LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Metro Council's Public Works Committee voted to revisit an ordinance aimed to restrict heavy semi trucks coming off I-65 from driving through Old Louisville Tuesday evening.
Residents' tempers flew after the announcement; they were seen ripping their signs, storming out quickly, and vocalizing their frustrations.
This after Limerick Neighborhood Association President Derrick Pedolzky told WHAS11 News Monday he hoped the ordinance would be a Christmas miracle, being passed before the end of the year.
Resident Steven Staats said the trucks pass through day and night.
"We've got damage on the side of our house where trucks have actually hit our house," said Staats. "Twice I have literally been almost hit."
A resident gave a report to WHAS11 News showing around 150 trucks traveling St. Catherine Street a day.
The proposed ordinance would have added travel restrictions on Oak and St. Catherine Streets, Ormsby Avenue and others.
"Since second one that I've been in council, heavy trucks have been flowing through Old Louisville sector and harming infrastructure," Councilmember Phillip Baker told the committee. He sponsored the ordinance.
Residents who have been fighting for this change since the late 70s spoke with Baker about their concerns.
"This is not a new issue, but I think it's something that's arisen through Louisville history and butted itself up here and there," said Baker. "I think the time is now to do something to address it...It's up for the next council person to continue that push, continue that fight. It's up to residents to continue to keep that issue at its forefront."
Council members Brent Ackerson and Anthony Piagentini asked Baker if trucks associated with the businesses in the area have been considered, along with why these restrictions aren't considered for other districts as well.
But members of the groups enforcing it asked for more time.
"Are there unintended consequences with this?" Jennifer Caummisar-Kern, the executive director of Louisville Metro Public Works, asked. "Should we really be looking at what maybe a freight plan, or routing, or communication, or things like that look like to tell trucks where they should be going?"
"I think a little more time would only be helpful for us to get a better handle on being able to deliver something to the community that we can stand behind," Deputy Mayor Nicole George told the committee.
George said there were questions from Louisville Metro Police on how the ordinance would be enforced.
She followed the frustrated residents into the hallway to speak with them directly.
"This is not a reflection of Councilman Baker, but I'm being honest, I think this landed on my desk last week," she said to one resident. "... If you want to lob something at me, you're welcome to do so."
Staats said he was at his wits end after the meeting.
"I just don't know what else to do," he said. "Nobody's listening. Nobody cares."
JD Lyinger beat Baker in the race to represent District 6. He will take over next year.
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