CLARK COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) – Growth is inevitable, but progress isn’t promised.In meetings last month, the Clark County Fiscal Court discussed budgeting issues and problems with overspending.Now, a proposed truck stop could help with some of their financial struggles.Steve Craycraft, Magistrate over District 3, says he doesn’t want to hold his county back, but he also wants to make sure they keep the desirable traits of their rural community.“It would be a lot of jobs and net profits tax and so forth and payroll tax,” said Craycraft. “We have to do it the right way, we can do it, but we got to do it the right way. It would be a considerable amount of revenue for the county, and that’s something that’s very important to us and we really need it.”Winky Holdings LLC was formed last fall, according to paperwork with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office.An attorney representing the group told county leaders last month that his client is planning a truck stop and travel center along a swath of farmland off I-64 on Paris Road.The entire parcel is about 143 acres but they’re looking to rezone about 79 acres from agriculture to PD (Planned Development.) Across the street sits an Industrial Park.According to Clark County’s Comprehensive Plan, more than 90 percent of the land in Clark County, excluding Winchester, is zoned for agricultural purposes.John Rompff presented the proposal of a 21,731 square foot facility, a full-service station that would include four fast food restaurants.He says two have already committed. Rompff estimates the business could employ about 90 to 100 people. WKYT did reach out to Rompff directly, who told us he would need to consult with his client before speaking with reporter Kelsey Souto.Craycraft says the plan includes about 150 bays for semi-trucks, which is roughly three times the size of the Love’s Truck Stop in Madison County.Neighbors tell WKYT’s Kelsey Souto, they aren’t against development, but they have grave concerns with this proposed truck stop in that proposed location.Some worry about noise, others are scared of possible pollution.“We don’t know how much it’s going to depreciate the value of the homes,” said Holly Kuster. “I think about sex traffickers and truck stops are known hot spots for it.”She and her husband, Aaron, formed a Facebook group to discuss their opposition. They also circulated a petition through the neighborhood and estimate they’ve got about 200 signatures.“Probably more than 90 percent of the people we talked to, they had no idea,” she said.Jan Iverson moved to the area from San Diego seven years ago and also works in real estate.“First thing that went through my mind was bad development,” said Iverson. “I’m used to bad development in southern California. I’ve seen a lot of it, I know what bad development looks like, and this is it.”She worries about an increase in crime, drugs, theft and human trafficking. Iverson also said she doesn’t believe Winchester needs any more fast-food establishments.Terry and Theresa Walker moved to the Royal Oaks subdivision from Arizona. Terry said, “If I’d have seen a truck stop here, I wouldn’t have bought here.”His other fear is the chemicals brought in by traveling semi-trucks.“Every city wants more development. It’s money,” he said.Jim Newman says he’s been frustrated by the way the project has been handled.“As a citizen, I’m even offended, they even do business this way,” he said. “This is the kind of deal someone would make at the Waffle House at 11 o’clock on a Saturday night.”That includes several meetings behind closed doors during Executive Session.“If this goes through, I hope all those people on the planning and zoning board get voted out next time and I’ll do my best to make sure they are,” said Newman.Newman wants to see consideration into the future expenses of a project of this scale. “The taxpayers will be stuck with the cost of renovating that intersection at some later date at untold millions of dollars,” he said.Around the corner, Doug Werne is building a home in the neighborhood. He tells WKYT he’s trying to remain positive but worries Winchester will lose its small-town charm.“I’d like to think if they are going down this road, which I hope they don’t, but if they do, I hope that they put the community first,” he said. “It affects our homes, but it also affects our grandchildren and our children.”He also said he hopes the plan includes an adequate buffer between the property and nearby homes.Craycraft believes the project could make a difference for their community, be admits concerns raised by neighbors are valid.Both agree clogged roads is also a possible problem. Rompff told county leaders their plan only includes one entrance to the travel center.“I don’t want to create a traffic nightmare,” said Craycraft. He says he would like to see a Traffic Impact Study completed and says more information is needed.Paris Road Action Group is also being advised by a local attorney. They tell WKYT they are also looking into potential procedural issues.Planning and Zoning will meet Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. The project may be discussed and even potentially voted upon.Copyright 2025 WKYT. All rights reserved.
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