Churchill Downs applying for permit to permanently close part of South 4th Street

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Churchill Downs wants to permanently close part of Fourth Street near the track.

According to a letter sent to neighbors from a firm working with the track, officials want to close South Fourth Street between the intersection with Oakdale Avenue to the area just beyond the backside entrance at Winn Avenue.

"Two or three months ago, they sent letters out," said Gene Bell, who lives near the backside.

The signs are posted, and crews have already started working on a major expansion project.

An April news release from Churchill Downs said the track plans to build an equine medical center and quarantine facility near the backside. The quarantine facility will allow horses from other counties to fly directly to Churchill Downs as well as provide a place to isolate, monitor and treat horses with contagious illnesses.

Kevin Kerstein, publicity manager for Churchill Downs, released the following statement Tuesday afternoon:

"This proposed closure is part of the expansion of Churchill Downs backside which will enhance Thoroughbred safety and health with a state-of-the-art Equine Medical Center as well as bolster Kentucky’s international Thoroughbred presence by allowing horses from other countries to fly directly to Louisville.
This will eliminate long van rides from other facilities around the US, which elevate Kentucky’s sales, breeding and racing operations. The integration of the backside will further protect Kentucky’s signature event as we look to grow its economic impact for our community."

"What they want to do is simply to consolidate their operation," said Metro Councilman Kevin Triplett, (D) District 15. "I can see the benefits of having it closed. Because this intersection ... it's a wicked little intersection."

The letter from the engineering firm said several public hearings will be held after the track submits its application to the city. Prior to those hearings, the track is holding an informal meeting to discuss the proposal. It's scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 7 in the Derby Room of the Jockey Club Suites at Churchill Downs. The equine medical center is scheduled to be finished by March 2020.

Property owners and neighborhood representatives are invited to attend. Guests should enter the parking lot from Central Avenue, then enter the track through the paddock gate. Signs showing the location of the Jockey Club Suites will be posted.