct access to the expressway, and connectivity to adjacent properties. The Board of Commissioners will make the final decision based on evidence presented to OMPC. This is the first reading of the ordinance.
OMU Explores New Natural Gas Power Plant at Former Elmer Smith Site
Orangeboro Municipal Utilities (OMU) is exploring options for a new natural gas-fired power generation plant at the former Elmer Smith station site. OMU has received a generator interconnection application from Green River East Gen Coal LLC for a 545-megawatt plant. An option to lease approximately 30 acres of the former plant property has been approved, allowing Green River East Genco LLC to conduct studies. OMU has contracted GDS and Associates to perform a generator interconnect study, which is expected to take a minimum of six months. This study will evaluate system impacts and any necessary upgrades, with the developer responsible for upgrade costs. OMU's commission has approved moving forward with this study, aiming to have it completed before the transition to MISO in March 2027. The potential benefits include enhanced electric system reliability, job creation, economic development, support for long-term power supply, and additional revenue for utility operations.
City Moves Forward with Rezoning Massey Property to I-1 Light Industrial
The City of Owensboro is proceeding with the rezoning of the Massey property, located in the 3501 to 4301 blocks of West Parish Avenue, comprising approximately 121.6 acres. Initially, the city sought to rezone the property to I-2 Heavy Industrial, which was opposed by the Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission (OMPC) by one vote in May. The city is now seeking to rezone the entire property to I-1 Light Industrial, as allowed by state law after an OMPC decision. This rezoning is necessary to develop the land for industrial purposes, as a significant portion is currently zoned agricultural. The proposed I-1 rezoning is subject to conditions, including direct access to West Parish Avenue compliant with the traffic impact study, no direct access to Wendell Ford Expressway, and connectivity to adjoining properties. The Board of Commissioners must make findings of fact based on evidence presented to OMPC. Supporting findings for the I-1 rezoning include compliance with the comprehensive plan, location in an industrial plan area, suitability for planned industrial parks, and assurance that the proposal will not overburden roadways or services.
Get Weekly Development News of Owensboro
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news.
From $25/year
The Owensboro News archive
Owensboro Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting - June 16, 2026
What a day downtown! More than 300 bikers participated in the Nicky Hayden Memorial Ride today. The fun isn’t over...
What a day downtown! More than 300 bikers participated in the Nicky Hayden Memorial Ride today. The fun isn’t over...
Live from City Hall
Owensboro Board of Commissioners Special Called Meeting - June 2, 2026
Live from City Hall
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news. Get your edge today.
GatherGov Market Intelligence
For Owners & Developers
See entitlement risk and deploy capital where there is the highest probability of return
For AEC
Win more projects by discovering opportunities before your competitors do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Owensboro ,Kentucky Real Estate Development
Get Weekly Development News of Owensboro, Kentucky | From $25/year