City Council Agenda and Packet 2019 02 26 SP

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2019 Revitalization Commission Questionnaire Page 3 of 5 ig City,/ IRE Louisville COLORAE)O • SINCE 1878 3. Describe your understanding of the Highway 42 Revitalization Area Plan. The LRC was organized primarily in response to the Highway 42 Revitalization Project, which included potential financing options for proposed public improvements within the area. In 2003, the Highway 42 Revitalization Area Framework Plan was developed to create a transit oriented, mixed -use development around a potential commuter rail station. In 2006, City Council approved the Highway 42 Revitalization Urban Renewal Plan to reduce the spread of blight in the area and to stimulate growth. The goal of the urban renewal area was to redevelop and rehabilitate the area, including improving the infrastructure and attracting new investment. Findings from the Highway 42 Conditions Survey indicated a presence of adverse physical conditions in the area, including deteriorating structures identified as unsafe or unsanitary, conditions of faulty street and lot layout, inadequate public improvements, and environmental contamination. In 2013, Louisville City Council approved a plan to improve and revitalize the Highway 42 corridor, in response to years of planning and public meetings regarding the area's development. This area began to develop as a mixed use, transit -oriented neighborhood, to function as an extension of Downtown Louisville. In tandem with the revitalization plan, the 42 Gateway Project was also approved in 2013 to provide ways to improve infrastructure and increase access to the Highway 42 Revitalization Area and Downtown Louisville. Over the past several years, DeLo has become the city's first mixed -use redevelopment in the Highway 42 Revitalization Area. The City pledged funding in tax increment financing for public improvements in the area, including sidewalks, roads, and plaza area. While DeLo was originally intended to serve as Louisville's transit -oriented development for commuter rail, development has persisted without the transit component in place. DeLo uniquely provides a direct connection to the downtown through the South Street Underpass and was designed to suit future transit plans. The underpass not only creates a safe connection to Downtown Louisville under the BNSF railway, but also supports urban revitalization and public art. With townhomes, apartments, retail, office space and parking, DeLo has brought growth to this area, attracting prominent businesses including Vic's Espresso and Moe's Bagel. Yet, as a resident and consumer observing the temporary closure of Growler USA, slow foot traffic at Vic's and Moe's, lower occupancy rates at DELO Apartments, and the challenges of office, restaurant, and retail growth at 1025 Cannon St., I am eager to contribute to DeLo's successful future. 18