Final preparations are underway for the 2010 census. The US Census Bureau and local governments across the nation are checking their maps to assure that everything is up to date and ready to go. For NKAPC staff, this means completing the Local Update of Census Addresses process for Kenton and Pendleton Counties and the City of Cold Spring.
“The Census Bureau wants cities to submit new addresses that have been created for residential purposes since the 2000 census,” said Tom East, GISP, one of NKAPC’s senior GIS specialists. “That includes dwellings that may not yet be complete, but that may be inhabited on Census Day.”
A little over a year ago, East and several other members of NKAPC’s GIS department searched permit records and 2007 aerial photography to document what had been built in the three jurisdictions since 2000.
“This process went fairly smoothly,” East said, “because we work with the officials in all these jurisdictions and have a good idea of where development occurred.”
The process was also facilitated since NKAPC is responsible for assigning all new addresses created in those areas.
Although familiar with areas, East said there were a few challenges and issues between rural, suburban, and urbanized areas.
“The biggest problem we face in rural areas is multiple homes on one property,” East explained. “Although there may be a house and two trailers on one property sharing a mailbox (and a single address), all need to be counted separately in order to ensure that each residence receives a Census form.”
Suburban and urban areas in Kenton County also present some challenges. While NKAPC is often aware of new development in cities where it does not provide building inspection services, there are sometimes special cases that are not always readily apparent.
“Duplexes can be an issue,” he said. “From an aerial photograph, it’s difficult to distinguish a single family dwelling from a duplex, so there’s some field work that needs to be done.”
This past summer the US Census Bureau performed field checks of the information NKAPC provided, noting any questions or disagreements.
“NKAPC staff is now reviewing the Census Bureau’s questions and comments, and responding,” East said. “But I haven’t really heard of any major concerns.”
All issues will be resolved according to the Census Bureau’s time table, East concluded.