Planning commission backs rezoning of deadly Givaudan explosion site

Vote advances recommendation to Metro Council for final decision on Clifton property

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Louisville Metro planning commissioners voted 8-1 to recommend rezoning the site of a deadly Givaudan factory explosion in the Clifton neighborhood.

During Thursday’s meeting, city leaders and residents said changing the zoning could help prevent future tragedies. The November 2024 explosion at the site killed two workers, injured 11 others, and caused damage to nearby homes and buildings.

The proposed change would prevent heavy industrial activity from returning to the former Givaudan site on Payne Street, where demolition is still ongoing.

The property is currently zoned M-2, which allows what case manager Brian Davis described as “fairly intense industrial work,” including operations like food processing and paint manufacturing. Rezoning it to C-M, or commercial manufacturing, would open the door for residential or mixed-use development.

Two members of the Clifton Community Council board spoke in favor of the change, saying it would give the neighborhood more opportunities for growth.

“Residents want more options than just industrial uses, and C-M achieves that goal for them,” one board member said.

The Planning Commission’s vote now moves to Metro Council, which will make the final decision.

Commissioner Steve Lannert cast the lone opposing vote, arguing that the rezoning could limit the site’s usefulness.

“The events of the past were tragic, perhaps negligent, but not intentional,” Lannert said. “This rezoning is an attempt to punish the landowner.”

The Givaudan property is one of several M-2 zoned sites in the area. Some commissioners suggested Metro Council consider rezoning the entire corridor to commercial manufacturing.

No representatives from Givaudan attended the meeting, which raised concerns among commissioners.

Although Davis said he had multiple discussions with a local Givaudan representative, commissioners noted there was no clear indication of the company’s position on the rezoning.

Despite that, the commission proceeded with the vote after confirming the company had been notified.

“I mean, you would have to be living in a cave someplace not to be aware this case was coming up,” Commissioner Jim Mims said. “So the owner is aware of it, and they’re not here.”

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.