LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The one major grocery store in West Louisville closed its doors early the Friday night before the Kentucky Derby. The sign on the Kroger store on W. Broadway said it closed at 5 p.m., surprising everyone who walked up to the door.
Police put up barricades around every entrance to the parking lot and shoppers who traveled miles by bus were turned away. A spokesperson for the Louisville Metro Police said it was an attempt to ensure the safety and security of businesses and citizens in the area, but many are asking “why?”
"I am very disappointed because I caught the bus down here very disappointed, and now I have to go back home and see if someone can take me to another Kroger,” Carol Jackson said.
Jackson was coming to get her Derby dinner. The 65-year-old took the bus to get to Kroger only to be met with locked doors and no explanation.
“I think it’s awful because they should have announced it or something because I am on the bus. I don't have a car,” Jackson said.
Friday evening LMPD released a statement saying, "Following careful consideration, particularly as it relates to risk vs. safety, these measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of citizens and businesses in that area. It should be noted that the barriers are being erected solely for the purpose of traffic control.”
Erin Grant with Kroger corporate said the store will close at 7 p.m. Saturday night "to allow our associates time to properly close the store and exit the parking lot prior to LMPD barriers being placed at entrances."
Grant said LMPD was in charge of putting up the barriers and Kroger did not request them.
There is a long-time tradition of Derby Cruising in Louisville. Charles Finley Jr., a long-time West Louisville resident, said Derby Cruising is West Louisville's Derby.
“Derby is a big event for us. It's like a big family reunion for everybody," he said.
For Finley, it was a family celebration--meeting new people and seeing the cars. He said for years it was a huge event, but recently it has phased out. He said he was surprised to see the barricades up and precautions.
“It would be good if we could see that again and enjoy Derby time like everyone else in the city does. The West End is getting a whole bad reputation and whole bad communication about it,” Finley said.
In a statement, LMPD said:
In years past during Derby weekend, traffic has been significantly impacted in the area of 26th to 28th and Broadway. At times it hindered employees from leaving so businesses would close early. This year some area businesses returned to this practice. Traffic issues also make it extremely difficult for emergency response. We are engaged in a delicate balancing act to keep our community safe so that all of our citizens and visitors have the opportunity to partake in Derby festivities. LMPD is present in the area to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists. Barriers will be removed before businesses reopen in the morning.
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