How do I tell you ?– briefly ?– the results of the May 17 public hearing of the Planning Commission regarding the proposed development of Providence Point, across from Ballard?

The developers got everything they asked for:

?• The Planning Commission unanimously approved the Hagen proposal to build 724,000 square feet of mixed use on the property.

?• The Commission could see no problems.

?• They called the project ?“exciting?” and ?“innovative.?” They saw it as a unique opportunity for Louisville Metro, a way to be recognized throughout the country for innovative urban design.

?• In addition, the Commission rejected its staff?’s concerns about the lack of buffering and connectivity with the neighborhood areas.

For a little more than an hour, the developers and consultants presented a vigorous case in favor of their project. Spokespeople for Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church and the Rodes building ?– opponents of the earlier proposal ?– agreed to support the newest plan of 312 condos, offices, retail, and restaurants.

In the following hour, residents from the neighborhood spoke in opposition to the project. They raised a number of questions about the density, traffic problems, drainage, and the combined impact of the other major developments in the area.

The crowd of about 125-150 people at Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church was quiet, respectful, and attentive.

Check the local newspapers for further details.

One Surprise at the Hearing...

... or, maybe it was a surprise only to me. The ''organizers'' of the neighborhood opposition speakers had bowed respectfully to the request of Mayor John Vaughan to be placed at the end of our group of nine speakers. We were told he would summarize our remarks in a final statement. I invite Graymoor-Devondale to publish either here on the website or in the newspaper the text of Mayor Vaughan's remarks, which will be available from the transcript of the hearing. To my listening, Mayor Vaughan gave unreserved praise to the developers' plans, in effect contradicting and wiping out any effect of the objections made by the residents who had preceded Mayor Vaughan to the podium. Let the transcript speak for itself.