Consultant Presents Downtown parking and multimodal plan calling for flexible parking rules and network improvements

A planning consultant on July 1 introduced a final downtown transportation and parking plan to the Jeffersontown City Council, recommending expanded pedestrian and bicycle connections, potential parking-lot expansions and a review of the city's existing parking minimums to support future development. Tom Springer, a consultant with UK Ford, told the council the study is intended to guide grant requests, downtown development and parking and transportation adjustments. The plan counts roughly 570 public parking spaces in the downtown study area, not including the library and senior center, and maps potential sites for future public-private parking partnerships. "This area surrounding downtown reaches approximately 9,000 people and over 3,500 homes," Springer said, arguing that those residents could walk or bike into downtown if gaps in the sidewalk and bicycle network are closed. The consultant recommended considering conversions of one-way streets to two-way operation where right-of-way allows, and one-way bike lanes on low-speed streets where conversion is not feasible. The presentation noted it typically takes about 18 feet of width to accommodate two-way traffic, and that "two-way conversions usually work a lot better for local development," according to Springer. Springer also compared Jeffersontown's parking requirements with Louisville Metro's, saying Jeffersontown's standards are generally more stringent. He cited office-space and restaurant standards as examples: the presentation tabulated Jefferson town requirements of one parking space per 500 square feet of office space versus 750 square feet under Louisville Metro's standard, and 250 square feet per restaurant parking space in Jeffersontown compared with 1,000 square feet in Louisville Metro. The consultant framed the recommendations as options for council consideration rather than immediate policy changes. Springer said the study includes a table with each parking requirement and suggested adjustments for council review. Council members present asked few substantive questions during the presentation; none moved to adopt changes at the meeting. The plan also calls for improved wayfinding and better pedestrian connections from adjacent residential areas and recreational facilities into downtown. Springer noted the study identifies a number of individual projects and sites that would require separate coordination and, in some cases, partnerships to implement. Councilmembers did not take formal action on the plan at the meeting; the presentation was put forward for council review and further discussion at a later date.