Council Passes Two-Way Street Change in Old Louisville

An ordinance that converts portions of two major thoroughfares in the Old Louisville neighborhood was approved by the Metro Council on Thursday, despite bypassing a policy suggested by the Public Works Department.About two dozen residents showed up to support the city bill, which was introduced by Councilman David James, D-6, and changes parts of First and Brook streets into two-way streets. Local business owners in the district have been supportive of the new traffic plan for a number of years and have petitioned previous city representatives to pass the change.James says the ordinance is a step in the right direction and will spur economic growth, slow traffic and making the community pedestrian friendly.The measure passed easily, but Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton, D-5, who voted against the bill, voiced concern that the change is contrary to a policy that says any traffic plan change must obtain signatures from 66 percent of affected residents.