LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 8, 2014) – With the turn of a shovel, the Oak Street Corridor in Old Louisville moves into a new phase of infrastructure improvements designed to rejuvenate the historic area while enhance economic development and residential living.
“This is a new day in the future of Oak Street,” said Councilman David James (D-6). “For the last three years, there has been focused discussion and public involved planning on what is needed to bring this very important corridor back to life. Now we are moving forward with a new look for a very familiar area.”
Joining James at a groundbreaking on Tuesday were Mayor Greg Fischer, State Representative Reginald Meeks and members of the Fourth and Oak Street Task Force.
The event begins the first phase of improvements on Oak Street to be made between Garvin Place and Third Street. Nearly $500,000 worth of improvements to sidewalks, curbing, fencing, tree wells and landscaping will be made over the next several months.
“This project will help jumpstart plans to revitalize an area that is one of the great treasures of Louisville and enhance connections with the downtown area to the north, and the University of Louisville and Churchill Downs to the south,” said Fischer.
In 2011, Councilman James created the Fourth & Oak Street Task Force to improve the corridor by addressing safety and security issues, investing in infrastructure and streetscape improvements, and creating real estate developing and retail opportunities.
Its goal is to transform the Oak Street corridor into a local destination that serves the daily shopping and dining needs of the surrounding neighborhood, and also cater to visitors to Old Louisville from other Louisville neighborhoods and from other cities. Two Committees, Development and Infrastructure along with Public Safety were created to develop a plan to move forward.
The Task Force is committed to achieving its goals by leveraging the history and diversity of Old Louisville and its residents in a way that makes the Oak Street experience “uniquely Old Louisville.”
Councilman James Secured the funding through CDBG, MAP Funds and the Capital Infrastructure Funds of District 6.
The Task Force members include: Andrew Owen, Chair, Joan Stewart, Chuck Anderson, Steve Vice, Tim Hyland, John Fischer, Verna Goatley, Marita Willis, Kim Kraesig, Howard Rosenberg, Derrick Moore and Bill Holladay.
“This has been a true partnership between government and those who are interested in bringing back Oak Street to the thriving neighborhood center that it once was in this area,” said James. “My thanks to the Task Force and to the people of District 6 who have joined us in this effort.”
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