UNION, KY – families of Northern Kentucky will get another chance to comment on proposed upgrades to Frogtown Road in Union, which may result in some families losing their homes.
To consider updating the section of road between US-42 and US-25, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is holding an informative discussion at the Boone County Library’s Scheben Branch on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m.
Although updating the road to modern architectural standards is the aim, the project has many locals worried about their future.
Watch our discussion with KYTC and the residents:
What is happening?
KYTC has put forward two ideas that are intended to enhance connectivity and safety.
Three lanes make up Alternative A. Two years ago, criticism led to the creation of Alternative B, a two-lane design.
This chart compares the two choices and was created by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet:
Chief Engineer Bob Yeager of DISTRICT 6 stated that there is no choice between the two options.
It could be something in the middle; it’s not just A or B. obtaining information from the general public, those who will use it, and those who reside there. We can see exactly what they want to see, which is really valuable, Yeager said.
Why is this happening?
According to KYTC, Frogtown Road has outgrown its intended layout.
Once a peaceful country path, the state road is now carrying a lot more traffic from trucks and new subdivision inhabitants. Additionally, the route links communities to St. Timothy Roman Catholic Church and Ryle High School.
“widening the road and removing the curves and hazardous areas. The one issue we frequently heard about was that vehicles were using it, occupying more space than their lane and pushing people to the shoulder. And it’s not safe,” Yeager said.
When is this happening?
Line and grade meetings, a comprehensive design, and preliminary design—the stage the project is currently in—are the steps in the process.
If right-of-way funds are available, the state may request them during the detail design phase.
According to Yeager, these aren’t available right now: At this stage, there is no future phase.
Residents seek alternatives
Twenty or five residential homes must be relocated in order to implement the choices that are being given.
The proposal is especially painful for Jean and Matt Paul, who would have to leave their house under the present alternatives. Even though there is empty ground in the Triple Crown community right across the street, their house is in the way of the growth.
According to Jean Paul, there is a reasonable method to avoid taking most of the houses they are discussing if you look at that land.
According to Paul and other locals, they were amenable to a path that travels south of the existing road. They claim they don’t mind having a road in their backyard.
After discussing possible road improvements with the seller, the Pauls moved into their house only two years ago. They claimed that the KYTC informed them that any possible employment was at least ten years off.
“We have not received any formal notification. Jean Paul stated, “Everything we’ve heard has come from our neighbors knocking on our door and providing us with information.”
“People must realize that these homes are not being stolen. Jean Paul remarked, “These are homes.”
It needs attention
Residents agree that improvements are necessary for the road. It’s windy and narrow. The yellow line is frequently crossed by trucks. Automobiles exceed the posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour when navigating the curves.
Ken DeMaria, a longtime local, spoke bluntly when asked how people drive on the road: “Like they’re nuts.”
DeMaria, who has lived on Frogtown Road since it was a gravel road fifty years ago, feels that the suggested fixes don’t address the real issue.
It doesn’t need to be enlarged, but it does require maintenance. “Sidewalks are unnecessary,” DeMaria declared.
DeMaria is within the project’s designated right-of-way. A section of asphalt in his driveway serves as a ramp to the road, and he claims that each time it is resurfaced, it is raised by a few inches. He says erosion is to blame for some of the road’s sinking.
He stated that he is against the project’s scope and is in favor of a reduced speed restriction along with a truck ban. Additionally, he stated that he would not object to a little broader footprint.
We re in limbo
Residents like the Pauls feel as though they are stuck in limbo because of the uncertainty, unable to finish house renovation tasks they have begun.
“I’ve begun living in the cabin, and we’ve completed two sides, but I’ve stopped and am unsure of what to do because I don’t know what will happen,” Matt Paul stated. Since we’ve been here, it’s been like living in limbo.
Residents like Michael Taulbee are experiencing severe anxiety as a result of the uncertainty.
“In our mind, we thought it was going to be our retirement home,” Taulbee stated. “This whole project is causing, you know, a lot of anxiety for us because of the fact… we don’t know.”
While acknowledging the challenging situation faced by the locals, KYTC pointed out that funding for the project is now limited to the design stage. It can be two, five, or even ten years before construction begins.
“People shouldn’t be left in a state of uncertainty. We can offer you the best guidance available. However, adding a pool or other features to your home raises its worth, so that’s covered by whatever we do or whatever offer we make to you,” Yeager stated.
“We encourage people to live their lives,” he stated.
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