What are you thoughts on the One Park development

Question

Curious what other investors in Louisville, KY think about One Park in the Highlands. Most of the neighbors in the area I have talked to are against in due to traffic concerns. I myself am a bit torn, I like large investments being made in the area which I think has been a bit lacking recently with all the east end development. But I also live in the highlands and I dont see how that area could handle the traffic without some major road changes.

https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2019/10/01/one-park-vote-postponed-after-marathon-public.html

Chuck B. · Answer

@Dan Close

This is why we can't have nice things...  ;-)

Honestly, I'm not even sure there's a residential house within eye shot of the proposed location.  If the best argument against this development is just that there will be more traffic, I'd turn that around and say that the BEST argument for this development is that there will be more traffic.

We live just up Grinstead, close to the proposed development, and we'd come through there most every day, so we'd definitely feel the increased traffic.  Do I have concerns about traffic and will new accommodations be needed?  100%!  But that's absolutely no reason to not have a modern and dense development on what today is a cluttered sort of mess of space.

Everyone wants more walkability, more local attractions, restaurants, businesses and employment opportunities.  You get vibrant cities with density.  Additionally, density is the most green and environmentally friendly way to build cities.  No density... you get sprawl and development in the ex-urbs and a lot more cars, miles and hours on the road.

Raphael Collazo · Answer

I definitely see both sides. I'm a big fan of how easy it is to get around in Louisville. There's nothing better than being within a 30 minute drive of anywhere in the city and having limited traffic to boot. I also love the fact that Louisville has been able to maintain it's small town feel even though we have over 1 million people in the metro area. I've been to many cities around the country and I can say without a doubt it's a rare phenomena. However, I'm also cognizant of the "talent drain" Louisville has struggled with due to it's lack of a central business district. Many young professionals enjoy being "in the action" and although this development will not completely change the dynamic, it will definitely help shift it in the right direction. Over time, urban development can help Louisville attract top companies who rely on young, bright and driven professionals to turn the wheels of their organization.