SJ Issues

Yes, it is a welcome change to the downtown traffic pattern and should ease navigation for locals and especially tourists.  Further, two-way Main was recommended in the Downtown Master Plan, and this seems like an easy item to check off the list.

There is a reason why so many other cities nationwide are converting one-way streets to two-way streets, including our neighbors in Louisville and Lexington.  It slows traffic, improves vehicular circulation, and helps tourists get around our downtown core.

I understand the complications of one-way traffic on West Main and potential challenges converting to two-way traffic, having operated my business in the 200 block of West Main for five years.  The City must stripe loading zones in strategic areas and stripe additional parking spaces on adjacent streets.

 I look forward to seeing the results of the City’s parking study currently underway, which will guide this effort. But minor inconveniences are far outweighed by the improved navigation and increased visibility of Main Street businesses. 

Change can be difficult, but people and businesses will adjust quickly.  If we never try anything different, we will never have any progress. Let’s celebrate this small step in moving Frankfort forward.

The Frankfort economy is still too reliant on state government and not prepared to benefit from rapidly changing global and national trends. Don’t get me wrong; Frankfort is fortunate to be the state capital. This distinction has served us well over the years and protected our economy from deep recessions. But times have changed, and we need to as well. As mayor, I will make it a priority to diversify our local economy so that we are not so dependent on state government.

We need to focus on recruiting 21st-century industries and jobs, particularly remote workers, who have the choice to live anywhere. Frankfort’s quality of life and cost of living can be appealing to those coming from more expensive and busier areas of the country. Similarly, empty nesters and retirees can move and live anywhere. Attracting both these groups like residents, coupled with strong tourism, will help support our restaurants and shops. City efforts toward these goals should include: competitive technology infrastructure, support for the school systems, and promoting our quality of life, walkability, arts and culture scene, outdoor activities, and proximity to larger cities.

Additionally, ensuring that business permitting is easy and user-friendly is important. As someone who has lived in a major city, and then decided to move back to Frankfort to start a business, I understand the mindset of those we seek to recruit. Tourism will continue to be an important way to diversify our economy too. (Another issue not widely discussed is our reliance on bourbon tourism and how we will be affected if/when bourbon is not booming).

As mayor, I intend for Frankfort to become the best place to live, work, and visit in the state and will collaborate with our tourism and business development agencies to better diversify our economy.

The proposed plans for Parcels B and C could be a game-changer for Frankfort, with a proposed redevelopment of over 479,000 square feet and investment of over $76,000,000, according to the initial plans presented by CRM Companies and Commonwealth Economics.

There are plenty of positives: over 200 residential units {fronting a block of historic homes}; a new YMCA; the re-opening of Washington Street to connect Broadway to the new development; some office and retail – but not too much; and estimated 10-year tax revenue for the schools of over $4,700,000. Moreover, the proposed plans should result in more people living in Frankfort, which is one of my priorities because more demand for goods and services will create more businesses.

So, what’s not to love? None of the planned residential units appear to be owner-occupied or single-family; still too much surface parking; no connectivity to Leslie Morris Park; and not much detail yet on the hotel property renovation and convention space.

On balance though, the faults are minor compared to the overall good the development could do for our city, and I will do whatever I can do see the plan’s completion. The plans are exciting and could transform Frankfort, but I am sure this was the sentiment of the Capital Plaza urban renewal back in the 1960s-1970s, and unfortunately, that plan proved unsustainable. That is why it is crucial to ask the questions now and get as much input with the developer as we can.

Measure twice and cut once.

This week’s question from the newspaper:

WHAT WOULD YOU DO, IF ANYTHING, TO RESTORE RECYCLING OF PAPER, GLASS, AND MORE PLASTICS?

My goal is to restore all recycling. Since the demand for purchasing recyclables has changed, and the market is not as strong as it used to be, the economics must make sense for the city to provide it as a service.

If the cost to the taxpayer is little or nothing, then restoring recycling is a no-brainer. But if the costs are substantial, innovative alternatives beyond the city will need to be considered. I believe that most citizens feel positive about recycling, but some may not want to increase taxes or fees in order to do so.

We have recycling professionals in the Public Works Department, and I would work with them (and the County Solid Waste Coordinator) to determine cost-effective ways to keep more from going to the landfill.

The silver lining in the recent recycling restrictions is an increased public awareness of how much we do consume and our reliance on recycling as an excuse to continue the status quo. Now that economics is forcing us to send more waste to the landfill, perhaps we will learn to reduce and reuse instead. As mayor, I will ensure the city leads the way.

This week: WILL YOU ACCEPT PAC MONEY?
Answer: No. I am uncomfortable with the idea of any organization whose members or motives may not be publicly known, providing support to my campaign.

I believe in full transparency and am proud to publicize my campaign contributors. These contributors represent a broad spectrum of our community who all believe that Frankfort needs fresh ideas and leadership.

Fortunately, due to this overwhelming and humbling grassroots response to my campaign, PAC money will not be missed.

Leslie Morris Park holds special importance to me as it is practically right outside from my front door. My grandparent’s lived in Thornhill, and I explored the area as a kid, long before I knew of it as Fort Hill or any of its historical significance.

Due to its prominent location almost in the heart of the city, Leslie Morris Park and Fort Hill is a welcome refuge and offers some of the best views of Downtown Frankfort. It is a tremendous (but underused) asset for Frankfort and has the potential to be a focal point of downtown residents and tourists alike. The park’s strategic location means even more with the future development of the Capital Plaza site, and the anticipated influx of new residents and employees.

The Parks Department is overdue for a comprehensive master plan that encompasses all the park system, not just Leslie Morris Park. It is my understanding that initial steps have been taken to begin updating the comprehensive plan, so it may be premature to consider any major initiatives before the experts have weighed in. As mayor, if no progress has been made to update the park’s new master plan, I will make it a priority to make it happen.

I am all for more biking and other recreational opportunities in Frankfort. Whatever plans are considered for Leslie Morris Park and Fort Hill should involve the Park department’s Historic Sites division and public input. After all, the park contains a historic Civil War site, an archaeological site, and a cemetery. Above all, I want an open and transparent process and a plan that balances historic preservation and increased usability.