Kentucky tourist town is finally adopting zoning

One of the most controversial but (in our opinion) progressive moves that a rural community can make is to adopt land-use planning, so we like to take note when we hear of another one doing it -- especially one that needs it because of development along an interstate highway near a national park. Cave City, Ky., on Interstate 65, is the major gateway to Mammoth Cave National Park. In 2000, it had a population of 1,880. Planning and zoning has been suggested there many times, but "just never did take off," Mayor Bob Hunt told Gina Kinslow of the Glasgow Daily Times, the major paper in Barren County. This time, Hunt said, "We talked to some people and they were in support of it and we thought we would try it."

The city council has yet to vote on a zoning ordinance and map, but the county planning commission approved them after a public hearing Monday night. The ordinance was drafted by a city committee. (Read more)