Early last year the Sisters of St. Walburg Monastery began working with the City of Villa Hills and Kenton County PDS to plan for the long-term future of their property in Villa Hills.
Their efforts focused on crafting a plan for the property to help them achieve their retirement needs as well as benefit the city. The study Task Force is comprised of representatives from St. Walburg Monastery, Madonna Manor, and Villa Hills officials, council and residents. They met monthly to create a study that delineates possible uses for the sisters’ property within the context of the Kenton County Comprehensive Plan.
Their work has resulted in the Task Force’s vision for the future.
The Villa Hills Study is based upon the public input, an independent market study, expert interviews with regional development companies, staff research, and significant discussion, drafting and re-drafting with Task Force Members. The Task Force is ready to share their draft plan with the public and get feedback from residents.
The Villa Hills Study Task Force invites you to view the draft plan and provide your insight at a Public Open House on January 4, from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the River Ridge Elementary School cafeteria (2772 Amsterdam Road in Villa Hills).
City residents may come and go at any time during the Open House timeframe.
“When we began to plan with the city and PDS in early 2016 we were not quite sure what to expect. We knew we wanted a new zone designation, but we did not know that request would lead to a 58 page study.” said Sr. Mary Catherine Wenstrup, Prioress of St. Walburg Monastery. “We knew the history of our land, but knew very little about what would be required for the property to be developed. We are grateful for all the support we have received, confident in what the Task Force has proposed, and ready to share the study with our neighbors.”
The open house style meeting is designed to give attendees an opportunity to view research associated with the plan, learn about the draft recommendations from the Task Force themselves, and, most importantly, provide input on the plan.
“We learned a great deal from the community during the first public meeting for this project and we’re hoping for another good turn-out at this one,” explained Villa Hills Mayor Butch Callery. “We will take what we learn and make any needed changes before finalizing the plan.”
For more than 150 years St. Walburg Monastery of Benedictine Sisters of Covington, Kentucky, Inc. has served the church and local communities in Northern Kentucky by providing education, healthcare and other pastoral services. The Benedictine sisters have lived on Amsterdam Road, now in the City of Villa Hills for more than 110 years.
In 1904 they established St. Walburg Monastery of Benedictine Sisters of Covington, Kentucky, Inc. , in 1964 Madonna Manor, a healthcare facility for senior adults, and in 1972 Villa Madonna Montessori School.
While the plan is nearing completion, there is still much work to do before the final approval process. If you are interested in the project or have questions, please contact Craig Bohman at (859) 341-1515 or cbohman@villahillsky.org.
City of Villa Hills
