Residents, casino at odds over ferry proposal
BURLINGTON, Ky. (Angenette Levy) -- The owners of Rising Star Casino want to run a ferry from Rabbit Hash to Rising Sun in the hope of luring more gamblers, but some who live in the quiet community say it would create too much noise and traffic. Full House Resorts has applied for a conditional use permit to build ferry ramp next to a campground on Lower River Rd. The company needs the permit and a variance to begin pursuing work on the project. "We think it will generate more business for us but at the same time we're providing a community service. You don't have to go to the casino you can take the ferry if you just want to drive to something else in Rising Sun," said Daniel Lee, President & CEO of Full House Resorts. But residents of Lower River Road believe they'll pay the price for the casino's effort to lure more customers and increase tourism. "The ferry would have a very negative impact on the quality of life that we enjoy down there with the peaceful environment and the historic nature of the community," said John Mischeff, who lives on the road with his wife. The ferry would carry a maximum of 30 cars at a time. Lee said it would cut travel time to the casino for residents in Boone County. Rabbit Hash residents believe the ferry would cause more traffic on the narrow road and may add noise. Lee said he commissioned studies that showed neither was true. "It's a narrow road but it can accept some traffic. This is a small ferry boat," Lee said. Some who live in the area support the plan for a ferry. Roger Schroder believes the ferry could be good for the historic area. "There will be a couple people here and there that just want to ride the ferry and it will be an occasional tourist attraction but I don't think it's going to be a congestion generator," Schroder said. In the end, residents in Rabbit Hash hope county officials will side with them. "I know it's maybe best for Full House Resorts but I don't feel it's best for Boone County," Mischeff said. The County Board of Adjustment tabled the request for the conditional use permit and variance. The board will take up the issue at a meeting in July.
