Request For Information Issued For LMPD Impound Lot

Credit: Louisville Metro Police

Louisville Metro Government has officially started the search for a new Louisville Metro Police vehicle impound lot.

Located for decades at 1478 Frankfort Ave. in Butchertown, the impound lot is the main temporary storage area for motor vehicles that have been impounded by LMPD and other agencies, and is a longer-term storage area for motor vehicles being held as evidence in a legal proceeding. Although technical capacity is 1,800 vehicles, the lot frequently stores in excess of 2,000 vehicles.

Space issues, as well as the impound lot’s negative impact on nearby Beargrass Creek and the Beargrass Creek Greenway Trail, are among the reasons Louisville Metro Government is seeking a new location. The site, a former landfill, is also located in a flood plain and is partially impacted by a high-tension power line crossing it.

As a temporary measure to free up space at the Vehicle Impoundment Unit, LMPD will be changing the location of its auctions to the Newburg Fleet facility.  This action will free up approximately 100-150 spaces that can be used to remove wrecked or abandoned vehicles, as well as parking violators, from Louisville’s roadways.

The first step in the process to move the lot is a Request for Information, seeking properties that fit the city’s search criteria for size, location, and other physical and operational requirements. The Request for Information can be found at: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/impound-lot-relocation-rfi

Louisville Metro Government will also host three public meetings and conduct two tours of the current impound lot. A list of dates, times, and locations of meetings and tours can be found below.

The public is encouraged to provide suggestions on potential locations for the impound lot, as well as offer innovative solutions for the management of the facility. Public input can be made in-person at a public meeting or through an on-line comment portal at: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/impound-lot-relocation-rfi

“The Louisville Metro Police Department is excited at this opportunity to involve the public in generating ideas for the relocation of the Vehicle Impoundment Unit.  The Vehicle Impoundment Unit’s operations affect the lives of our citizens through the removal of vehicles that may be parked illegally, involved in a collision, or have been abandoned in a neighborhood,” said LMPD Lt. Col. Robert Schroeder. “The responsible relocation of the Impound Lot is vital for our community and we look forward to the ideas our community members will provide.”

Louisville Metro Government will close the Request for Information on March 15, 2018. Proposed locations will be evaluated based on their ability to meet operational and locational needs for the impound lot, as well as on their potential cost. If a suitable location is identified, funding for the relocation of the impound lot will be sought in upcoming fiscal years.

Meeting and tour schedule: