Celebrate safely. Respect your neighbors. That was the message coming from Mayor Jim Gray and University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto during a news conference held today to discuss preparations for the Final Four games.
Public safety officers from the city and the campus have joined forces, with a multi-faceted enforcement and safety plan to ensure citizens, business owners and students will have a safe weekend.The plan includes changes to the downtown traffic flow and increased protection for public and private property, especially in the neighborhoods surrounding areas where students traditionally celebrate. Fire will also join Code Enforcement Director David Jarvis in trying to stop neighborhood fires that have marred recent celebrations.
Plans include:
Overall Enforcement
• Extra police officers from UK, the Lexington Division of Police, and the Kentucky State Police will be on duty in and around the downtown area and neighborhoods surrounding campus on foot, in cars and on bicycles.
• Citizens are asked to keep streets clear, and allow emergency response vehicles passage at all times.
• Celebration is acceptable, but tipping cars, setting fires, destroying property and throwing projectiles will not be tolerated and will result in arrest.
Traffic
• Police urge motorists to use extra patience on the road.
• Motorists should avoid the UK campus area and the downtown area immediately following the games (especially South Limestone Street and Euclid Avenue.)
• Several no parking and towing areas will be designated during the weekend. These areas include sections of South Limestone Street, and Woodland and Euclid Avenues.
Code Enforcement and Sanitation
• Code enforcement officers will cite residents for trash and debris violations.
• City waste management crews will be on hand in the hours following the NCAA games to ensure streets are clean and clear for vehicles and pedestrian traffic.
Medical Emergencies
• Fire and Emergency Services will be operating an emergency triage center at Fire Station 5 on Woodland Avenue. Persons with medical emergencies can report to that area during the NCAA games and several hours following, for emergency medical treatment.
