Bellevue
From The mayor
Community News November, 2019
Volume 42, Number 8
859-331-7977
Bellevue to Make Nearly $1M in Improvements to Donnermeyer Drive Thanks to Federal Grant
The City of Bellevue will make nearly $1 million in road and sidewalk improvements to Donnermeyer Drive – one of the city’s key transportation corridors – that will make the road and sidewalks safer, more attractive, and more pedestrian and biker friendly. OKI Regional Council of Governments recently approved $792,000 in federal funds for the project between Riviera Drive and Berry Avenue. The city will need to pay $198,000 (20 percent) from its own funds to match the federal grant. “This area has been neglected and underutilized for a long time,” said Bellevue Mayor Charlie Cleves. “Because this roadway is located next to a large underdeveloped area, these road and sidewalk improvements will help create an excellent economic development opportunity in this area of the city.” The primary purpose of the grant, which was funded through the federal Surface Transportation Block Grant program, is to improve safety, walkability, biking opportunities, lighting, signage, and aesthetics, including upgrading the street de-
sign and its driving surface. The grant will cover both the costs to design and construct the project. “This funding will allow the city to upgrade and improve Donnermeyer Drive, which needs to be done, while at the same time allow the city to be creative in re-energizing this area of the city,” said Bellevue City Administrator Frank Warnock. “It’s a win-win situation for attracting new businesses and customers to the area and improving connectivity for residents and visitors.” Warnock said the federal funding for this project could only be used for projects on collector roadways that promote pedestrian and biker connectivity. This funding could not be used for other transportation projects in the city, such as infrastructure improvements needed on Lincoln Road and Covert Run Road. “We would like to bury utility lines under or adjacent to Donnermeyer and we are currently studying the feasibility of being able to do that,” Warnock said. “If possible, that in itself would create a long-term positive impact for this area.” Said Mayor Cleves:
“Donnermeyer Drive could be just as exciting as Fairfield Avenue if we take the time to focus and plan for its future. This is an initial important first step. We have an open canvas to paint the picture we want, and we want to create a Picasso.” Cleves, Warnock, and City Engineer Mike Yeager jointly worked on the grant application after the city council conducted a visioning session earlier this year. “Applications for grant opportunities, along with improving our infrastructure, were among the top priorities from that visioning session,” said Mayor Cleves, who started serving as mayor on Jan. 1. Warnock became the city administrator on Feb. 1. “We will be continuing our efforts to find funding for other transportation projects in the city,” Warnock said. “I’m knocking on doors and I’m not shy about asking for money. Of course, we don’t want to get too carried away because we often have to match these grant funds, but any time we can utilize grants, shame on us if we are not doing so.”
Want to be a hero and save a life? Consider donating during the Hoxworth Blood Drive on Friday, December 13. The van will be
located in front of T’s Chic Boutique at 408 Fairfield Avenue. Walk ins are welcome, but registration is preferred. Visit the City’s website at
www.BellevueKY.org for the link or on Facebook at Facebook.com/shopbellevueky! Need some added encouragement? You’ll receive an In Vue swag bag for donating blood. One out of three people will need a lifesaving blood transfusion in their life time. Yes, that’s 1 out of 3! It’s a great way to give back to the community as we get caught up in the festivities of the holiday season. Hoxworth and patients you’ll never meet, are grateful to all those that participate.
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.Mayor’s Message 11-8-19 Bellevue Police Department I recently had an opportunity to review body camera video for two separate incidents involving our Bellevue Police Department. The video and audio technology now is amazing. The body cameras record clear images and the sound is relatively easy to hear. When an officer has to deal with circumstances requiring interaction with a citizen, it’s generally being recorded. I have noticed a bit of a pattern. A citizen complains about an officer’s behavior during interaction, but the camera does not lie, and the recording often proves the officer is professional and polite under difficult circumstances. I am extremely proud of our officers and the professional behavior they displayed in extremely volatile situations in the camera recordings I have reviewed. Everyone involved stayed on task even though one of our officers was attacked with a knife. The attacker started a fire inside of the building to distract the officers as they were about to enter. Our officer was able to disarm the assailant who will now be tried for multiple charges. While this was going on, our third officer put out the fire in the kitchen which took a while since a whole can of lighter fluid was squirted throughout the house. The Bellevue officers involved were Marc Chapman, Michael Lyon and Michael Knight. They were backed up by Dayton officers Gil Marksberry and Zach Goetz. I would buy you guys a drink,
but you are always on duty when I see you. They were confronted with ugly, dangerous circumstances, on an emergency basis. The decisions they made in real time probably saved lives, including their own. I see the officers often, on the street and in City Hall. I have learned that they are highly trained professionals, that they care about what they do, and they have empathy and understanding for the citizens they serve. Sesquicentennial Kickoff Party There will be a backyard party at my house at 212 Fairfield Avenue on November 21st from 6:30- 8:00 pm. Please enter on the Lafayette side of my property. There will be a band so just follow the sound. There will be hors d’oeuvres and drinks. This will be the first Sesquicentennial Porch Party. Because we expect many people to come we moved it to the backyard which is three times as big as my front yard. The new logo and branding will be rolled out at this party. Everyone in Bellevue is invited. Christmas Walk This year the Christmas Walk on the Avenue will be November 29th and 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 6::00 p.m. Every business you enter gives you another chance at winning one of 30 $25.00 gift certificates. One lucky person will win a $250.00 gift certificate. Coincidently Saturday the 30th is also Small Business Saturday. Please support Bellev-
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Thank You Mark Vogt
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Hoxworth Blood Drive IN VUE!
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COMMERCIAL
The Bellevue Board of Education honored Mark Vogt at the September meeting for his years of service and dedication as the District Treasurer. Best wishes to Mark in his future endeavors. Pictured left to right: Mark Vogt and Dr. Robb Smith, Superintendent