Illegal dumping at vacant south Louisville Walmart raises safety concerns

Concerns grow over conditions at long-vacant South Louisville property as officials weigh next steps.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The south Louisville Walmart on Raggard Road still sits empty after being closed for nearly four years, and Metro Council members say the area is being turned into an open dumpster.

Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins said people are illegally dumping on the property.

Cat food, dirty diapers, beer bottles and trash are scattered in the area.

"Just truly a safety hazard for the community," Hawkins said. "There have also been several concerns about what Walmart will become."

A Walmart representative said the store was closed because of low performance.

"We don't like to have these kinds of investments go dark," said Eric Hinks, a Walmart spokesperson.

Hinks couldn't give a ballpark price tag for the property.

Metro Council is looking for buyers before asking the city to take on the bill.

"The city, the mayor and the Metro Council appropriated $3 million in this year's budget for our South End fund," said Jeff O'Brien, the executive director of economic development for Metro Government.

Hawkins said people in the community have been very vocal against the space being used for apartments and large industrial development.

She said there are other needs.

"As citizens, we normally have to go to the East End to get our shopping done," Hawkins said. "I really don't think that is equitable. I think we should have that in the West End and in the South End."

Liquor stores are another thing Hawkins does not want to see in south Louisville.

Less than two miles from the Walmart, on Cane Run Road, public notices to sell alcohol are posted.

"If they don't know what that big yellow paper is in the window, it means that a liquor store is coming, and you only have so many days to petition it," Hawkins said.

The councilwoman said there are at least six liquor stores on Cane Run Road.

"We have enough liquor stores on Cane Run Road," Hawkins said. "From the start of Cane Run Road to the end of Cane Run Road, there's enough liquor stores."

"I will be against it ... any new liquor stores seeking approval," Hawkins said. "I've gotten enough calls, enough letters. My constituents said no more liquor stores in this community."