West Louisville’s economic landscape is changing and those who have a key role in that growth are sharing how it impacts the entire city.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. —West Louisville’s economic landscape is changing and those who have a key role in that growth are sharing how it impacts the entire city.
“I think that’s one of our biggest assets is that west Louisville is open for business. People in west Louisville want to be part of the revitalization that is coming,” said Evon Smith, president and CEO of OneWest.
For west Louisville, change is on the horizon.”I can tell you today, west Louisville doesn’t want any more liquor stores. They’re very clear about that,” said Smith.
OneWest CEO Evon Smith, Passport Health board member Dr. Faye Jones and Urban League CEO Sadiqua Reynolds are all playing vital roles in the economic growth coming to the west end, like the proposed $30 million indoor track and field complex.
“Think about that. This is the only project that will bring 20-30,000 people with disposable income into our community, just for track season, and that’s an economic impact study that was commissioned by the city,” said Reynolds.
With developments like Passport Health’s headquarters at West Broadway and 18th Street and the adjacent YMCA, the Greater Louisville Chamber sees these as sustainable businesses that will drive the entire Louisville economy. Chamber CEO Kent Oyler remembers when the plans to open a Walmart in the west end were canceled two years ago.
“From that, obviously there was a silver lining with Passport coming in. The decision by Mark Carter to take Passport to 18th and Broadway, I think is the catalyst,” said Oyler.
While these changes seem to only affect west Louisville, these panelists say it’s an opportunity for the entire city to invest in the redevelopment of some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.
Source: Leaders discuss west Louisville’s economic transformation
