Former Givaudan site rezoning approved for new development after deadly Louisville explosion

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — New development could be coming to the former Givaudan site in Clifton nearly two years after a deadly explosion devastated the property.

In a 20-5 vote, Louisville Metro Council voted Thursday to change the zoning from heavy industrial use to C-M commercial manufacturing.

Two workers were killed and 11 others were hurt in the Nov. 12, 2024, explosion that also damaged nearby homes and businesses. The site has remained under cleanup since the blast.

Investigators found the explosion was caused by a cooking vessel failure. A state investigation found the issue that caused the vessel to explode had been documented months before.

The three-acre site on Payne Street can now be used for residential, commercial or mixed-use development. This would keep chemical and heavy industrial plants out and make space for light manufacturing, warehousing and wholesale distribution companies instead.

While some Clifton residents pushed for a zoning change, when the city planning commission recommended the change in April, it faced pushback since it would still allow businesses with semi-truck traffic.

"There shouldn't even be a company even in here," said longtime resident Becky Mings after the recommendation. "I don't even agree with these semis coming through here, because they tear up our cars and vehicles. If they're not careful, they hit our vehicles."

The Clifton Community Council, however, had submitted a letter of support for Metro Council's rezoning request at the time, saying rezoning could promote economic activity and generate more property tax revenue.

With the rezoning approved, the site can now move forward toward redevelopment.