Subject: Support For New Plan for Urban Government Center
Dear Mayor Greenberg & Members of Metro Council,
I am reaching out today to discuss the New Plan for the Urban Government Center (“UGC”).
The New Plan envisions transforming the UGC into a hub of community life, engagement, and sustainability. Our aim is to create a vibrant space where residents feel supported and connected, through a thoughtful combination of amenities, housing, and green spaces.
1. Funding Structure: - Utilizing historic and affordable housing tax credits, the New Plan the project is financially feasible without relying on Tax Increment Financing (TIF).
2. Redevelopment with Community Partnership: - At its heart, this plan is about working alongside our residents. Community input and partnership are crucial in shaping a UGC that benefits everyone, especially neighbors.
3. Amenities for a Healthy Lifestyle: - Recognizing the essential need for access to fresh food, plans include incorporating a grocery store and farmers’ market within the UGC premises. There is room for community space and even a library location with your support.
4. Green Spaces for Recreation and Relaxation - With plans for park-like green spaces, playground, dog park, walking paths, and a community garden, we aim to foster a connection to the natural world, improve community health, and expand our tree canopy.
5. Affordable Senior Housing - Addressing the critical need for affordable living options for our seniors, the plan includes renovating the UGC into 150 units of affordable housing, prioritizing long-standing community members.
We need your support. To make this vision a reality, it’s important that we come together as a community.
The current plan calls for $20 million in public subsidy through a TIF and ignores the vast majority of community wishes by constructing an ultra high intensity development with little green space. Lastly, the current developer’s plan is unfinished, lacks community support, degrades Louisville’s tree canopy, and demolishes the same buildings that tax credits will revive.
This is more than just a development project; it's a commitment to our community's future. Thank you for taking the time to read about the New Plan. Together, we can create a space that truly reflects our community's spirit and needs.
Warmest regards,