Lexington, KY - With the budget process behind us, I am pleased to have more time to share happenings within the district. The FY 2009 - 10 budget is very restrained, but it is one I am satisfied with, in these difficult economic times.
Construction of sidewalks on both sides of the Tates Creek corridor was approved by the council on June 11, and will move forward into the design phase. I had personal reservations due to the yet unknown budgetary ramifications, but will work to ensure that the project is done as cost effectively as possible within the grant amount.
I continue to work with code enforcement to address neighborhood concerns. I am hopeful that the two additional code enforcement officers I supported in the new budget will enable us to address more problems. Sweeps in the UK area by the Waste Management and Code Enforcement were conducted in May to remove furniture, appliances and garbage from curbs, porches and yards. We are also working diligently to alleviate neighborhood concerns on Ridgeway and Irvine Roads.
Resurfacing projects are currently being ranked by the Division of Engineering and the Division of Streets, Roads, and Forestry; while many roads in the 5th District are in need of repair, I believe the ranking process is the most equitable method for determining which streets are resurfaced with the funds that are allocated to the 5th District. If you would like to know the ranking for your street, please contact Bill Osborne at 425-2817. I will continue to push for additional funding for resurfacing, as I believe it is a significant public safety issue.
The Chevy Chase parking study will continue through mid-August. Most of the old meters have been left alongside the new Pay & Display meters. The parking authority will be monitoring usage at both types of meters to determine general preference. All parking meters in the area now uniformly charge $1 per hour for parking - however, you can still purchase time in smaller increments.
I am excited to be working on several items that will make a big impact on our city. I'm collaborating with the LFUCG Law Department to create an underground utility ordinance to ensure that utilities for new development are placed underground. I'm also pushing for a redesign of the intersection of Fontaine, High, Euclid and Tates Creek to better handle traffic and beautify this unique part of the city. Additionally, I am talking with potential developers and Saul Properties, Inc., the current owners of Lexington Mall, regarding its redevelopment.
Please note too that I've directed the installation of 15 mph and caution signs on Romany Road at the shopping center in Chevy Chase. I know this area is very dangerous in the summer with children crossing the road between Graeters and Wheelers.
Finally, I am thrilled to announce that my council colleagues and I have allocated over $6,000 in neighborhood development funds for the replacement of playground equipment at Breckinridge Elementary School. All of our children deserve a safe place to play. Thanks to council members Gray, Ellinger, Myers, Martin and Lane for making contributions.
Last but not least, a question for you: how do you feel about golf carts being allowed on city streets within one mile of a golf course, as is being done in Georgetown and other surrounding cities?
Please send your thoughts to cfeigel@lfucg.com or call 425-2283. If you'd like to sign up for the weekly electronic newsletter, please send your email address to jbloyd@lfucg.com. Hope you are enjoying the summer.