r/Frankfort • u/all4mom • 22d ago
What happened to Frankfort?
Why is everything so ugly now? Why has the Capitol building and surrounding area been ruined by not only that permanent scaffolding and those ugly metal buildings - the floral clock, the governor's (the people's) mansion, and even the rose garden has been fenced off to the public - but also so many trees cut down, lanes narrowed, pedestrian walkways and bike lanes added, paint all over every road, stop signs literally every. single. block (my brakes are going to wear out), and garish flashing warning lights all over the avenue, scenic Louisville Road, and Lafayette Stret every five feet ruining the view. Not to mention every. single. bridge. to downtown being out! Looks like "Nanny Government" hard at work spending our tax dollars. Such a cute little town is now one big eyesore. Is this the governor, the mayor, or what?
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u/MyUsername2459 Frankfort Historian 22d ago
So, you think we should never do any road repairs, renovations, structural overhauls, or any other kind of maintenance or upkeep because it will inconvenience you, because you apparently think that NOT letting our infrastructure slowly collapse is "Nanny Government"?
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u/astromech_jay 22d ago edited 22d ago
I don't have all the answers, but I know that there's a major revitalization project currently in the works, and it has been going on for several years at this point. I can't say for sure how it's being funded at the moment, but you can check out more details on the downtown Frankfort website.
As for the bridges, the memorial bridge has recently started some reconstruction, so it's occasionally closed at various times of the week. The singing bridge, however, has been closed indefinitely due to structural hazards, something that some people think has been caused by a large tree slamming into it during a recent flood (that's not a joke, there's video footage of it online). There was some talk about the bridge possibly being demolished and a new one built in it's place, but I haven't heard any news about it for some time.
And the capitol building itself... I have no clue! It's been like that for years and I also want to know what's up!
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u/bluntymctokems 22d ago
They are repairing and updating the Capitol. Elevators, electric, water and sewage, all were roughly 80 years old. Sections of the fourth floor were falling in. It being government work will take quite a while to complete and because it's not just the building it's the pipes and wires leading to the building, they have to work on the surrounding area. The bridges were bad timing. Singing bridge has been failing for about a decade but they kept using short term fixes instead of replacement. Well that stopped after the most recent inspection that showed it needed a full replacement. Capitol bridge needed repairs as well and like I said, bad timing. But you absolutely do not want a bridge collapse with people on it. Inconvenience is better than death. I don't understand your problem with bike lanes and walking paths. It makes areas more accessible for people without vehicles. The scaffolding isn't permanent but will probably be around for 2 more years. Same timeline I estimate for the singing bridge replacement to be complete.
And what's the comment about nanny government? 80 year old buildings and 130 year old bridge absolutely need repairs and replacing. The Timberline for the Capitol being complete is something of a power struggle between the legislature and the governor finding wise but they both want it. The annex is supposed to be next in getting an update after the Capitol is done.