Eastwood Neighborhood Petition to Become a City Gains Momentum
Residents of the Eastwood neighborhood in Louisville, Kentucky are one step closer to potentially becoming their own city. The Eastwood Incorporation Committee is actively petitioning to form a “Home Rule City,” which would allow the community to have more control over local services and zoning.
If the petition is successful, residents would pay an extra tax in addition to Jefferson County taxes, but committee chairman Bob Federico believes the benefits outweigh the cost. With a smaller government structure, a separate police force, and more control over residential planning, residents would see a direct impact on their community.
However, not everyone is on board with the idea. Mayor Craig Greenberg’s office is against the incorporation effort, citing concerns about further dividing the city and creating more confusion and overlap in services.
If the petition passes, Eastwood would be the first neighborhood in Jefferson County to incorporate in two decades. With a population of 15,000 residents, the committee needs around 7,500 signatures for the petition to move forward. The deadline for signatures is not set, but the committee is aiming to start the verification process by November.
The potential transformation of Eastwood into a city marks a significant development in the area’s history and could set a precedent for other neighborhoods in Jefferson County. Residents are encouraged to attend the committee’s meetings this summer to learn more about the benefits and implications of becoming a Home Rule City.