Author: Tom Eblen

Thanks to everyone who turned out this evening for the annual Mentelle neighborhood potluck picnic. We had a wealth of great food and more than 50 people attending — including a lot of adorable kids!

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Chad Walker, owner of the Warehouse Block, held a ceremonial groundbreaking Friday with his business tenants for redevelopment of the gravel and concrete parking area along National Avenue between Mirror Twin Brewing and the building that houses Blue Door Smokehouse, Sav’s ice cream and other businesses.

The large concrete pad will remain and be home to the Lexington Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Thursdays. But the rest of the area will be redeveloped with additional paved parking spaces along the back next to the railroad tracks and green space around the Farmers Market area fronting National Avenue.

Walker provided the plan below showing what the area will look like when completed. To see the complete site plan documents, click here. If you have any questions, you may email Walker here.

 

The annual Mentelle Neighborhood Potluck Picnic will be Sunday, September 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  in the Mentelle Park median nearest Cramer Avenue.

Please bring a favorite dish or two to share. The Mentelle Neighborhood Association will set up some tables and chairs, but feel free to bring your own chair to make sure we have enough.  The association will furnish paper goods, utensils, ice and water. If you would like other beverages, please bring them.

The picnic is open to all Mentelle neighborhood residents and their families. See you there!

The annual Mentelle Neighborhood Potluck Picnic will be Sunday, September 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (rain date, September 21) in the Mentelle Park median nearest Cramer Avenue.

Please bring a favorite dish or two to share. The Mentelle Neighborhood Association will set up some tables and chairs, but feel free to bring your own chair to make sure we have enough.  The association will furnish paper goods, utensils, ice and water. If you would like other beverages, please bring them.

The picnic is open to all Mentelle neighborhood residents and their families. See you there!

 

On the heels of the Kenwick Porchfest, this Saturday is international Play Music on the Porch Day. At least two porches in Mentelle neighborhood will have music:

• The Hot Cookies ukulele band will play at 39 Mentelle Park at 2 p.m.
• The Moonbenders will play at 730 Aurora Ave. at 7 p.m.

 

Kentucky American Water Co. later this month will begin a water main replacement project along Walton Avenue, from Boonesboro Avenue to East Main Street. The company says the project will take several months. Click here for a PDF with more details.

 

Lexington city government is partnering with CivicLex to gather feedback on recent improvements to Charles Young Park  from residents who live within a half-mile or about a 10-minute walk of the park near East Third Street and Midland Avenue.

If you have thoughts to share about recent park improvements, please participate in the survey by clicking here.

The survey closes on September 21, and respondents will be entered into a drawing for a $25 or $50 gift card to a local business.

The Yellow Dog Jazz Band of the Bluegrass is inviting neighbors to a “mid-summer classic” performance on trumpeter Andrew Mooney’s front porch (24 Mentelle Park) on Friday, Aug. 15, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring a chair to set up in the median and enjoy the sounds of our resident Dixieland band!

Saturday, August 30, is international Play Music on the Porch Day.  If you are planning music on your porch that day, please email Tom Eblen so we can publicize it beforehand.

The annual Mentelle Neighborhood Potluck Picnic will be Sunday, September 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (rain date, September 21) in the Mentelle Park median nearest Cramer Avenue.

Please bring a favorite dish or two to share. The Mentelle Neighborhood Association will set up some tables and chairs, but feel free to bring your own chair to make sure we have enough.  The association will furnish paper goods, utensils, ice and water. If you would like other beverages, please bring them.  The picnic is open to all Mentelle neighborhood residents and their families. See you there!

 

 

Some thoughts from Ann Olliges, a former Mentelle Neighborhood Association president:

We chose to live in and experience the charms an older neighborhoods provides: multi-generational families; walkability; front porches where we can visit and get to know each other; and easy access to unique small businesses and restaurants. It is our responsibility, for the safety of all, that we be responsible stewards to carry forward the charm and integrity of our neighborhood.

When Mentelle and surrounding neighborhoods were developed, most families didn’t have automobiles, much less two or three that needed places to park.

Over the years, the city has established ordinances that allow residents to enjoy their homes and property, preserve peace and quiet in our neighborhood, help maintain property values and prevent disputes among neighbors.

Sidewalks

A sidewalk is a public right of way, but the property owner or occupant of the adjoining property is responsible for maintaining it. People should be able to walk our sidewalks without obstacles or fear of stumbling off the edge or hitting their head. Sidewalks should be clear of any bush, tree or vegetation, and there should be a 7-foot clearance under trees hanging over a sidewalk.

Sidewalk repairs are the responsibility of the homeowner. City government has a sidewalk replacement grant program. For more information, click here or contact the Division of Code Enforcement at 859-258-3270.

Streets

People should be able to safely cross the street with a clear triangle of view — a view left, right and forward. Our neighborhood’s streets are narrow and congested. Too many of us are experiencing damage to our vehicles. It is important that we respect our traffic guidance signage — No Parking means No Parking — and the 25 mph speed limit.

Trucks and large vehicles should not be parked on residential streets for no longer than a couple of hours, except when loading and unloading. A large vehicle is legally defined as one exceeding seven feet in width, 20 feet in length and 7 ½ feet in height. There are a couple of exceptions in this regard: one for recreational vehicles (24-hours) and one for commercial vehicles that provides daily transportation to and from work.

Some other things to keep in mind:

• Street trees should have a 12-foot clearance above the street.
• Garbage, recycling and yard waste containers should be rolled to the curb no earlier than 4 p.m. on the evening before collection days and removed from the curb by 7 p.m. on collection days.
• If you have questions or concerns regarding streets or sidewalks, call 311
• If you see a street light out, call KU at 800-981-0600
• If you smell gas call Columbia Gas at 800-432-9515