LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — An eight-block stretch of Barret Avenue in Louisville could see significant changes aimed at improving driver and pedestrian safety.
The possible changes have some business owners and residents concerned about parking.
The project area runs along Barret Avenue from East Broadway to Rufer Avenue and touches four neighborhoods, including the Highlands. City officials have been studying possible improvements to the corridor for more than two years.
Proposed changes include repaving the street and possible lane reconfigurations, including adding bike lanes.
Terri Burt, who has owned a business on Barret Avenue for more than 26 years, said she has seen the area change over time and believes improvements are needed.
"It needs a little love and since Lynn’s Paradise Cafe closed it’s taken a long time to come back," Burt said.
However, Burt and other business owners are worried that adding bike lanes could eliminate dozens of parking spaces that businesses and residents rely on. One alley lot with 12 spaces must accommodate seven businesses.
Some residents said parking is already difficult and losing more spaces would make it worse.
"This is a residential area that is more of a neighborhood that just happens to have this hub, so the street parking seems to be a little bit more important," a resident said.
The former Urban Government Center property in the Paristown area sits along the project route and is expected to become a mixed-use development, which could increase the need for parking in the area.
Despite concerns, some business owners say the corridor is already very walkable but could still benefit from updates.
The city is collecting public feedback through an online survey. Once plans are finalized, paving work could be completed by November.
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