GLENDALE, Ky. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is looking at ways to accommodate more traffic when the world’s largest electric vehicle battery plants begin production in Hardin County in 2025.
What You Need To Know
- The KYTC is looking for traffic solutions to accomodate more volume when the Blue Oval SK plants open in Glendale
- One of the proposed ideas being studied is a bypass through the town of Glendale that could push up to eight homeowners out of their houses
- The 'Pink House' has been a well-known part of the Glendale community for 30 years and sits within the potentiall affected zone
- Homeowners Rita and DR Miller are asking people to help them fight the proposal and save their 'Pink House', along with others homes in the neighborhood
The KYTC is proposing a few different projects that could help handle the increased traffic burden. One of those—the newest proposal just released last month—is a Glendale bypass.
The bypass is the AB concept being considered in the Glendale Mobility Study. It would pass near the town’s small downtown area and might force up to eight families out of their homes through eminent domain.
Road planners extended the study’s deadline to consider the bypass option.
KYTC District 4 Coordinator Chris Jessie explained the study, “Was originally set for a wrap in late spring/early summer, but with semi-trucks getting stuck at railroad crossings recently and a major train derailment event, KYTC revisited options for a North Glendale Bypass this past Summer - options to perhaps improve mobility and reduce multi-modal traffic conflicts given these railroad/highway situations.”
One home that could be affected is owned by Rita and DR “Poppy” Miller. It’s known as the “Pink House” to many who live in or have passed through the area.
“They usually stop in the road, and they usually have their camera outside the window, and if they say anything, then they’re invited in,” smiled Rita, who loves the attention her home draws.
The Millers built the home 30 years ago and were collecting early 1900s antiques to fill it with for 22 years before that. The house is custom built around many pieces of collectible, antique furniture.
Rita designed, cut, painted and installed all the home’s fretwork, inside and out. The “gingerbread” is eye-catching to anyone driving by on busy New Glendale Road.
There are also several structures and a koi pond in the backyard that are just as impressive.
The Millers joke that they’ve been “playing house” for 30 years. Calling their projects never-ending, DR, a disabled Vietnam veteran, and Rita, who’s been fighting breast cancer and the lingering effects of a Sepsis infection for years, say there’s still a lot of work to be done on their home.
They say thought of losing everything they’ve worked so hard for is unbearable.
“We’re broken. They’ve broken our hearts,” Rita said.
“Just seems like everything we’ve worked for could be just demolished in one day,” DR added.
In response to the KYTC’s proposal, a big, pink sign hangs in front of the big, pink house. It has a QR code that leads passersby to the Millers’ “Save the Pink House Glendale Kentucky” Facebook page.
There, the couple has been imploring community members and admirers of their home to fill out the Glendale Mobility Survey and share comments against the AB concept that might do away with their home.
“We’re not just wanting to save the Pink House,” Rita explained. “If we save this house, we save the entire neighborhood.”
Sept. 8 is the last day for the public to give input about the KYTC’s proposals in Glendale. The survey can be accessed on the Glendale Mobility Study website.
Jessie says the study will be completed in the coming weeks, once all the survey responses are reviewed and assessed. There is no timeline on when any of the projects being considered might begin, if they’re approved. Jessie says they’re currently not funded beyond the study.
Jessie says right now, the KYTC’s focus is on a more immediate traffic solution for increased volume when the Blue Oval SK plants open.
“Projects at the Exit 86 interchange (currently under construction) and on KY 1136 along the south boundary of the facility are the most pressing transportation needs at this time,” Jessie said.” The interchange is most vital, as it serves the main traffic flow in/out and is expected to be complete before BOSK goes into production. The widening reconstruction project for KY 1136 is ready for a contract letting but does not have a schedule at this point.”
Jessie says the KYTC has been having conversations and meeting with people concerned about the potential affects of a bypass through Glendale. Anyone with questions or concerns can reach out to the KYTC District 4 Office at 270-766-5066.