Bardstown City Council OKs semi tractor-trailer ban on South Elm Grove

By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio

Bardstown Mayor Bill Sheckles makes a point during a discussion about truck traffic on South Elm Grove.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014, 11:55 p.m. — Residents of Maple Hill who have complained about tractor-trailer traffic blocking neighborhood streets and sidewalks found relief at Tuesday night’s Bardstown City Council meeting.

Therese Johnson, owner of Maple Hill Accounting, was joined by other residents in asking the council to place signs on South Elm Grove to prohibit tractor-trailer traffic. In the past, a semi stopped to deliver goods for a business in the Broken Tee complex blocked the sidewalk and much of the roadway, she said. The sharp turn at South Elm Grove and Kurtz is difficult for a tractor-trailer rig to navigate without tearing up neighbor’s yards and public rights-of-way, she explained.

Citing existing city ordinances governing council authority to create loading and unloading zones, Councilman John Royalty voiced support for Johnson’s request to ban tractor-trailer rigs on South Elm Grove.

Larry Green, assistant city administrator, said tractor-trailer parking has been an issue in the past in several areas of the city. The difficulty is banning parking for big trucks is that it also eliminates all parking, he said.

Councilman Joe Buckman

Johnson said signage is needed for safety because the trucks can’t easily make the sharp turn at the end of the street, and they don’t need to block the street and sidewalks unloading.

“They just don’t need to be on a residential street trying to unload,” she said.

After discussion among the council on what constitutes the type of truck that would be prohibited, Mayor Bill Sheckles stopped the debate to suggest a sign stating simply “No Semi Trucks.”

“That’s what you’re concerned about, semi trucks,” Sheckles said. “It really isn’t that complicated.”

The council ended the matter with a unanimous vote to approve the sign to prohibit semi trucks on South Elm Grove.

EDGEWOOD NUISANCE. Rosewood Drive homeowner Brenda Merritt asked the council for its help dealing with a neighbor she said had nine cars parked at his home. One or two he drives, the rest “are sitting there rotting,” she said.

Councilman Roland Williams talks with City Attorney Bruce Reynolds during Tuesday’s city council meeting.

Merritt said she had read there was a city ordinance that limits the number of cars stored on a piece of property. She asked for help because her neighbor’s property looks like a junkyard.

Sheckles said he was familiar with the problem and said the Nelson County Attorney’s Office has not taken action due to the fact the sitting vehicles have historic license plates on them.

Councilman Joe Buckman said he believed there are deed restrictions for the Edgewood subdivision that may address the problem. Edgewood resident Councilman Francis Lydian said he would check his own deed to see if he could find the list of restrictions. City Attorney Bruce Reynolds told Merritt he would research the issue as well.

ZONING DENIAL, DRB APPROVAL. The council voted to approve a recommendation to deny a rezoning request from Evelynn Hayes and Newmac Land Co. for Petal N Blooms, a nursery located near the intersection of New Haven Road and Hill Crest Drive. The zoning request, from R3 to R4, was to allow expansion of the businesses’ products, including the sale of Amish-built storage buildings and playground sets.

Councilman John Royalty makes a point during the discussion about tractor-trailer traffic on South Elm Grove.

In related action, the council voted to approve a request to build an 18-by-21-foot carport-type structure at the Petals N. Blooms nursery to cover plants and goods for sale.

REZONING APPROVED. The council gave second and final approval of a rezoning request from Hur-Be, Inc., for 4.55 acres adjacent to Life Care Way to multifamily residential. The council also gave its approval to provide city utilities to the property.

In other action, the council:

— approved a $47,609.95 change order for additional work and materials required to finish an ongoing project to improve the city’s electrical lines in the area behind The Marketplace and The Old Stable building;

— approved an amended Development Review Board recommendation to approve plans from Hill Capital LLC for two 30×150-foot mini warehouses on Filiatreau Lane;

— approved an amended Development Review Board recommendation from Chili’s to change their exterior colors, and;

— approved a letter requesting street closures for the annual Run for The Health of It 5k walk/run.

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