Crews have begun demolishing the long-vacant Urban Government Center in Paristown, clearing the site for a planned $250 million redevelopment.
Redevelopment of the former Urban Government Center is moving forward with demolition, but some community members are against the current plan.
The city approved the wrecking permit Monday, giving developers 30 days to start and finish the demolition, according to the Department of Codes & Regulations
Some neighbors and preservationists were seeking a temporary restraining order keeping the old Kentucky Baptist Hospital intact while a lawsuit moves forward
Neighbors and preservationists sued the city and its developer, claiming the project in Paristown Pointe strayed from initial plans and must be restarted
Preservationists argue the property at Barret Avenue and East Breckinridge Street has historic value that includes landscaping that has warranted protection in other high-profile cases.
A resolution giving roughly 7 acres of city-owned land to a developer is moving at Metro Council. Once it's approved, razing the buildings could start within six weeks.
A $20 million tax subsidy is one of the final approvals needed for the planned redevelopment of abandoned government-owned land in the Paristown Pointe neighborhood.
The tax increment financing (TIF) ordinance moves to the full council, which could take it up as early as September 19.
The officials claim Metro Government violated Kentucky law when it allowed the developer Upper Paristown Preservation Trust to revise its proposal for the property.