“New Law Allows Jefferson County Residents to Form City of Eastwood: Proposed City Would Include 32 Neighborhoods”
Residents of Jefferson County in Kentucky now have the opportunity to create their own cities, thanks to a new law that recently took effect. One proposed city, Eastwood, would encompass at least 32 neighborhoods with HOA’s, stretching from Valhalla near the county line to Long Run Park and sections of Taylorsville Road.
Eastwood resident Janice James expressed her desire to preserve the history of the area, stating, “There’s a lot of history to the Eastwood area. It would be nice to preserve that.” However, she also acknowledged the potential drawbacks, such as the possibility of increased taxes.
Bob Federico, chair of the Eastwood Incorporation Committee, highlighted the benefits of establishing a new city, including a dedicated police department, local zoning authority, and a more streamlined government structure. He estimated that the city of Eastwood could operate on a $6.2 million budget annually.
Despite the enthusiasm from some residents, the city of Louisville does not support the proposal. The Mayor’s Office expressed concerns about further division within the city and potential tax implications. Federico countered that Metro Government could benefit from the additional funds generated by the new city.
To move forward with the proposal, State law requires 66% of residents within the proposed city limits to sign a petition, which equates to approximately 7,000 signatures. If this threshold is met, the Metro Council must approve the creation of the new city.
Community meetings are scheduled to discuss the proposal further, with the next meeting set for Monday at Hazelnut Farms. For more information on the Eastwood city proposal, interested individuals can visit the WDRB website.
Overall, the possibility of creating a new city in Jefferson County has sparked both excitement and debate among residents, as they weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of this significant development.
