Lexington, KY - Spring is just around the corner and I can't wait. Seeing the beautiful daffodils and crocus peeking from the chilled earth always gives me new energy and enthusiasm.
For the last several months, a representative group of merchants, residents, and engineering and planning staff has been working together toward a plan to improve and beautify the intersection of Euclid and High. Steve Austin, a local landscape architect and resident of Chevy Chase, graciously agreed to donate his time, and a final design has been completed based on the community input.
The design beautifies the area and encourages pedestrian-friendly traffic movement. This concept
narrows paved areas and adds landscaped medians with "safe spaces" for pedestrians crossing the roads. All proposed modifications are contained within the existing width of the roadway. The hope is to create an appealing village atmosphere where we can congregate and shop locally in a safer environment. Funding for the project will be provided as transportation grants become available.
I've received several calls recently regarding graffiti on private property in 5th District neighborhoods. The police advise this is not gang related. Nonetheless,
I believe it is very important that we take action to prevent this behavior. My office has asked police to increase patrols, and I've placed this issue into the services committee for Feb. 2. We will discuss, with police and other staff members, the magnitude of the problem and how we can systematically prevent this illegal defacement. An investigation by the police department is ongoing. If you see any graffiti, please report it immediately by calling (859) 258-3600.
I reported earlier that I have been named chair of the corridors commission. In this role, I am working on projects to beautify and improve our city corridors prior to the 2010 FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games. One project of particular interest to me is a public art proposal for Newtown Pike, which will be the gateway for visitors into our city from the Horse Park. Mark Arnold, of M2D Designs, and Graham Pohl, of Pohl Rosa Pohl, graciously agreed to create the design, which will consist of approximately 250,000 green and blue landscaping flags arranged in flowing patterns down the corridor to Main Street. M2D completed a similar project several years ago at the University of Kentucky Botanical Gardens. This will be a tremendous visual addition to that area.
As a result of concerns we've received about litter and an abundance of cigarette butts at the interchange of New Circle and Tates Creek Road, I've initiated a discussion with the corridors commission of a proposed wildflower project at all of the interchanges of New Circle and the main arterials throughout the city. I believe this could be an excellent opportunity for public-private partnerships, similar to initiatives in Texas, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, and West Virginia. My hope is that transforming these areas into plantings would discourage littering with trash and ashtray contents. Please let me know your thoughts.
Lastly, we will host our second district-wide meeting for 5th District constituents in February. The details on the agenda, date and location are pending. If you have a topic of particular interest, please let me know. I have issued an invitation to Mayor Newberry as well as Chris Netter from Saul Properties, owners of Lexington Mall. For further information, please contact me.
Thanks for the opportunity to serve you. It is an honor to begin my second year as your council representative. My door is always open and your calls are always welcomed.