|
The prevalence of heavy trucks on local roads in D21 certainly isn’t new. Neighbors and organizations like the Center for Neighborhoods have long been working to address the issue. In fact, when I came to the Council in 2019 I did so with a goal of reducing the number of non-delivering semis on residential roads. In response to neighbor concerns, we formed a workgroup devoted to better understanding the issue and creating actionable steps. Over the course of a year the group heard from KIPDA, KY Trucking Association, and Public Works. Through the workgroup we came to categorize concerns into 2 separate but related issues i.e. routing and parking/storage.
As a matter of practicality, the group decided to focus on parking as the lowest hanging fruit since some of the routing issues are generated by the need for parking/storage and there is a clear community expectation related with where trucks can park. Group members identified hotspots (e.g. Southland Blvd., Kenwood Way, Southside & National Turnpike, Poplar Level) and conducted an assessment to collect information and identify patterns. The Council Office then followed up with outreach to individual drivers and companies. The vast majority of drivers were found to be independent and all were either living in or visiting family the area. The group also attempted to better understand what parking/storage options existed and barriers to use. Few options were found across Metro and the existing locations were priced at a point that either wasn’t financially feasible or didn’t reflect the needs of the driver e.g. monthly rates versus weekly or nightly.
In June 2020 I filed a resolution asking the Planning Commission to review the Land Development Code (LDC) related with heavy truck parking and to make recommendations. After Planning and Design studied the issue and came to similar conclusions as the workgroup i.e. identified parking deficits driven by limited permitted uses, the Planning Commission approved amendments that would have expanded parking locations. The idea is simple, more options for parking creates an environment for better regulation and competitive pricing.
No one likes a policy wonk so I’ll briefly highlight what the proposed in the Planning Commissions LDC amendments versus what ultimately was approved by the Council.
Planning Commission Recommendation:
- Expand permitted use of parking and storage in M-1 (including M2 &3, EZ1) and CM
- Allow parking and storage in C2 & C3 with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and compliance with a list of approximately 15 protections including the exclusion in Downtown, Neighborhood, and Traditional Neighborhood Form districts.
Council Approved:
- Expand permitted use of parking and storage in M-1 (including M2 &3, EZ1) and CM
- Expand parking and storage in only C3 with a CUP and compliance with a list of approximately 15 protections including the exclusion in Downtown, Traditional Marketplace, Neighborhood, Traditional Neighborhood or Village Form districts (nonwaivable).
The Council approved an ordinance without C2 against the recommendation of the Planning Commission and in doing so will achieve a nominal gain in parking and storage. Per Planning and Design, C2 was initially recommended as it is more available and dispersed throughout Metro rather than concentrated. The gains with M1 stand to concentrate parking in certain districts already with industrial zoned uses. C3 offers few gains, as much of it is located Downtown and in an excluded form district.
While neighbors in Metro shouldn’t expect to see any improvements in illegal semi parking in the immediate future, there were lessons learned and work to build on.
Lesson Learned:
- Enforcement alone is not the answer. Unlawful truck parking is already one of the most commonly cited violations in Metro. Even if LMPD and Zoning were adequately staffed, the cost of the citation is too low. We know this because LMPD periodically focuses on our hotspots like Southland Blvd. In the month of July, approximately 34 citations were issued. Notice any difference?
- More overnight parking options for drivers who live in your community won’t bring more trucks in your neighborhood. (In D21 they’re already there parked illegally on Southland Blvd or at Iroquois Park.)
- The impact of heavy truck use in our community isn’t equally experienced across Metro. Therefore, motivations to solve the problem aren’t equally felt and in fact create hesitancy to change.
- While social media posts about the impact of heavy trucks is high, actionable and organized advocacy is low.
- Lack of faith in the land use process inhibits our willingness to find solutions.
- Transformative parking reform won’t be realized in the immediate future but that doesn’t mean the work wasn’t worthwhile.
Continuing the work:
- The Planning Commission amendments related with truck parking are documented and can be revisited. Properties zoned C2 should be considered as an option if we’re to make any real gain.
- Contracting with an outside firm to study and compile experiences in D21 e.g. occurrence, calls for service, cost analysis, etc. would be helpful in adding credibility to the issue.
- Change always brings opposition so don’t underestimate it. Build your coalition.
- More engagement is needed with our State partners (i.e. KYTC, KIPDA Freight Planning, and the Division of Motor Carriers.) Currently drivers get no training on parking as it relates to local land use practices. Training requirements around parking should be considered for the CDL specific to one’s county of residence.
- Metro should devote more enforcement for areas with identified hotspots of illegal parking. Currently the PARC board sets their own boundaries and PARC enforcement rarely ventures outside 264.
- Routing of semis is more difficult to solve. Legally trucks are allowed to access most roads and therefore will require a different solution. Solve the parking issue first.
Over the last 4 years I’ve learned way more about heavy truck parking than I ever thought was imaginable and yet what I’ve really come to better understand is the value of continuous improvement both in community work and the legislative process. I’m also confident that there is “Someone out there on that line” who will be willing to continue the fight for safe and healthy neighborhoods.
  
Lobsters and Lanterns
Event is scheduled for October 12 from 4-7 PM
West Florence cul-de-sac, next to Circle K, 4347 South 3rd Street.
This free event will feature face painting, live music by the Majik Jack band, Andrew Johnson’s Halloween Jeep, and a Halloween costume contest. Youth will also receive a trick-or-treat safety light during the event. If you get hungry, Longshot Lobsta food truck will be cooking up delicious food available for purchase.
For more information about the event, please visit https://fb.me/e/6NPfbc45h
 COMMUNITY CLEAN UP
Wednesday, October 24th
Sojourn Church Carlisle (3548 Taylor Blvd)
Volunteer will be walking through the Wyandotte and Jacobs Neighborhoods as well as debris near the I-264 intersection at Taylor Blvd.
CHURCH ON THE LAWN AT SOJOURN CARLISLE
 Okolona VFW Freedom Festival - October 8
MENTAL HEALTH FOR MEN OF COLOR
YES! YOUTH CABINET AND YEARLY STIPEND
|
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 15! APPLY TODAY!
|
Regional Latinx Digital Inclusion Summit
You are invited to join the Office for Globalization and the Office for Civic Innovation and Technology at the first regional Latinx Digital Inclusion Summit. The event will take place on Friday, October 7 from 10am to 1:30pm at South Central Regional Library. Please join us as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the many contributions that Latinx residents bring to Louisville and the region. The summit will explore pathways to digital inclusion for the region’s growing Latinx population with the hope to scale up workforce and educational opportunities. Participants will learn from local leaders in immigrant integration, innovation, and workforce development about opportunities to close the digital divide and fully integrate regional Latinx population in civic, social, and economic life. Speakers include representatives from Hispanic Federation, Louisville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Federal Communications Commission, JCPS Newcomer Academy, and more.
Click here to RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/louisville-regional-latinx-digital-inclusion-summit-tickets-423019943037
  MSD PUBLIC ANNOUNCMENT
Dry weather brings increase in sewer odors
MSD’s clAIRity Program seeks to provide an easy way to report odor issues
Smell something? Say something. To report a sewer odor, visit MSD’s clAIRity Program website or call MSD Customer Relations. Naturally-occurring sewer odor is caused by hydrogen sulfide, which forms when sewage and other materials (like leaves or yard waste) decompose. Long stretches of hot and dry weather bring increased issues with sewer odor, particularly in the older parts of our city where one pipe carries both sewer water and storm or rainwater.
MSD’s clAIRity Program webpage at LouisvilleMSD.org/Odor provides an easy online tool for residents to report odors, learn about MSD’s efforts to reduce odor in the community, and view past or upcoming clAIRity Program meetings.
- Beechmont Neighborhood Association: Meets 3rd Monday @7:00pm, Iroquois Library
- Iroquois Neighborhood Association: Meets 3rd Tuesday @7:00pm, DeSales High School.
-
Candidates Forum – Contested Races November 8, 2022 General Election. Hosted by Iroquois Neighborhood Association. October 3, 2022 Antioch Church, 7315 Southside Drive, 6:30 p.m. – doors open 5:30 p.m.
-
Candidates Forum – District Court and Circuit Court Contested Races November 8, 2022 General Election. Hosted by Iroquois Neighborhood Association. October 11, 2022 DeSales High School Cafeteria, 425 West Kenwood Drive, 6:30 p.m.
- Preston Park Neighborhood Association: Meets the first Wednesday @6:30pm, at Lynnview City Hall
- Lynnview City Council: Meet 2nd Tuesday @6:00pm, 1241 Gilmore Ln
- Wilder Park Neighborhood Association: Meets 1st Tuesday @6:30pm, 121 Fairmont Ave
- Prestonia/Belmar Area Block Meeting: October 10 @6:00pm, Mirage Mediterranean Restaurant, 4100 Preston Hwy
We will be available the 3rd Wednesday of each month at Lynnview City Hall (1241 Gilmore Ln. 40213) from 9am-3pm.
Note: The District 21 office uses this time to address issues in the area in addition to being at Lynnview City Hall. You may want to call ahead (502-966-4086) to make sure we will be in the office before you stop in.
|
