New Sidewalks, Bike Lanes Finished in NuLu as Parking Concerns Remain

The NuLu street upgrades have long sparked mixed reactions.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) — After spending more than a decade in planning and just over a year under construction, the East Market Streetscape project in Louisville’s NuLu neighborhood is now complete.

Mayor Craig Greenberg called the project a clear example of how the city “can invest in safer, more beautiful streets and public spaces that serve people, strengthen businesses, and connect our community.”

The upgrades feature a dedicated bike lane, new landscaping, and sidewalks designed to feel safer and more welcoming.

However, the project did not add any new parking.

“We’re now inviting more people into a neighborhood that has problems parking,” said Sarah Blazin, manager of Muth’s Candies. “So, we’re just exacerbating the parking problem… when those people get here, where are they supposed to park?”

The NuLu street improvements have consistently drawn mixed feedback.

For months, bars, restaurants, and retail shops operated inside a construction zone as crews worked along East Market Street from Brook Street to Baxter Avenue.

The changes ultimately reduced the number of parking spaces along East Market Street.

“Parking has been a problem in this neighborhood for 20+ years, and all we’ve done is make it worse,” Blazin said. “We’ve gotten more popular with more restaurants and businesses coming in, and taking away parking has really caused a problem.”

Business owners now look ahead to warmer weather and the return of nightly crowds, hoping the public will respond positively to the updates.

“As a business owner,” said Adam Caperton, vice president of the NuLu Business Association, “while we always hope for additional parking solutions, we also recognize accessibility, outdoor retail space, and a pedestrian friendly environment are what make the neighborhood fully thrive.”