What do you think about recent improvements at Charles Young Park?

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.

Yellow Dog Jazz Band plays Aug. 15

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!

Mark your calendar: porch music is Aug. 30; annual potluck picnic is Sept. 14

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!

 

 

How do we keep our sidewalks and streets safe?

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

Yellow Dog Jazz Band plays June 20

The Yellow Dog Jazz Band of the Bluegrass will be playing on trumpeter Andrew Mooney’s front porch — 24 Mentelle Park — Friday, June 20, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Bring a lawn chair to the park in front of his house and enjoy a great show of Dixieland jazz.

Shooting last night on Given Avenue

Lexington Police issued this press release today:

One person has been arrested following a shooting that occurred just before midnight on Given Avenue.
On Sunday, May 11, 2025, around 11:44 pm, officers were dispatched for a disorder at a residence in the 300 block of Given Avenue. When they arrived, they located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital with reported non-life-threatening injuries.
Carcellius Favron, 31, was arrested at the scene. He was charged with Assault 1st Degree, and Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon for the shooting, as well as unrelated warrants.  He is currently being held at the Fayette County Detention Center.

Tomorrow is walk & bike to school!

More than 100 kids and family members will bike and walk to Ashland Elementary tomorrow, Wednesday, May 7, as part of our Bike & Walk Bus kickoff for National Walk & Bike to School Day!
📍Routes will roll through the Kenwick, Fairway, East End, Bell Court, Mentelle, and Woodland neighborhoods between 7:20 and 7:40 AM.
You’ll see smiling kids, decorated bikes, music, and lots of high-fives as we roll safely to school with the help of volunteers and city safety officers.
🎉 Here’s how you can help:
✅ Consider joining the walk or ride if you’re nearby!
✅ Cheer them on! Wave, ring a bell, or shout “SOAR Eagles!” as the group passes
✅ If possible, please avoid driving near the routes from 7:20 to 7:40 AM
✅ Take an alternate route or leave a few minutes early or later
Thank you for helping keep our streets safe and joyful for young riders and walkers. Let’s show the power of community-led transportation and soar together! 🦅💛💚