Revitalization Commission Agenda and Packet 2023 02 08

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Revitalization Commission Agenda January 11, 2023 Page 3 of 4 Discussion- Underpasses within Highway 42 Urban Renewal Area Staff presented a general background on the underpass projects within the Highway 42 Urban Renewal Area. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Williams indicated support for underpasses to connect the community and indicated communication to the community will be very important. Commissioner Smith concurred with Commissioner Williams and noted the safety benefits of these projects. Commissioner Leh noted that these projects are not currently on the CIP list and said he would raise this to Council based on the LRC's discussion. Mayor Pro Tern Fahey indicated support of the LRC's proposal. Commissioner Harald asked about the status of the original agreement. The City Attorney provided the LRC with the status and LRC's obligations per the agreement. There was a discussion on how funding for LRC is budgeted. The City Manager noted that the open space and parks tax question will be on ballot this fall and cautioned the LRC about rushing a measure for underpasses in 2023. Public comments: Mark Cathcart suggested that part of the reason the LRC exists is to tackle future problems and said it would be remiss of LRC to continue on this path without considering funding an underpass at S boulder and Hy 42 to connect N and S sides. Mr. Cathcart noted the potential for development in the suggested area on the east side of 42. He also commented that lack of safe and accessible pedestrian crossways inhibits the ability to get from north Louisville to downtown and increases car traffic. Mr. Cathcart suggested a comprehensive plan to connect the NE corner of Louisville to the rest of Louisville. He doesn't believe the South Boulder Road/Main Street underpass will change the mode of travel to downtown from cars. He also noted that the block 11 application has proposed commercial development and it's important to enable people to get around without cars Rick Kron of the DBA indicated that he doesn't support any of the proposed underpasses, though of all of them the South Boulder Road/Main Street underpass has the best probability of improving connectivity. Mr. Kron believes these projects are too expensive and reminded the LRC that the previous ballot measure was defeated by voters by over 50%. Mr. Kron noted that the LRC has plenty of important priorities without this particular project. Mike Kranzdorf agreed that the cost of these projects is too high and noted that the LRC is heading down the right path with increasing its spending authority and collaborating with other boards/commissions. Commissioner comments: Councilmember Leh noted that Mr. Cathcart made very good points and noted that these projects will require intergovernmental cooperation with Lafayette and potentially other partners which is a historically challenging process. Agenda Packet P. 7