Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2021 03 19

Home Browse Search

Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes February 19, 2021 Page 2 of 5 LaFarge Avenue; four residents did say they were opposed to the closure because of the bus detour. Mr. Kron emphasized that even in dial Level Green, indoor dining is still restricted to 50% capacity. The DBA formally requested the closure from April 26, 2021 to November 22, 2021, or until all restrictions on indoor dining are lifted. Mayor Ashley Stolzmann thanked the DBA for their work and stated a number of factors she felt should be worked out in a closure plan, including: Fire District concerns about access; impact to undergrounding project at 809 Main Street; closure conflicts with Street Faire; additional survey work with businesses; postcard engagement with residents of LaFarge Avenue and Jefferson Street; and feedback directed to the Engage Louisville site for compilation rather than email contacts. Councilmember Leh noted the resident concern over the bus focused on the length of the disruption. He inquired about whether RTD alternates considered Lincoln Avenue or Highway 42. He echoed the Mayor's points about determining the public process and to get public input early. He said most importantly, the temporary closure is not a step toward a permanent closure; the closure is related directly to the impacts of COVID-19. Mr. Andy Clark, owner of Moxie Bread, spoke in support of the recommendation for the Main Street closure. He did not feel the focus should be on the temporary vs. permanent and also suggested RTD should be working with the City on solving the pandemic impacts. Mr. John Leary inquired whether the closure is temporary or a strategy toward permanent closure. He noted the permanent closure has been vetted previously. He noted that there are downtown users of the bus to consider, including middle school kids. He said Front Street was not built for a lot of car traffic. Mayor Stolzmann noted that for some, bus is not the alternative means of transportation. Some residents depend on the bus for their only transportation option. She said ridership is down but that the City needs to protect transit options for all those that rely on it. She expressed concern that pushing RTD could cause the City to lose its downtown route. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney said no discussion of permanent closure should occur until after the pandemic and that 2021 is focused on a temporary solution. He emphasized the issue is economic sustainability for Louisville businesses, because for many, 50% indoors is not sustainable. He agreed that RTD is an equity issue and the bus should continue to serve downtown. Since there is a better understanding of how to make the program work, Mayor Pro Tern suggested the City should also be looking at what is being done for the rest of Louisville, including accommodations that can be made in other areas. Agenda Packet P. 3