LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky Derby 150 is less than three weeks away! The impact of the derby is felt across the city, but especially in south Louisville.
In anticipation of all the excitement that Derby Week brings, Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell (D), District 15, hosted the second annual "Derby Our Way" event aimed at making sure neighbors around the track have everything they need for a safe Derby week.
"I've heard folks say, 'well Derby 150 is right around the corner, so what are we going to change...what's the point?' I think it's important for everyone to be informed so everyone can have a safe and productive Derby," Chappell said. "Whether that's understanding if you can park cars in your yard, sell hot dogs in your front yard, or drive a golf car down the street...we want to hear from you."
Representatives from Metro Council, the Mayor's Office, Codes & Regulations, Louisville Metro Police and Churchill Downs were able to answer questions the neighbors around the track have ahead of the historic week.
Some expressed their concerns from last year like being blocked out of their neighborhood during Derby week, not being able to park and vend at their homes, and pedestrians walking through their yards.
Nick Krivitz, who has lived three doors down from Churchill Downs for 12 years, said he hasn't really had any problems.
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"I presell all my parking so it doesn't really effect me too much, just as long as they don't close a certain road," he said. "It means a lot to voice your opinion. I know they can't take everything seriously and they can't bend the rules for everybody. The couple of things they have changed over the last three years have been very good. It allows the flow in, I've never had a problem parking. I got asked once to show my ID, it wasn't that big of a deal."
After Derby 149, Chappell sent out a survey called the "derby detox" to get feedback from residents after the event and said she plans to send out another survey after 150.
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