LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Wednesday, the Highland Commerce Guild held its monthly meeting where business owners can connect with each other and discuss neighborhood updates.

At the beginning of the summer, all eyes were on Bardstown Road after large , had taken over certain areas of the street and created an uproar among business owners.

At the time, Metro Councilman Ben Reno-Weber, who represents the district, told the guild that the police presence in the area would look different throughout the summer and those promises seem to have paid off after LMPD increased their patrols.

“I want to give a huge shoutout to LMPD for their increased activity,” he said as the crowd clapped. “We really asked for you guys to be out walking more and that has absolutely happened.”

He also announced the Highlands area had seen a 60% decrease in violent crime over the last two years.

“If you’d told me that two years ago, I’d have been like half that would be amazing…that’s what we’re seeing,” Reno-Weber said. “Now, the perception is definitely lagging in the reality of that and part of what we need to be doing is talking about that story.”

One of the issues from earlier this summer was loiterers who used businesses’ parking lots to create those pop-up parties. At the time, LMPD urged business owners to apply for a trespassing waiver, which allows officers to enforce the law when the owner is not there.

Officer John Keeling with LMPD’s fifth division said over the summer, more businesses applied for that waiver.

“It’s made a big difference in the nuisance problem.” Officer Keeling said.

Christy Dodds is the owner of the Hotworx in the Highlands and has that waiver for her business.

While she said that her business is further up on Bardstown Road and was not affected by the rowdy crowds, what happens on one end of Bardstown Road affects everyone else.

“I’m excited to see that crime is down, patrol is up. Everybody wants the same thing. They want a happy, peaceful place to live, work and play, and I think the business owners are appreciative.”

Another hot topic discussed at Wednesday’s meeting was Metro Codes and Regulations’ efforts to crack down on vacant and abandoned properties.

Those at the meeting pointed out several buildings that have been sitting empty for several years.

Codes and Regs Director Richard Price acknowledged the growing problem and said his organization is working on reaching out to the owners to come up with a long-term solution.

“If you don’t fix it, we will fix it and send you the bill to send the message that you need to do it and to protect the community.” Price said.

He said they’re working on changing the ordinance to make it easier to do something about the properties.

Price said to contact Metro Codes and Regulations directly to call 502-574-2508. For their website, click or tap here.

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