LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A new law just took effect allowing Jefferson County residents to form their own cities.
The proposed city of Eastwood would include at least 32 neighborhoods with HOA's starting near Valhalla and go up to the county line near Long Run Park and down to sections of Taylorsville Road.
A map of the proposed city of Eastwood within Jefferson County.
"There's a lot of history to the Eastwood area," Janice James, who lives near Eastwood Fisherville Road, said. "It would be nice to preserve that."
James has lived in this area for about three years. She said she sees the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating the Eastwood neighborhood and making a city of its own.
"Having more of a say in what happens in this community," James said. "We love our house, but no one wants to pay double taxes, so to speak."
Bob Federico chairs the Eastwood Incorporation Committee. He said the benefits of supporting a new city include a dedicated police department, local zoning authority and a smaller structure government.
"We believe this is the best thing for the community," Federico said.
"I think it is great for density and for keeping us in control of what happens in our area and I like that there is more funding for police and firefighters out in this area," Hannah Zehnver, who would live in Eastwood, said.
Federico said the city of Eastwood could operate on a $6.2 million budget annually.
The committee said the average home priced between $300,000 and $500,000 would pay between $400 and $700 in additional taxes each year.
"You are already paying for these funds," Federico said. "You're just going to get them back."
The city of Louisville doesn't support the proposal.
The Mayor's Office provided a statement: "Further dividing the city will only create more overlap, more confusion, and more taxes and will also make it more difficult for Metro Government to deliver much needed services to every part of Louisville."
Federico estimates Metro Government would lose about $2 million if the plan goes through.
"I think local Metro could do just fine with that $2 million in their budget that we would use and apply to things we really should be getting anyway," Federico said.
James believes more conversations need to take place before she signs her name of approval.
"I guess the main thing that I've heard of concern is additional taxes," James said.
State law requires 66% of people living within the proposed city limits to sign a petition. Federico says that's about 7,000 signatures.
If they reach that threshold, the Metro Council must approve the new city.
The next community meeting is on Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Hazelnut Farms. There are nine other scheduled community meetings if you can't make it on July 8.
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