There’s a bigger issue in play regarding Swift/JBS than the hearing this morning in which BOZA must decide whether to approve work that Swift has already completed at its Butchertown location.
Metro Council President David Tandy, whose district includes the Butchertown plant, released a statement Sunday calling for the removal of the entire facility from the area.
I am strongly in favor, however, of developing a plan that would move Swift out of the Historic Butchertown Neighborhood in the near future and into a suitable location within Jefferson County that will provide the space needed for its continued service to this community as a viable business, while at the same time amicably coexisting with the environment around it.
Tandy said he wanted to keep Swift in the city, and didn’t mention any alternative locations, but the idea of moving Swift entirely out of Butchertown hasn’t been officially advocated, until now.
Tandy added that he is disappointed in the way BOZA has handled the Swift zoning case. The Butchertown Neighborhood Association has submitted a 16-page pre-hearing statement expressing its opposition to Swift’s actions. More from Tandy:
In my opinion the neighborhood association and BOZA were not involved or notified in an appropriate manner. I respectfully ask that as the Board moves forward with this matter that the thoughts and opinions of the citizens that call Butchertown home be given your full attention and consideration.
9 responses so far ↓
1 Carter Burger // Jul 6, 2009 at 8:05 am
All Swift has to do is bring up Javanon. I don’t see how BOZA is going to be able to enforce any of their rules and regulations now that they have allowed the Javanon facility to stand.
2 john // Jul 6, 2009 at 8:21 am
A possible alternative location could be the former location of the City of Minor Lane Heights. This area is located near I-65 and the Gene Snyder Freeway, is further from residental properties and is available.
3 David Harpe // Jul 6, 2009 at 8:55 am
There is plenty of wide open industrial space near the Okolona landfill. No one would care about the smell in that area, it has rail service and far better access to the interstate. It would be a perfect area for Swift.
4 Steve // Jul 6, 2009 at 9:05 am
I wonder if Swift will need to get Cordish on their team to get any assistance from the City in any financial incentives ?…. Also Tandy could use the Kudos for actually doing something that makes good Common sense for once, It may even help him in his challenge to be Mayor.
I doubt that Swift will want to move unless the package is really worth their while,. …but I guess the way you apply for a generous package of financial assistance is just screw the Rules & the neighborhood, and then let your councilman and the city pay to move you?
5 Dana Guyer // Jul 6, 2009 at 1:02 pm
I very much appreciate the recommendation to relocate Swift to the South Central area of town. However, believe it or not there are a few people that live in this area that might find an issue with that recommendation. Is there anyone making this recommendation that lives in the area?
The landfill already creates enough problems with odor, etc. Not to mention the fact that the landfill is/will be receiving additional waste from approximately 24 other locations in KY and Southern IN.
We are trying very hard to improve the area. It has great potential due to its close proximity to downtown amenities. I’m sure there is an area in Louisville, or a surrounding location that could accommodate this facility but let’s make sure that is in an area that is zoned properly for this type of business and that it doesn’t create any adverse residual problems.
There is a large amount of wetlands in this area and such a business could create huge issues with chemicals leaching into the ground water/Pond Creek watershed.
6 AbG // Jul 6, 2009 at 4:08 pm
NIMBY strikes again.
7 Gary Guss // Jul 6, 2009 at 6:46 pm
I think the old police training facility in Long Run would be a great place for it, its closer to horses and cows and has a CSX railroad close by in Pewee Valley. It would give a more rural smell to Valhalla and Lake Forest
8 Steven // Jul 6, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Pressuring Swift is a bad idea. If the city flexes its muscle too hard Swift might pack up and leave Louisville entirely. “Historic” Butchertown is a mixed use neighborhood and always has been. The gentrification of that neighborhood can’t be allowed to push viable, tax paying, out of the city.
Once Swift has been pushed out of the area, the Neighborhood association will go after other businesses in the area that they dislike.
9 Jeff // Jul 6, 2009 at 9:40 pm
I agree with Steven. I think the first strategy should be to “live with”, rather than “force out”. I think statistically and practically, the former strategy is successful more often. That said, I’m all for holding BoZA’s feet to the fire, too.
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