Louisville Loop meeting to focus on Pond Creek Corridor Shared Use Path

Developing a key section of the Louisville Loop will be the next topic of discussion at a public meeting set for Tuesday, February 15th at Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing beginning at 6:00pm.
“The Pond Creek Corridor Shared-Use Path is a key link between the Loop, Watson Lane and Fairdale,” says Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13). “This meeting is a chance to learn more about the proposed restoration plan for the corridor which ultimately leads to the Jefferson Memorial Forest.”

Welch, along with Council members Rick Blackwell (D-12), Bob Henderson (D-14) and David Yates (D-25), sees the Louisville Loop as a great enhancement to southwest Jefferson County.

“This meeting will have an overall presentation of this section of the Master Plan and then small group discussions will be held so Metro Parks can listen to any suggestions from the public about designing this section of the Loop,” says Blackwell.

Metro Parks is the main agency responsible for developing the 100 mile Louisville Loop which will ultimately provide an exercise, hiking and bike route around Metro Louisville. Some sections of the Loop will be able to accommodate horseback riders.

“It is important that residents of all our districts keep up with the project because it will be an opportunity to continue recreational accessibility from Riverview Park to the Forest,” says Yates.

Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing is located 7410 Moorman Road.

“This is an opportunity to get out and get involved in what’s going on in our area. This project like all our parks is for all of us and our families so help us make it a reality,” says Henderson.

To learn more about the Pond Creek Shared-Use Path and Ecological Restoration Plan meeting call Metro Parks at 456-8100. To learn more about the Louisville Loop go to:

http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/cityofparks/metro_loop_trail.htm

Councilman Ackerson hits Kentucky Derby Festival over admission charge

The silliness surrounding the "name change" of the Kentucky Derby Festival by dropping the "Kentucky" part will never end. I, for one, will continue to call the festival by it's proper name.

But that's not the only new and generally stupid idea that is "all new" for this year's Kentucky Derby Festival.

In what seems to be the beginning of the end, the gang is instituting a cover charge for Great Lawn seating for the fireworks. (I hope it snows.)

In light of this embarrassing and greedy cash-grab, Councilman Brent T. Ackerson (D-26) has issued the following statement to the Kentucky Derby Festival:

“Like other members of the Metro Council, I represent people who could easily afford this new cost for admission. But I also serve families for whom this would be a great burden. Our waterfront serves as the People’s Park, a park which their tax dollars helped to build and continues to maintain. And Thunder is one of the signature events during the Kentucky Derby Festival which appeals to nearly everyone. We should not allow Waterfront Park and Thunder Over Louisville to be fenced off, placed out of the economic reach for our citizens, especially when the revenues from the sale of the Pegasus Pins are not going to the public coffers.”

Hats off to Councilman Ackerson. Now, will someone on the council please introduce an ordinance that prohibits charging citizens admission for the use of their own public park space for a public event?

Let's talk: Would an overhead walkway have saved a life today?

The tragic death Tuesday night of a Louisville teenager has been taking up much space in my thoughts of late.

16 year old Western High School student Adrienne White was crossing Cane Run Road outside of the crosswalk early yesterday morning and was hit by a motorist. [CJ]

That particular section of road is always busy, especially at 7 a.m.

On roads like these, lives could be saved by constructing overhead walkways to allow pedestrians to avoid traffic altogether.

A few hundred feet west at the intersection of Lees Lane, Rockford Lane and Cane Run Road lies Farnsley Middle School, a walking track and the historic Farnsley-Kaufman house, a local landmark. Western High is less than a mile away on Rockford Lane to the east.

I can't help but think the use of an overhead walkway would ensure- or at least increase- the safety of pedestrians, particularly the students that must cross the busy stretch of what is essentially a highway that links the Snyder Freeway to I-264.

I would like to hear your thoughts.

In the meantime, please teach your kids to use the crosswalks and wait for the walk signal before crossing the road.

It's just not worth your life to be on time.

Louisville Loop Signage System public meeting TONIGHT!

Louisville Loop Signage System Public Meeting

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

6:30-8:30pm

Riverside, the Farnsley-Moreman Landing

7410 Moormen Road

Exercise enthusiasts and the public are invited to give feedback on the $200,000 federally funded sign and way finding master plan for the Louisville Loop, the 100 mile shared use path that will one day circle Louisville.

Metro Parks staff is developing guidelines for improving access, safety, education and the overall experience of the existing and future sections of the Louisville Loop.

Citizens may sign up for emails about the Louisville Loop by visiting www.metro-parks.org/cityofparks

LMPD Major Kelly Jones featured speaker for February District 12 Dialogue

Councilman Rick Blackwell continues to bring government to his constituents with District 12 Dialogues. February’s event focuses on public safety and features the new 3rd Division Commander of Louisville Metro Police, Major Kelly Jones.

“I want to invite everyone to come out to this event and meet someone who is committed to protecting our streets,” says Blackwell. “Major Jones is well known to many of us on the Metro Council for his dedication to Metro Police and our communities.”

Major Jones will be on hand to talk about programs in the 3rd Division as well as answer questions and concerns residents may have about crime prevention and staying in contact with police officers.

“It is a unique opportunity to meet with the people who protect us,” says Blackwell. The District 12 Dialogue begins at 7:00pm Tuesday, February 15th and will be held at Kerrick Elementary, 2210 Upper Hunters Trace.

There will also be representatives of, the Division of Licensing and Permits, Neighborhoods and MSD to answer questions about programs. A representative of Congressman John Yarmuth's office will also be in attendance.

For more information about the February District 12 Dialogue, contact Councilman Blackwell’s office at 574-1112.