RESOLUTION NO. ______, SERIES 2022
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A RESOLUTION URGING THE GOVERNOR OF KENTUCKY AND THE KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO PROVIDE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE TO THOSE WHO LIVE NEAR HIGHWAY AND INTERSTATE RAMPS, ESPECIALLY IN LOUISVILLE METRO.
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCILWOMAN NICOLE GEORGE
AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT DAVID JAMES
WHEREAS, highway and interstate ramps provide ease of travel and convenience for the millions of travelers, both Kentucky residents and otherwise, living and traveling to, from, within, and through the Commonwealth daily; and
WHEREAS, roughly 18 million miles are traveled daily just inside Louisville/Jefferson County Metro; and
WHEREAS, KYTC District 5 staff work incredibly hard to meet the needs of the public with the resources they are allocated; and
WHEREAS, ramps with more activity and the KYTC property that abuts them invariably require more maintenance; and
WHEREAS, neighborhoods abutting ramps are expected to shoulder the burden created by inadequate maintenance; and
WHEREAS, neighbors living near highway/interstate ramps are likely to experience more disconnect and have less capacity to absorb the maintenance needs and/or reporting; and
WHEREAS, KYTC property isn’t subject to zoning regulations and land use requirements leaving its neighbors without the protections available to most residents in Metro; and
WHEREAS, there is a correlation between major transportation corridors and negative market favorability; and
WHEREAS, the collective impact of not being able to enjoy outdoor space has negative consequences on both individual and community health; and
WHEREAS, all KYTC properties are given the same resources despite proximity to residential properties and/or frequency of use; and
WHEREAS, the Legislative Council of the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government is legally and fiscally unable to ameliorate these disadvantages suffered by those who own and/or live in homes and apartment near highway and interstate ramps.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT (“THE COUNCIL”) AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: The Council urges the Governor of Kentucky and the Kentucky General Assembly to take steps to address the issues suffered by those who own and/or live in homes and apartments near highway and interstate ramps.
SECTION II: The Council provides the following suggestions as potential methods of mitigation for these ill effects:
1. Giving maintenance priority to neighborhoods abutting a ramp for the following: graffiti abatement, ramp sweeping, litter removal, and mowings.
2. Installation of creative plantings signaling social order and reducing the need for mowings.
3. Fencing repairs or design solutions.
4. Funding for the installation of more LMPD Real Time Cameras near ramps.
5. Noise mitigation via plantings, sounds walls, or other means.
6. Investments in improvements such as air quality monitoring and intentional plantings.
7. Lighting standards.
8. Proactive land management to prevent inappropriate uses near neighborhoods.
9. Permitting and funding for public art (e.g., murals).
10. Prioritization for the review of lease agreements and air rights permits.
11. Engagement of neighbors on maintenance needs and expectations.
SECTION III: This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval or otherwise becoming law.
_________________________________ ______________________________
Sonya Harward David James
Metro Council Clerk President of the Council
__________________________________ _____________________________
Greg Fischer Approval Date
Mayor
Approved as to form and legality:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
BY: _____________________________
R-139-22 Resolution to Governor and General Assembly re EJ near Ramps.docx (TF)