A 157-acre tract along Booth Field Road near Ben Hawes Park has been rezoned to Urban Agriculture, paving the way for potential residential use — though property owners say they’re simply dividing the former family farm among relatives, not planning a large-scale subdivision.
The land is west of Booth Field Road and just south of Ben Hawes Park, between U.S. 60 and Medley Road. The property, formerly a family farm, was a mix of classifications.
M&W Rentals, LLC, William H. Booth, Lisa Jean Hayden, and Booth Enterprises collectively requested the entire area by rezoned to AU (Urban Agriculture) to allow the land to be divided and sold — primarily among family members, according to the applicants.
“This was a family farm that all the siblings had passed away, and we were looking at a way to simply divide it,” said Tom Booth. “A big chunk of it, probably two-thirds, is going to be sold to individual family members. We’re not planning any major development or roads.”
David Weaver, a project engineer representing the applicants, added that the current plan is for approximately 13 lots, mostly around five acres each. He emphasized that if a dense subdivision were being proposed, the application would have sought higher-density zoning rather than agricultural use.
Still, multiple neighboring residents voiced concern during the Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission meeting on Thursday.
“I support the zoning change,” said Mike Mountain, who lives on Booth Field Road. “But if the property ends up being further subdivided into residential lots, I would like some assurance that surrounding property owners get notice.”
Planning staff clarified that while the AU zone does allow for subdivision into lots as small as three-quarters of an acre if the land is not on sanitary sewer, any further subdivision would require a separate plat approval process that includes public notice.
Others expressed concern about the long-term potential for subdivision development.
“It’s beautiful out there,” said Dorothy Taylon, a nearby resident. “When I saw the signs go up, I had visions of 200 houses. I hate to see that change.”
Tim Lewis, another neighbor, questioned whether a subdivision could lead to annexation by the City of Owensboro.
Planning officials explained that annexation would only be possible if the City initiated it and if the property were contiguous with City limits, adding that property owners cannot be forced to annex without consent.
Ultimately, commissioners voted unanimously to approve the rezoning, citing consistency with surrounding zoning and the proposed use aligning with rural large-lot residential development.
