Lexington, KY - Can you believe it's already May? I would like to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all the women who have a special place in the hearts of their families.
This month I'd like to share information related to parking issues which we hear about frequently. A problem that residents regularly encounter is vehicles parked on the street that impede safe entry and exit from driveways, trash collection, as well as being parked too close to fire hydrants and preventing passage of emergency vehicles. These are all violations of the code of ordinances regarding parking. If you notice a vehicle parked in violation, please call LexCall at 3-1-1.
Another violation is parking in the wrong direction on a neighborhood street. While police and the parking authority generally do not patrol for this violation, if violations are reported, they are required to take action. We wanted to make sure you are all aware of this ordinance to avoid a costly ticket.
One tool that could remedy neighborhood parking problems would be the Residential Permit Parking Program. The purpose of this program is to reduce hazardous traffic conditions arising from vehicles being parked on residential streets by persons not residing in that area; to protect residents of the area from unreasonable burden in gaining access to their residence; to preserve the character and property value of the district; to promote safety of children and other pedestrians; and to forestall dangers arising from blocked fire lanes, hydrants and other facilities used by emergency vehicles.
Obtaining a RPPP in your neighborhood requires a lengthy process, including petitions and public meetings - but may be well worth your time. Not all areas will qualify, however, we thought many of you may be interested in checking it out. If you are interested in more information, please contact our office and we will put you in touch with the Parking Authority.
We hope bringing attention to these parking problems and letting you know about a possible solution will help alleviate issues you are facing regarding parking. We will continue to work with the Police Department and Parking Authority to do our best in solving problems.
Mayor Newberry presented his 2011 budget to the council on April 13. I am serving on the General Services budget work group, which includes funding for Parks and Recreation, fleet services and building maintenance. Please contact me if you have input on these issues.
We have some good news to report regarding the Sonnet Cove Apartment Complex on Laketower Drive. The apartment complex, as of January, is now being managed by Finsilver Friedman Management Corporation as a receivership. They are working closely with the city's code enforcement office as they undertake a comprehensive renovation of the complex, beginning with the exteriors on buildings to help improve the aesthetics for the neighborhood. They will continue to improve the property to a marketable condition.
I am so pleased to welcome Stephen Lawrence Limited, Inc. to Idle Hour Shopping Center. This is an upscale consignment shop and received the Lexington Herald-Leader Readers Choice Award in 2009. I attended their ribbon cutting on April 9 and visited with many shoppers from the 5th District. I hope you will check it out.
Recently I also attended the Lansdowne Merrick, Lakeshore Village and Blairmore Area neighborhood meetings. Thank you to each group for the invitation to join you. If your neighborhood association is planning a meeting, please let me know. I would love to bring an update from the city and work with you on any problems you may be encountering.