Residents meet with city officials over violence on Bardstown Road

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – A town hall meeting in Highlands featuring 8th District Councilman Ben Reno-Weber was held a week after the fatal double shooting in the 900 block of Baxter Avenue.

“The fact that something like this could happen so close to us makes you think more about it when it happens in your own backyard,” said Greg Zahradnik, who has lived in Tyler Park for 20 years.

Reno-Weber assured his constituents that he will announce new safety regulations in the next two weeks that directly affect nightlife on Bardstown Road.

“However, this is not the first time we have heard of these issues, and we have been working really hard on how to invest in the resources we need as the city’s premier entertainment district,” Reno-Weber said.

Reno-Weber said he is working with the Louisville Metro Police, Alcoholic Beverage Control of Louisville and Mayor Craig Greenberg on initiatives “directly related to the entertainment corridor along Bardstown Road.”

He confirmed that patrols in the area have been expanded and will continue until September.

The councilman said he is addressing the issue of tailgating in the Highlands. He said he installed a camera in the rear parking lot of Jefferson County Traditional Middle School so that LMPD can issue more tickets to tailgating drivers in the future.

“He gave us a certain confidence that we would not overreact, but also not underreact,” Zahradnik said.

Montay Wade, 29, and Michael Bachelor Jr., 20, were shot dead in the early morning of August 11 in the area known for its lively nightlife.

Richie Williams, 37, was charged with Wade's murder and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

“I think we've closed businesses in other parts of town, and some people are now moving to other neighborhoods and sometimes bringing their hate with them,” Zahradnik said. He said the best way to curb violence in a busy neighborhood is to “have people out there who care about the businesses.”

He added that these problems are likely part of a nationwide trend toward gun violence.

“They used to solve problems with their fists and the next day you could go home and talk about it or think about it,” Zahradnik said. “But when you pull out the gun, it really makes a big difference.”

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