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Massive 261-Home Subdivision Proposed for Northern Kentucky

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/2 .. -subdivision-proposed-for-northern-kentucky.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 18:29 GMT by Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati

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Massive New Subdivision Planned for Northern Kentucky: Drees Homes Aims to Build 261 Homes in Kenton County

A significant new residential development is on the horizon for northern Kentucky, as Drees Homes seeks approval to build a sprawling 261-home subdivision across multiple communities in Kenton County. The project, tentatively named "Everett Ridge," will impact residents of Independence, Stafford Heights, and Simon, raising concerns about traffic, infrastructure, and the overall character of these established neighborhoods. Local 12 News reported on the proposal and the community response this week, highlighting a complex situation involving multiple municipalities and varying degrees of resident apprehension.

The proposed development isn't confined to a single area; it’s strategically divided across three distinct locations: Independence (approximately 87 homes), Stafford Heights (around 95 homes), and Simon (roughly 79 homes). This fragmented approach complicates the approval process, as each municipality must individually review and potentially approve aspects of the plan. Drees Homes, a well-known luxury homebuilder with a significant presence in the region, envisions Everett Ridge as a high-end community featuring single-family homes with an emphasis on quality construction and appealing aesthetics. While specifics regarding pricing haven’t been widely released, Drees Homes typically caters to a higher income bracket, suggesting that these new homes will likely command premium prices.

The core of the plan involves utilizing existing farmland and undeveloped parcels within each of the target communities. This is typical for Drees Homes' expansion strategy, as they often look to areas where land is available while still offering convenient access to established amenities and infrastructure. The proximity to a Publix grocery store, mentioned in the Local 12 News report, is likely a key selling point, reflecting the developer’s understanding of what buyers desire. Publix's presence, and its associated traffic, is itself a significant factor contributing to resident concerns (more on that later).

The announcement has triggered a wave of responses from residents, ranging from cautious optimism to outright opposition. The primary anxieties revolve around increased traffic congestion. The already-busy roads in these areas are expected to be significantly impacted by the addition of hundreds of new households and their vehicles. Residents fear longer commute times, decreased safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and a general degradation of the quality of life. The proximity to the Publix store, a popular destination, is exacerbating these concerns, as its already substantial traffic volume will be compounded by the new development.

Beyond traffic, infrastructure capacity is another major concern. Local schools are already operating near capacity, prompting questions about whether they can adequately accommodate an influx of new students. Similarly, residents worry about the impact on emergency services and other vital community resources. The report highlights that Drees Homes has indicated a willingness to contribute financially towards infrastructure improvements, but the specifics of these contributions remain under negotiation with each municipality.

The approval process itself is proving complex due to the multi-jurisdictional nature of the project. Each city – Independence, Stafford Heights, and Simon – will conduct its own review, considering zoning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and community feedback. This fragmented approach means that approval in one area doesn’t guarantee approval elsewhere. The report suggests that while some municipalities are leaning towards approving the plan with certain conditions (like traffic mitigation measures), others remain more hesitant due to the intensity of resident opposition.

According to documents reviewed by Local 12, Drees Homes has outlined plans for internal roads within the subdivision, aiming to minimize external traffic flow as much as possible. They’ve also proposed incorporating green spaces and walking trails to enhance the community's appeal and promote a sense of neighborhood connectivity. However, these proposals haven't fully alleviated residents' concerns about the overall impact on their communities.

The Local 12 News report also touched upon the broader context of development in northern Kentucky. The region has experienced significant growth in recent years, fueled by relatively affordable housing compared to Cincinnati and a desirable quality of life. This demand for housing is driving developers like Drees Homes to seek out new opportunities, often leading to conflicts between developer interests and community concerns.

Looking ahead, the future of the Everett Ridge development remains uncertain. Public hearings are scheduled in each municipality, providing residents with an opportunity to voice their opinions and influence the decision-making process. The outcome will likely depend on Drees Homes’ willingness to address resident concerns through modifications to the plan and a commitment to contributing meaningfully to infrastructure improvements. The negotiations between Drees Homes and the local governments will be critical in determining whether this large-scale development moves forward as proposed, or if it undergoes significant changes to gain community acceptance. The next few months promise to be crucial for residents of Independence, Stafford Heights, and Simon as they grapple with the potential transformation of their neighborhoods.

I hope this article effectively summarizes the Local 12 News report and provides a comprehensive overview of the situation. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments or further details added!