Plans for hotel and entertainment district on Purple People Bridge

NEWPORT, Ky. - Plans are in the works for a hotel and entertainment district to be built on the Purple People Bridge.

The project would be the first of its kind in the United States, but not in the world. A bridge already operates as a business district in Florence, Italy.

The owner of the bridge says it has three developers interested in the project.

"It's not only what happens on the bridge, but what happens all around the bridge," State Representative Dennis Keene said.

Keene worked to secure a $650,000 grant for the project. That money will go toward a study to figure out how much weight the bridge can support. The results of study will then determine what type of structures can be planned.

"It will be a plus for Cincinnati with their banks development," Keene said. "It keys us all in together and just makes it a tourism destination."

The final plan is expected to generate up to 1,000 jobs for the region.

"I think it would be totally awesome," Robert Beagle said.

Others fear more entertainment in the area would negatively impact current businesses.

"It would take away from the business the levy does get, and that's taking away money from my pocket," Robert Small said.

Regardless of how you view the proposed changes to the Purple People Bridge, the outcome will have a major impact on the local communities.