August 6, 2025

For Immediate Release:

Councilman Ben Reno-Weber issues statement on PARC parking study for Bardstown Road

Louisville (August 6, 2025) – Councilman Ben Reno-Weber (D-8) has issued the following statement regarding the PARC study for metered spaces on Bardstown Road.

"I want to thank everyone who has reached out to our office regarding the Parking Authority of River City’s (PARC) study regarding metered parking spaces on Bardstown Road. For clarity, what has been presented is just a study about where parking meters along the Bardstown Road corridor currently are and where they COULD be. No final decisions have been made, and a plan for implementation has not been received or approved.

In response to the publication of this study, I have met with PARC leadership and the Mayor's office. Before anything happens, we have asked for (and I believe will get) a comprehensive plan for how parking in the city should evolve, particularly given the fundamental changes in technology, the entrance into the market of new private sector players, and the desire to support small businesses and dense housing, particularly along transit corridors like Bardstown Road.

The vibrancy of this corridor is my first priority, especially given its importance to the city as a whole.

We have heard clearly the concern that additional parking meters will discourage people from shopping in the district and that the current system is confusing and disjointed, which often results to non-patrons occupying spaces in front of businesses for long periods. This leaves actual customers without nearby options, forcing them to either search endlessly or give up entirely.

For the moment, we look forward to working with PARC, the Mayor's Office, and community groups to find ways to enable PARC to meet its financial obligations while supporting our businesses and neighbors, before any action is taken.

And let us remember that the best way to support the vibrancy of the Bardstown Road corridor is to shop there! Our next newsletter will highlight several new restaurants and stores that have recently opened along the corridor.

To that end, I want to challenge everyone who has been involved with this issue (and there are lots of us) to snap a selfie while shopping at your favorite local spot on Bardstown Road and tag @CouncilmanBenRenoWeber. Bonus points if you leave a (positive) Google review to spread the word and support these businesses!"

Councilman Ben Reno-Weber, District 8

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