'Smoketown Getdown' to showcase community
- The festival will feature a voter registration drive%2C food%2C music%2C craft beer and family activities
- Smoketown is going through a time of transition%2C as Sheppard Square public housing is replaced
- Residents say they%27re concerned about abandoned properties and would like to have a grocery store
A social and economic justice group that has been canvassing the Smoketown neighborhood to determine the wants and needs of its residents will hold a public block party Friday to mark the end of the project.
Part festival and part voter-registration drive, the "Smoketown Getdown for Democracy" event will be held by Kentuckians for the Commonwealth from 4 to 10 p.m. near the group's office at 735 Lampton St. at Shelby Street.
"It's another step in our efforts to get to know our neighbors," said Ryan Fenwick, a volunteer and event organizer with the 33-year-old organization.
Some of the findings from the project, which was conducted with help from the Center for Neighborhoods, will be shared at the event. Kentuckians for the Commonweath plans to publish the complete report and present it to city officials and others Oct. 21.
For instance, 70 percent of the 140 people who responded to the survey would like to see a neighborhood association revived, and many say they are concerned about vacant and abandoned properties, said Fenwick.
Residents also expressed concerns about drug use and drug dealing, property maintenance and the poor condition of some sidewalks and roads, he said. At the same time, 22 percent said in answer to an open-ended question that they value their relationships with their neighbors, and some also said they like the convenience of living close to downtown and the Highlands.
Event organizers want to make sure residents' voices are heard, Fenwick said.
While 88 percent of those surveyed are registered voters, 61 percent could not identify their Metro Council representative, David Tandy, according to the survey. Tandy was invited to the event but won't be available, Fenwick said.
Tandy is in Washington, D.C., attending a national conference, said Tony Hyatt, his spokesman. Tandy said he's not at all surprised with the survey results, given the rebuilding project and relocation of residents, but that "when people need him, they find him," Hyatt said.
"Smoketown Getdown" is co-hosted by Kertis Creative Louisville, and West Sixth Brewing company in Lexington. The event also will feature local food, dancing, music, family activities, a "live art wall" overseen by Smoketown artists and free photos by Magnolia Photo Booth company.
As an official event of Louisville Craft Beer Week, it also will have a West Sixth beer garden. Featured performers will be DJ Yared Sound, The Afrophysicists, Loohavull Lip Slam and the Safiyyah Dance Co.
Smoketown is going through a time of transition, Fenwick said. Work continues on the new Sheppard Square mixed income housing development, which is replacing the demolished Sheppard Square public housing complex.
Jefferson County Public Schools is making plans to reuse the Presbyterian Community Center and child development center, which closed last year, for an early childcare wing and to provide space for meetings next school year.
"Smoketown Getdown" organizers encourage walking, biking or riding a bus to the event. Bike parking will be provided by Falls City Community Bikeworks, and street parking will be available on Shelby and Clay streets.
Reporter Martha Elson can be reached at (502) 582-7061. Follow her on Twitter at @MarthaElson_cj.
Smoketown Getdown for Democracy
What: Smoketown Getdown for Democracy festival and voter registration drive, organized by Kentuckians for the Commonwealth
When: 4 to 10 p.m. Friday
Where: 735 Lampton St., at Shelby Street in Smoketown
Attractions: Food, free photos, craft beer, dancing and live art/music
Who: Open to the public