Closure of west Louisville's only CVS store amplifies residents' lack of resources, transportation

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Residents of west Louisville have for years lamented the area's lack of convenient, affordable places to shop for food. Long labeled a food desert, neighborhoods like Portland, Russell and California trail far behind some others in Louisville's eastern and southern regions.

So it further hit a nerve when west Louisville residents learned the Portland neighborhood CVS — at Portland Avenue and 32nd Street — will soon close.

"It's going to affect them a lot," said Angela Johnson, who often shops there. "Because, after that, they're probably going to have to catch the bus."

Louisville will still have 20 CVS locations, but for anyone in the west end, downtown will now be the closest option, roughly a 3-mile walk.

"It's only hurting the people who can't move around," said Neal Robinson, CEO of the West Louisville Urban Coalition. "My heart goes out to the people who have to make it 3 miles walking in the cold weather."

Transportation plays a key role in the issue. Residents of many of the aforementioned neighborhoods lack easy access to transportation that'd allow them to shop across town. So, for many, it's difficult to get anything that isn't easily available in their neighborhood.

For Robinson, it's less about a convenience store closing than one more vital resource taken from west Louisville.

"We need groceries. We need shopping," Robinson said. "If I go to the movies, I can't come to this neighborhood."

More abandoned buildings and vacant lots have dotted the neighborhood in recent years leaving people with fewer options. And while Robinson is concerned for his neighbors, he's trying to look on the bright side, hoping the new year brings new economic development and bridge the west end's gaps in access to food and medicine.

"Somebody else will come in here and make it better for the community," he said of the CVS property. "I love this neighborhood. I love the west end. I love Louisville. And I want to see it shining bright again."

The Portland neighborhood CVS will close its doors Jan. 18. All prescriptions will be transferred over to the CVS at 4th Street and West Muhammad Ali Boulevard.

CVS has not yet responded to a request for comment about why the store is closing.