BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
TAYLOR MILL -- Residents on Holds Branch Road don't want a new Kenton County Jail in their back yard.
Kenton County Commissioner Steve Arlinghaus suggested the site, which is off Ky. 17 and a half-mile south of Holds Branch, at a recent meeting. The fiscal court is considering the location.
"We keep hearing conflicting stories," said Charlotte McIntosh, a 13-year Taylor Mill resident. "One person says, "We're really not looking at that site anyway.' But just the fact that it was mentioned, we want to object while we still have a chance."
In the past week, Mrs. McIntosh and other opponents of the proposed jail site near Holds Branch have collected about 300 signatures. Also, opponents have persuaded the Taylor Mill City Commission to hold a special meeting at 7:30 p.m. today to discuss residents' concerns about the jail.
The site near Holds Branch is the latest in what has become a controversial winding road to a new Kenton County Jail.
Last week, Kenton County Judge-executive Rodney "Biz" Cain called reporters to say he had discovered possible land speculation at one of several proposed sites for a county jail. Mr. Cain said he wanted the public to know about this so they would have confidence in any final decision.
In another development, Erlanger residents have called a meeting for 7:30 p.m. Monday to discuss the proposed Webster Road site in Independence for the jail. The meeting, which will be at Fire House 3, 4100 Narrows Road, has the full support of Erlanger officials, according to a news release by the city. Members of the Kenton County Fiscal Court will be invited to answer questions about the project. Mrs. McIntosh said opponents point out in their petition that Holds Branch Road is a residential, no-outlet, heavily wooded area, near other roads and the Taylor Creek subdivision.
Foes say school buses from Scott High School, Calvary Christian School and Woodland Middle School travel the road about six times a day while school is in session.
Another worry is the safety of female employees of Gibson Greeting Card and Atkins and Pearce Manufacturing Co., Mrs. McIntosh said. She said their parking lots would border the jail site.
"Safety is our main concern," Mrs. McIntosh said. "Nobody on that road wants their property devalued. But more importantly, if I wanted to stay here on Holds Branch Road, I wouldn't want to live next door to a prison."
Cindy Schroeder contributed to this report.
