Every day, I am grateful that the public has entrusted me with helping to shape Frankfort’s future. I am committed to our city’s prosperity and growth, and because of the hard work of many people dedicated to the same, we have several important initiatives underway. I want to share updates on a few of the significant projects that highlight our community-wide renewal.
Taylor Avenue Rockslide
Many residents continue to ask about the long-term closure of Taylor Avenue. Here is what we know and what we can and cannot control:
The October 2023 rockslide left behind a large, detached rock mass with uncertain stability. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet owns and controls Taylor Avenue, and the old rock quarry where the slide occurred is private property. I will not attempt to speak on behalf of the state, but, understandably, they do not want to risk a serious injury or death if the detached rock shifts or if additional sloughing occurs along the rock face.
For this reason, the state has chosen to keep the roadway fully closed. The unstable rock so close to the road, combined with homes on the hillside above the quarry, leaves significantly few viable options for safely and responsibly reinforcing or removing the rock. The reality is that no one can predict when, or even if, the detached rock will move again. It could occur in the next 100 days or not for another 100 years. The city hired a well-regarded geologist to study the rest of the quarry, but the findings offer little basis for expecting the state to reopen the road.
One of our most urgent concerns is a primary sewer line that now rests on the new ridgeline created by the slide. With each rockfall, the line becomes more vulnerable to exposure, or worse. Our Sewer Department is moving quickly on plans to reroute the line farther inland on its way to the treatment plant in Bellepoint. I have declared an emergency for this situation so that we can address it without delay.
While the sewer issue is our immediate priority, I know the road closure is an inconvenience. I remain committed to working with KYTC toward solutions, but because Taylor Avenue is a lightly traveled state road, it is easier for the Cabinet to keep it closed. At the same time, they focus on higher-priority projects elsewhere. Because of this level of uncertainty, the situation is likely to remain unchanged for the foreseeable future. However, I will continue to advocate for its reopening as soon as it is safe to do so.
Singing Bridge Replacement
Work on the Singing Bridge continues, and last week, KYTC hosted a public informational meeting at Paul Sawyer Library to share three design concepts for the replacement structure. Each option offers a similar lifespan and can accommodate all vehicle types, with the main differences lying in aesthetics and cost. Because the Singing Bridge is a state asset, we are coordinating closely with KYTC throughout this process.
Although the funding plan is not yet finalized, I expect the City of Frankfort to take the lead in pursuing federal support. Several federal bridge programs could be a good fit for a project of this scale, and we intend to make a strong and well-supported case. Any federal dollars we secure will increase the likelihood that the state provides not just a replacement bridge, but one that reflects the significance of Kentucky’s Capital City and becomes something the entire Commonwealth can be proud of. I will continue to advocate for a design that honors the importance of the existing structure and, if it makes sense, ensures the new bridge “sings” for future generations.
If you have not yet completed the public survey, you can find it at the link below:
Singing Bridge Replacement Project Survey
More information can be found at KYTC’s dedicated Singing Bridge page:
Singing Bridge Replacement Project | KYTC
Downtown Parcels Redevelopment
For clarification, there are three Parcels under discussion:
- Parcel A is the current (soon-to-be former) Farmers Market site.
- Parcel B is the former Fountain Place and Civic Center lot downtown
- Parcel C is the recently demolished YMCA site.
Combined, these three sites represent Frankfort’s most essential redevelopment opportunities. Its location, connecting River View Park to downtown shops and restaurants, gives us a chance to bring new life to an area of the city that has sat dormant for far too long. We continue working with the current landowners to advance a redevelopment plan that creates new activity and supports our long-term vision for a vibrant, walkable downtown. The anchor of the development will be the new Frankfort Meeting and Event Center. Its final location will be on one of the three parcels, and negotiations are underway with prospective developers as we continue to work through the financing.
The state has already committed $11.25 million, and the city has pledged $5 million toward this effort, in addition to constructing additional parking required by the state and passing tax increment financing legislation to incentivize the development. Sometimes the government must be the first investor to catalyze growth. In this instance, the city has stepped up, and I hope it changes the perception that Frankfort is hesitant to embrace change.
Once the Event Center’s location is finalized, the rest of the development can come together. The emerging vision is a mixed-use district with primarily residential and retail uses. New residential options will strengthen downtown’s vitality, support our local businesses, and contribute to what many see as a broader renaissance taking shape in Frankfort.
Holmes Street Corridor
The Holmes Street Corridor is a multi-year effort that will reshape how we move through and experience the entire area, improving safety, walkability, connectivity, and the corridor’s overall look and feel. Phase 1 spans Holmes Street between Mero Street and Henry Street, while Phase 2 includes High Street between Main and Mero, along with Holmes Street from Henry Street to Northgate Drive near the US 127 interchange.
The city’s project page has the latest visuals and details at:
www.frankfort.ky.gov/527/Holmes-Street-Corridor
Significant federal construction funds initially supported phase 1, but Congress rescinded those awards last year through OBBBA. Despite appeals to our federal delegation, the rescission language remained in the final bill, costing the project more than $15 million. We are now working closely with KYTC and our federal grants consultants to secure replacement funds to begin the construction. While that work continues, we have been able to continue with design and engineering since those funds have already been obligated.
Roadway and drainage design is moving forward and is expected to be completed by July 2026. Human Nature of Cincinnati. They also designed our Second Street Corridor. If you want to browse their numerous projects, go to https://www.humannature.cc/projects-1
They are developing the streetscape and landscaping plan, right-of-way acquisition is nearly complete, and utility relocations will begin soon. If funding comes through, construction is expected to start in early 2027.
Phase 2 is in a stronger financial position, as funding remains intact. The city received $8.2 million from the USDOT Reconnecting Communities Program, and the Commonwealth has committed matching funds through the GRANT Program. With funding secured, we now have approval to move into final design. We anticipate funding authorization in summer 2027 and construction beginning in early 2028.
This newsletter highlights a few of the major projects underway, and as I always say, “We’re just getting started!” The Paddocks development and the Vandelay Drive extension are progressing; the proposed indoor aquatic and wellness center is moving through planning; and our work to transform the riverfront is in its early stages, with a request for proposals for an updated plan in light of recent city acquisitions on the waterfront.
Any one of these projects would be significant on its own. Still, taken together, they represent a coordinated push to move Frankfort forward while preserving the small-town character and convenience we all value. I’ll share more detailed updates as each initiative advances. Thank you for staying engaged and for supporting the progress we’re making together as a community.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
