Proposed development in Red River Gorge needed more input from local residents, businesses
Back in 1983, Miguel And Susan Ventura came to Slade, Ky., from out of state. 35 years later Miguel’s Pizza, Climbing Shop, and Campground has evolved into a beloved internationally acclaimed watering hole and gathering place. Along the way rental cabins, treehouses, guiding services, restaurants and ecotourism related businesses have sprouted up in the Red River Gorge, helping to contribute to the economy of the region and the state of Kentucky. Heather Warman, the author of a recent Op/Ed about proposed development in the region, joined this movement three years ago with the operation of exhilarating stand up paddleboard tours in Red River Gorge Underground’s quarry. We respect her passion for the region, entrepreneurial drive, and a few of her positions. But some of her allegations and interpretations are misleading and incorrect.
Everyone is encouraged to read the available information and form their own opinion. There are many documents on the Red River Economic Development’s (RRED) website. RRED states they want to help the economy of Eastern Kentucky, by making the Gorge the “Gateway” to Eastern Kentucky. Unfortunately no one at RRED thought to actually ask most members of the business or residential community about this idea. This lack of open initial conversation between RRED and the actual Gorge community led to a multitude of concerns that are shared by many existing community members. In fact after the initial public meeting hosted by the local tourism office at Natural Bridge SRP in October 2019, a group emerged from the greater Slade and Red River Gorge region who started engaging in dialogue about the development process. This has culminated in the creation of our organization( pursuant to nonprofit status), Red River Gorge United (RRGU) because we realized this is bigger than ourselves, and we want to provide an inclusive space for community involvement as the region evolves over time.
We do not claim to speak for all Slade or the four counties of the Gorge (Lee, Menifee, Powell, andWolfe Counties). We speak for ourselves and those within our community who have voiced concerns, some with fears of retribution. At our request, a small group of concerned professionals well versed in planning, development, and law agreed to assist our efforts.
It is true that the RRED board paid for some “infrastructure research” — there are two studies on the website that on the surface look impressive. A closer look reveals both studies are lacking, because both vastly underestimate the number of cabin rentals currently existing in the Gorge area. One study doesn’t even recognize the existence of Kentucky Reptile Zoo, a world-renowned institution that has been in existence for 30 years. It is unlikely that these studies, which missed facts well-known to the community, were completely correct about infrastructure concerns.
In light of this need for community input, we circulated a petition (which currently has over 21,500 signatures) and formulated a community survey, which is available on our website and Facebook page. The purpose of the survey is to understand the needs of everyone in the Gorge area, and to create a community-based plan. Community driven development provides control of the development process, resources and decision-making authority directly to groups in the community. Hence it advocates people changing their own environment as a powerful force for development.
The idea of community planning is the opposite of the way RRED is organized, which is a traditional “ top-down” version of development. Rural gentrification of this nature can dramatically affect small rural communities and change them forever. It can destroy the ‘mom and pop feel’ of the area. Asheville, NC is a case in point. While tourists love Asheville, what they don’t see is the tripling of rents, property taxes and land values over the last 10 years, forcing out locals/small business owners that didn’t own land, artists, and low income folks.
Zoning in the Gorge area is certainly an interesting issue. Several documents on the RRED website reference zoning and planning. The concept paper says “a private developer investing millions… will want assurances from local authorities that any other developments that follow will complement the proposed high-quality resort and the RRG brand.” Furthermore “a land-use plan and reasonable restrictions within a certain radius of the anchor resort will be necessary to attract developers...” In the RFP, one of the tasks is to “Identify environmentally-sound land-use planning techniques for encouraging appropriate and sustainable physical and economic development within the vicinity (e.g. within a 10-mile radius of the proposed resort site).”
Should all development and zoning issues be developed under the influence of one entity? Does any one business own the RRG “brand?” Visitors to the Gorge tell us they appreciate the small, locally owned businesses that already exist in the area. Surely as Slade and its surroundings grow, we would want similarly-minded, unique and interesting shops and restaurants to be encouraged, not stifled.
RRED has been awarded a total of $1 million in public funds, half from the Appalachian Regional Commission, and half from the State of Kentucky. Perhaps that public money would have been better spent on other projects, like bringing affordable internet access to the Gorge area. High-speed internet is only available to businesses, not homes, in Slade, and costs $500-$600 per month.
Warman refers to many of the buildings along Highway 11 to Natural Bridge as ‘dilapidated.’ Perhaps she has not noticed the recently rejuvenated and renovated restaurants that are currently booming. Improvements are already happening, and could have been accelerated with a different use of public funds. Many local businesses already strive to operate based on sustainable and environmentally friendly models - for example KY Reptile Zoo which has self-implemented a riparian buffer zone to prevent run-off damage.
We completely agree with Warman in her empathetic statements about the amazing aspects of the Gorge area. Most of us who live and work in the Gorge chose this area because of its incredible unique natural and cultural qualities. Where we differ is we believe in reaching out directly to the community for their vision of the future, rather than the position that these efforts should be led by the investor driven project that is RRED. The steps we take now will define the Red River Gorge forever.
Kristen Wiley is a board member of the soon to be incorporated non-profit group Red River Gorge United. She works at the Kentucky Reptile Zoo in Slade. This editorial was written with the help of other RRGU board members.
This story was originally published January 15, 2020 at 10:10 AM.