Norton Commons inspired development in Crestwood met with excitement, concern

It was a light switch moment for the Jones Group, a trio of developers, after the construction of I-71 over 50 years ago intersected their family's 500-acre farm in Crestwood.That has since evolved into a $2 billion master development plan called Clore Station.“You would equate it to Norton Commons,” said Clay Jones, founder of Clore Station. “That's the only other development of the same type in the state of Kentucky.”With plans to build in phases over 20 to 30 years, it will be an urban, mixed-use neighborhood with walkability and vacation-style living.The community will feature a town center with homes, restaurants, businesses, a grocery, a hotel, and a Baptist Health hospital. The project has received a stamp of approval to move forward from the city and the Oldham County planning commission.“I'm confident this is going to be a tremendous, beautiful, and well-done development,” Oldham County Judge Executive David Voegele said. “Everything the Jones family does is well done and will be a credit to Oldham County, I'm sure.”The developers are aware of residents' mixed reaction to Clore Station. Some are excited about what the project could bring to the area, while others express their concerns.“Change is scary to people, and we want to help them understand what we're trying to do,” said Gant Jones. “It's not your typical thing, we're trying to do something special. We've always been open and talking to people, letting them know.”Trisha Stragand, whose subdivision borders Clore Station, is excited about the new opportunities and dining options the development will bring to the area.“You can't get anywhere without driving, so we're hoping maybe with that little bit of access, we can walk, ride a golf cart or get to other restaurants,” she said.But, one main concern with any construction project is traffic, particularly with Strangand’s neighborhood having one way in and out.“Will it be construction trucks that are coming in and out, or is it going to be an influx of travelers? We don't know, and the unknown is a little scary,” she said.Developers say there will be safeguards, including stoplights, traffic studies, and road improvements throughout the county that are already underway.Oldham County Schools is also preparing for change. A spokesperson told WLKY that the district has a positive working relationship with the community's developers and is positioning itself for the future growth and impact of Clore Station through its facility plan.The Jones Group said the next two phases of the project are expected to happen next year. They’ll begin putting in roads and utilities for the residential and commercial structures, as well as the hospital.By the end of next year, they anticipate starting construction of these developments.