EHI Consultants recently completed aa plan for the Deer Park neighborhood in Louisville, KY. Deer Park Neighborhood is well-established, highly developed neighborhood located within the desirable area of the Highlands. Deer Park contains the ingredients of a great neighborhood with mixed-uses that includes residential urban character, and the vibrant Bardstown Road commercial corridor along with several institutional amenities.

Deer Park Neighborhood requires the balance of many considerations in protecting the existing neighborhood, preserving and enhancing the natural environment, increasing mobility and the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists and ensuring that future development complements the neighborhood. Throughout the input process many residents identified issues related to rental properties, particularly students renting single family homes in the neighborhood and issues that may arise as a result. Residents consistently raised concerns about quality of life issues including noise, littering, code violations, overcrowding, and parking along with general property maintenance.

Recommendations focused on long-term community building between Bellarmine University and the Neighborhood Association, and strategies for reducing problems that negatively impact the quality of life for residents in the neighborhood. The plan also outlined potential projects that address issues and to facilitate urban design elements that promote walkability and sustainability.