City Council members Ben Reno-Weber and Josie Raymond shared their thoughts about the proposed Louisville Tennis Center development on Thursday.
Reno-Weber said about the development, “As it is currently designed, Joe Creason is not the right space for this dream – but I am happy to support a different space or a different design.”
Raymond spoke a bit more forcefully about the issue, saying in her statement, “It is time for the Kentucky Tennis & Pickleball Center, Inc. to find a new location to build its facility. After Tuesday’s meeting, where more than 700 people waited in line to not hear a presentation, it is clear to me that Joe Creason Park is not the place.”
Raymond’s tone mirrors that of the public sentiment a bit more forcefully than Reno-Weber. Judge for yourself.
District 8 Council member Ben Reno-Weber’s letter:
“Concerns about the process
Given the level of community interest and engagement in KYTPC’s proposal to lease and build a tennis and pickleball complex, I wanted to outline the process that is taking place and still remains to take place before any further action is taken. I also want to make recommendations of Metro Government for handling this and similar proposals in the future.
First, I want to clearly express my disappointment with the process to this point. Community engagement should precede any kind of commitment, or perceived commitment, to develop on city-owned land, particularly in a park. Our parks are a generational treasure, and we need to be pushing for their expansion and funding. Every person in our community deserves access to a park like Joe Creason.
Regardless of the reality, the perception of a commitment to develop public land without a robust community process erodes public trust. Transparency about who is engaged in any proposed development should be pro-active and clear.
I believe the Mayor has heard the concerns raised by Councilwoman Raymond, myself, and the hundreds of people who showed up at the first opportunity they had to give input. I am advocating that in this and in future similar development initiatives (ideally not in parks), the community be engaged early, and a transparent process be followed.
I want Louisville to be a dynamic place where people with big ideas have space and support to bring those ideas to life. Sports tourism and the attending benefit to our economy is a great part of our strategic economic growth. A dynamic, transparent, and efficient process in this and every development is so important to our community and our democracy.
I have focused on the process to this point because the process matters to more than just this park (though this park is particularly dear to my heart and my family). I want Louisville to be a dynamic place where people with big ideas have space and support to bring those ideas to life, and where we work with those dreamers to find the right spaces and supports to bring those dreams to life. As it is currently designed, Joe Creason is not the right space for this dream- but I am happy to support a different space or a different design.
Little “d” democracy
On Tuesday, hundreds of people took time from their busy lives to make their voices heard and it was awesome. Though the format was not how I would have designed it or how we will do it when we host future meetings, it was amazing to be a participant – and I want to encourage those same people (and more) to continue to show up as we push for the kind of community we want. That includes advocating for parks, libraries, public transit, as well as programming by non-profits that give every member of our community the chance to know they belong and have opportunities to thrive.
Next steps
Because of the complexity of this particular project, involving not just city land but a park, a tennis center previously operated by a non-profit, a lease of land Metro will continue to own and not sell outright, and a request for a financing guarantee (but not funding), it has taken time (and many lawyers) to get clarity on the process. Below is the process as I understand it at this point.
As you can see in the attached graphic, the process to this point has been led by the developers. Once they come back with a revised plan, the city’s process will begin. Because of the unusual nature of this development, we will also host a community open-mic event in which, unlike the developer-led stage, community members will be allowed to speak.
Thank you to everyone who has been involved in this process. This is how we build the kind of community and government we want to have, together.”
District 10 Council member Josie Raymond:
“It is time for the Kentucky Tennis & Pickleball Center, Inc. to find a new location to build its facility. After Tuesday’s meeting, where more than 700 people waited in line to not hear a presentation, it is clear to me that Joe Creason Park is not the place.
While expanding access to quality recreational amenities is important, we must approach this project with transparency, meaningful community input, and a careful evaluation of the community’s needs.
That’s why I have formally requested that Saturday’s meeting at St. X include a presentation directly from the developers on their plan and provide an opportunity for neighbors to ask questions and offer public feedback. I also urge the organization to establish a clear and accessible way for the public to submit comments outside of the scheduled meetings.
The developers must respond to that feedback and provide an environmental impact study to measure the effect on the Louisville Nature Center and an independent traffic study to gauge how the development would contribute to existing traffic patterns around the Louisville Zoo and Louisville Mega Cavern.
No one is arguing against this project’s potential to enhance Louisville’s recreational and tourism landscape. But a development agreement must not be signed by Metro Government without ensuring that residents are informed, engaged, and given the opportunity to help shape the outcome.”
Reno-Weber and District 10’s Josie Raymond released information sheets about the proposal process. Democratic leaders on the council are striking the right tone on this issue, but I’ll reserve judgment as we see their actions, especially as the public has a chance to speak and not just scribble notes on cards.
