I totally agree with the issues raised by this poster. In addition, the sidewalks would have to be raised to a height of 10 feet in order to keep everyone safe (cars are able to come up on sidewalks) and then we would be hearing about falling off of them. Even sidewalks on the easement will mean liabilty for the homeowner, ie., keeping them free from ice and snow so no one will get injured, keep them in repair so no one trips over the heaved concrete, etc. At least this is the way it is in metro and I know of no differences in the law here.
As for stopping the speeders: I honestly don't think there is a way to do that short of someone with the power to give tickets sitting on the street 24/7with a radar gun. It's just not possible. Anyone who has driven the Hurstbourne/Shelbyville Road corridors knows that. Anything, in fact, short of permanently blocking the roads at Whipps Mill will not work. It seems the road humps are merely a challenge for a lot of drivers who see how fast they can drive between them. It's all very frustrating - the alternative is living on a cul de sac.
First, let's separate the two issues.
1: Sidewalks on Shelbyville Road would be nice, but they come with some issues, mainly the cost. Next, can we be assured that the sidewalks would run all the way from Shelbyhurst to Whipps Mill Road? Would that not involve three cities, Bellemeade, Louisvile/Metro, and Lyndon? Are not four houses on Shelbyville Road in Louisville/Metro and the west side of Wood Road to Whipps Mill in Lyndon? Would they have sidewalks or would we still be walking in the ditch?
2: As far as sidewalks on North Chadwick, NO!!!!!!
A sidewalk taking up several feet of my front yard is a terrible idea for a number of reasons. Number 1 is that I don't want a sidewalk there. I know there is a right of way there, but I am required to maintain it. And, I simply don't want to to have to mow and trim around a sidewalk. Plus, if we start digging around the roots of these trees and changing the drainage, we will create a big problem not to mention the loss of green covered up with that infernal sign of progress (CONCRETE).
The proposal to put in sidewalks apparently came from a resident in response to the growing number of complaints about the speeding, reckless drivers who endanger the residents, especially the children and seniors and the subsequent request for more speed humps. I know North Chadwick is a county road and a busy street; that is even more reason to do something about dangerous drivers, not to excuse for their disregard for you and me.
The point here is that if drivers obeyed the speed limit, we might not even be having this discussion. Why should the residents of Bellemeade have to pay for speed humps or sidewalks because a few arrogant, selfish, dangerous drivers have no respect for the law? The speed limit is there for a reason - obey the law - obey all of the laws or none of them. SLOW DOWN THE SPEEDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
