Right-of-Way
Definition
Public property along streets including roadways, sidewalks, street trees, utility lines, and the land between sidewalks and private property. Government owns and maintains right-of-way and regulates its use. Private property owners typically have responsibility for sidewalk snow removal and sometimes sidewalk repair despite public ownership. Right-of-way also includes easements allowing utilities to install/maintain lines.
Louisville Context
Louisville Metro owns approximately 6,000 centerline miles of roads and associated right-of-way. Right-of-way maintenance varies dramatically by neighborhood: East End typically has well-maintained sidewalks, street trees, and landscaping while West Louisville often has broken sidewalks, few street trees, and overgrown vegetation. This disparity reflects unequal Public Works investment and different property owner capacity to maintain adjacent right-of-way.
Why It Matters
Right-of-way quality affects neighborhood appearance, walkability, property values, and environmental quality. When right-of-way in low-income neighborhoods is poorly maintained with broken sidewalks, no trees, and overgrown vegetation, it signals government neglect and reduces quality of life. Equitable right-of-way maintenance demonstrates that all neighborhoods deserve quality public spaces.
Dave’s Proposal
Dave will establish right-of-way maintenance standards applied equitably across all neighborhoods within his $1.025 billion budget. He’ll increase sidewalk repair funding, expand street tree planting in low-canopy areas, and improve vegetation management. He’ll clarify right-of-way responsibilities for property owners versus government, ensuring low-income property owners aren’t unfairly burdened with maintenance they can’t afford.