Hello, Friends!
Town Branch Commons was recently awarded a $14.1 million federal transportation grant.
To win this grant we had to overcome some really tough competition from cities across the country.
It's exciting news for a project that has so much transformative potential for the city. It just shows that hard work and a good vision can pay off. Sometimes we need to be patient, but persistent.
Town Branch Commons is a trail, greenway and park system that, in addition to providing recreation activities for Central Kentuckians, will also improve transit access and reduce pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular conflicts in the area. The federal grant award will allow the city to complete the project.
It will wind through downtown, roughly following the path of Town Branch, Lexington's original water source. It will connect the Legacy and Town Branch trails.
For more information check out www.townbranchtiger.com.
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School Days
Schools are back in session and I had a great time riding the bus to Booker T. Washington and reading to students on the first day. Last week at a district-wide rally, community leaders let school employees know the community is "ALL IN" when it comes to supporting our schools.
We know schools have the most important jobs in town ... the schools are in charge of our community's future.
We're grateful to our school employees and we're ready to be your partners ... we've got your back!
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Police Body Cameras
The first shipment of body-worn cameras has been delivered to Lexington Police. Officers will start using them this month.
We’ve taken our time and done our homework, thoroughly researching camera equipment and policies. We’ve learned from other police departments and organizations about best practices and mistakes to avoid. Now we're ready to move forward with a solid plan.
Police Chief Mark Barnard said the body-worn cameras are intended to assist citizens, officers and investigations. “This new equipment will enhance the level of public trust the police department has built with the community we serve,” he said.
As part of the initial rollout, 75 officers will each be issued two cameras (one as a backup device) following a brief training seminar. The officers will represent all patrol sectors and some special operations units, covering all shifts. Future shipments will eventually equip 400 officers.
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#6 on Best Managed Cities List
Lexington has been named one of the top 10 best run cities in the country by WalletHub, a personal finance web site that works to help consumers make smarter financial decisions, including the best city to live in and start a career.
This ranking reflects the hard work of our citizens, including the Urban County Council, our education leaders, businesses and the health care community. Together we're building a Great American City.
In recent years we've put the city on firm financial footing, turning budget deficits into surpluses, and reducing pension and employee insurance costs.
Of the 150 largest cities in the U.S., Lexington's city management was ranked sixth based on a comparison of six key categories. For more information: http://wallethub.com/edu/best-run-cities/22869/
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New Playground at Jacobson
Try out the new playground at Jacobson Park. It's Lexington's largest and most accessible playground, and is the first to offer a play area for children under 2. It features a “natural play” area, with limestone boulders and a monarch butterfly way-station.
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Thanks, Isabel
Thanks to Isabel Yates! Isabel and the Friends of the Kentucky Theatre raised over $600,000 in private funds to bring the Kentucky Theatre into the digital age. Next time you're in the Kentucky, check out the plaque in the lobby recognizing Isabel.
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Steve Haney New Jail Director
Steve Haney, a Corrections professional with 26 years of experience, is our new Director of Community Corrections.
Steve is well equipped to build on improvements we have made to the jail to make it safer and more efficient. A well-run jail is essential to ensure the public safety of our community.
Haney replaces Rodney Ballard, who was named Commissioner for the Kentucky Department of Corrections last March. Steve, who lives in Lexington, holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University. He recently retired as Warden at Blackburn Correctional Complex and previously served as Warden of Northpoint Training Center in Danville.
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