LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A long-vacant Walmart property in South Louisville is raising growing safety concerns as illegal dumping continues and officials work to determine its future.
The store on Raggard Road has remained empty for nearly four years, and Metro Council members say the site is increasingly being used as an open dumping ground.
Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins said trash—including cat food, dirty diapers, beer bottles, and other waste—has been scattered across the property.
“Just truly a safety hazard for the community,” Hawkins said. “There’s also been several concerns just about what Walmart will become.”
A Walmart representative said the store originally closed due to low performance.
“We don’t like to have these kinds of investments go dark,” the spokesperson said.
Company officials were unable to provide an estimated price for the property, as Metro Council looks for potential buyers before considering city involvement in redevelopment costs.
“The city, the mayor and the metro council appropriated $3 million in this year’s budget for our south end fund,” an economic development official said.
Hawkins noted that many residents oppose turning the space into apartments or large industrial developments, instead calling for retail and essential services.
“As citizens, we normally have to go to the east end part of town to get our shopping done,” Hawkins said. “I really don’t think that is equitable. I think we should have those options in the west end and in the south end.”
She also expressed opposition to additional liquor stores in the area. Public notices for alcohol sales have recently appeared on nearby Cane Run Road, less than two miles from the vacant Walmart.
“If they don’t know what that yellow big paper is in the window, it means that a liquor store is coming, and you only have so many days to petition it,” Hawkins said.
According to Hawkins, there are already at least six liquor stores along Cane Run Road.
“We have enough liquor stores on Cane Run Road—from the start to the end,” she said. “I will be against any new liquor stores that are petitioning. I’ve received enough calls and letters—my constituents are saying no more.”
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