Mayor's Message August 2010
 

Greetings Citizens!

The extreme heat of summer hasn’t slowed down the pace of progress in Jeffersontown.  There are many projects, events and recreational activities taking place that I want to tell you about.

With respect to public works projects, construction of the Gaslight Recreational Trail System continues at Veterans Memorial Park.  Our bicycle and pedestrian trail system, being built in phases, will not only link our parks to our neighborhoods but will also provide the opportunity to exercise and promote a healthy lifestyle.  While there are still separated trails in some areas, some of the more heavily traveled roads in our city are now striped with designated bike lanes for you to enjoy.

Over the next several months, the most visible public works project will be the renovation of sidewalks.  The City of Jeffersontown recently secured federal stimulus grant money through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to replace sidewalks that are not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  This project will be managed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and City Government.  Work has begun in the Chenoweth Hills neighborhood and will progress throughout our City to your neighborhood.

There are three other projects in Jeffersontown which are being paid for with federal money:  the recent repaving and striping of Plantside Drive; a portion of Stony Brook Drive; and, the repaving of Watterson Trail from Bardstown Road to Billtown Road.  Though Metro Government is responsible for repaving this portion of Watterson Trail, I was able to persuade Metro officials to begin this road improvement sooner rather than later.  Receiving federal grant money for these projects provides our community the benefit of using Jeffersontown tax dollars for other important projects while still improving the City’s infrastructure.

Please join me in celebrating several recent championships won by the youth of our community.  The boys 12 and Under Babe Ruth Baseball Team won the State Championship and advanced to the multi-state Regional Tournament. The girls 8 and Under Babe Ruth Softball Team won the State Championship and advanced to their Regional Tournament.  The boys 9 and Under Cal Ripken Baseball Team is competing in their Regional Tournament and has their own success story as well.  The Plainview Dive Team won the City Championship and the Plainview Swim Team placed second in the City Championship Meet.  I want to say “Thank You” to all of the coaches and league officials who volunteer their time to engage our youth in competitive sports. 

Please mark your calendars for the Farmers’ Market which is held every Tuesday from 3:00-6:00 P.M. and Saturday from 7:00 A.M.-Noon.  Special activities are planned for the last Saturday of August, September and October.  Join us on Historic Gaslight Square for this fun event.

I would encourage everyone to engage in some of our community’s activities. Whether recreational or an event organized by City Government, you will become informed of what’s going on in Jeffersontown and probably meet people who love this City as much as I do.  As always, feel free to contact me at City Hall at anytime; I am here to serve you.