Cincinnati Enquirer reports on ferry zone change request

BURLINGTON - The group that wants to start a ferry between Rising Sun and Boone County has asked the county for a change in zoning to allow the ferry.

Rising Sun officials say the Ohio River ferry would make it easier for the Indiana city's 2,400 residents to get to Northern Kentucky - cutting a half hour off the drive. It would also make it easier for Northern Kentucky residents to get to Rising Sun's Grand Victoria Casino & Resort, which is a mile south of the landing.

On the Boone County side, the landing would be on 4 acres on McVille Road owned by Robert and Lois Pikar of Fort Thomas. There would also be a parking lot and a boat dock off the road.
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The land is zoned for agriculture. To operate a ferry, the zoning would have to be changed to recreational. In addition to the zone change, the ferry also would require a conditional-use permit from the Boone County Planning Commission.

Laura Goodridge, who lives next to where the landing in proposed, said she's trying to keep an open mind about the project until she has more details.

"But my husband is staunchly opposed," she said.

Goodridge said she's concerned about headlights, noise and traffic.

The proposed landing site is on land her grandparents once owned and near their former house, which was built in 1812, she said. The ferry plans do not disturb the house.

"This land is near and dear to me," she said.

Goodridge is also worried about the riverbank. If the bank is lowered, the area could be exposed to flooding, she said.

The ferry is being proposed by the Rising Sun/Ohio County Port Authority and would be funded by Rising Sun, Ohio County and a foundation funded by Grand Victoria Casino & Resort.

"We see it as a locally initiated project for our local residents," said Ed Sullivan, executive director of the Rising Sun Regional Foundation.

"A lot of residents do their shopping at Florence Mall, and more and more residents get their health care services in Northern Kentucky," Sullivan said. The regional foundation is funded by an agreement between the city and casino.

To fund the $500,000 ferry project, the city of Rising Sun and Ohio County are being asked to contribute $200,000 each. The foundation also has been asked to give $100,000.

If the Port Authority gets a change in zoning, it will then apply for the permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sullivan said. The Port Authority has a contract to buy the Pikars' land if the zone change and permits are approved.