City survey seeks public input on bar licenses, safety in Louisville's Highlands

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- City leaders are taking steps to improve safety in the Highlands neighborhood, starting with a community survey.

Mayor Craig Greenberg said he has been working with Louisville Metro’s Alcoholic Beverage Control to create the survey, which allows residents to report public safety concerns. The survey will be taken into consideration for bar licenses.

"This is not a gotcha. This is not a social media comment section," Greenberg said. "This is to address real, repetitive, specific problems that we want to hear from the community."

Bardstown Road near Grinstead Drive has drawn attention in recent months due to street takeovers, vandalism, and noise complaints. Greenberg said police patrols have increased in the Highlands.

In response to late-night activity, businesses have started blocking off parking lots after hours to prevent loitering. The city is also working with bars to improve security lines and reduce sidewalk congestion.

A longtime business owner on Bardstown Road said he has seen violence increase in recent years and wants bars to close earlier and police presence to grow.

"I think people just stopped coming down here. Then it switched to a different crowd to where there was more violence, when they do come to some of the bars. Being late, it causes a problem. People get hurt -- shot, which is something we don’t want," said business owner Ed Stacey.

According to the mayor, about 65 businesses with liquor licenses operate on or near Bardstown Road. The survey is available on the Metro Alcoholic Beverage Control website.

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