LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Workers started removing plywood boards from windows at City Hall, Metro Hall, the Hall of Justice and other downtown buildings on Wednesday.
Business leaders and elected officials have called for plywood protecting windows on buildings to come down, as civil unrest has settled down.
“The boards were put up in an abundance of caution during an uncertain time. Even as protests continue, taking down the boards is a symbol of the need for our community to come together and move forward to achieve our shared goal of a safe, just and equitable society,” says Jean Porter, a spokesperson for the Louisville Mayor's office.
Protests have been a constant since May over the police shooting of Breonna Taylor, who died in her apartment as officers executed a midnight drug raid but found nothing illegal. While they have been mostly peaceful, some demonstrations in late May resulted in broken windows and other damage to downtown properties.
"The boards really send a message that we're divided. And that has a psychological impact," said Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, CEO of Greater Louisville Inc., the metro chamber of commerce.
Plywood covering the windows of the Louisville Metro Police headquarters came down last week. That decision was made by acting chief Yvette Gentry, as she took the interim job.
Metro Council member Bill Hollander says he's glad to see the city moving forward, and he hopes people will return to downtown.
"Obviously, COVID has affected downtown in a dramatic fashion. We have no conventions. We have very few people working in some of these office towers, and that's been the biggest affect on downtown," Hollander says. He added, "But the boards have sent an incorrect signal to the community, and I'm glad to see it's reopening."
Over the next two weeks, boards are scheduled to be removed from three of the city's most visible office towers -- Brown & Williamson Tower, PNC Tower and 400 W. Market Street (formerly Aegon center).
Related stories:
- Some downtown Louisville boards to be removed amid call to 'change the narrative'
- With several downtown road restrictions lifted, businesses hope more customers return
- IMAGES | Downtown Louisville left with graffiti, boarded up businesses following protests
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