1965: City Incinerator Built
Following the closing of the park in 1962 the City built an incinerator, and the site began being used as a waste transfer station.
2019: Paris West Side Neighborhood Association Founded
The Paris West Side Neighborhood Association was founded in 2019. Jo Etta Allen 10/2/1954-10/28/2022 was instrumental in the efforts to initiate the relocation of the Waste Transfer Station. She was the first attendee at the initial West Side Neighborhood Association which was held on her birthday. It was there where she was able to live out her passion of equity and justice. She served as the Vice-President of the Association and was Arts & Recreation Co-Chair.
2019 West Side Neighborhood Strategic Action Plan process begins
The planning process began which led to the creation of the West Side Neighborhood Strategic Action Plan. Over a three-year period more than 50 neighborhood meetings were held to gather input on existing conditions and to develop a plan. The plan identified several goals related to the West Side Neighborhood and strategies for improvement.
2021:Feasibility Study on Paris Waste Transfer Station and Brownfield Site Remediation process begins
A feasibility study was prepared addressing the relocation of Paris Waste Transfer Station and Brownfield Site Remediation. The study provides a brief history of the area and the concerns impacting the residents and the neighborhood. It also addresses facility planning and siting for a new waste transfer station. Finally, it addresses the importance of site reclamation and the potential for redevelopment into a community asset.
2022: City approves design team to prepare plans for a recycling center
Summer of 2022, the city approves design team to prepare plans for a recycling center. The Bourbon County Fiscal Court and City began negotiating the terms for use of the land and recently agreed to a 50-year lease of the land to the City, for $1 per year. This partnership allowed the project to move forward at a quicker pace.
2022: 300 residents participate in survey managed by citizen volunteers
Summer of 2022: 300 resident surveys conducted by citizen volunteers to discuss the future use of the site. Survey results addressed safety & site features, site amenities, recreational opportunities, housing developments, site accessibility and additional comments & ideas.
2022: City receives the National Park Service Rivers Trails & Conservation Assistance grant
Summer of 2022: The City receives the National Park Service Rivers Trails & Conservation Assistance (RTCA) grant. The RTCA will provide technical assistance in the form of developing a conceptual plan to achieve a network of alternative transportation trails for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
2022: City awarded a $2M Community Development Block Grant
Fall of 2022: Gov. Andy Beshear awards the City of Paris $2M Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grant to assist in the relocation of the waste transfer station.
Spring of 2023: University of Kentucky Landscape Architecture class develops master plans for the site
Spring of 2023: University of Kentucky Landscape Architecture class assists in the development of concept plans for the reuse of the site. Multiple posters were presented to the community.
February 2023: KDEP Brownfield Program completes Phase I ESAs
February 2023: Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection Brownfield Program completes a I ESA of the City of Paris Waste Transfer Station and a Phase I ESA of the Former City of Paris Landfill.
February 2023: City submits EPA Solid Waste Infrastructure For Recycling grant
February 2023: Solid Waste Infrastructure For Recycling (SWIFR) Grant submitted by the City to the EPA. Although it was not funded this round the City will request a debriefing and consider reapplying in 2024.
February 2023: City submits TBA request to EPA Region 4
February 2023: EPA Region 4 Targeted Brownfields Assessment (TBA) application was submitted for a Phase II ESA and assistance in the development of cleanup options and cost estimates. Conversations continue with EPA Region 4 to ensure that any eligibility criteria concerns are resolved prior to approval. This includes some additional mitigation of existing conditions.
October 2023: City plans to accept bids on new Waste Transfer Station
October 2023: City of Paris is accepting bids for the construction of the new Waste Transfer Station with a scheduled completion date of December 2024.
November 2023: Bluegrass Area Development District plans to submit EPA Assessment Coalition Grant
November 2023: The Bluegrass Area Development District has contracted with Tetra Tech to prepare an EPA Assessment Coalition Grant this fall. The City of Paris has been selected to be a partner in this grant; if awarded this funding could assist with remaining assessment needs. The application is due November 13, 2023.
2024: Complete a Phase II ESA of the site
2024: Complete a Phase II ESA of the site. Pending EPA Region 4 TBA approval a Phase II ESA can be completed along with the preparation of a cleanup plan and associated cost estimates.
2024: City applies Kentucky Brownfield Program Cleaner Commonwealth Fund (CCF)
2024: The Kentucky Brownfield Program Cleaner Commonwealth Fund (CCF) is a revolving loan fund for Brownfield cleanups in Kentucky. This could be a great source of funding to initiate cleanup efforts and leverage additional funding.
2024: City request TAB Assistance
The community can also request Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) support from the Region 4 TAB provider. This assistance can be in the form of community engagement, visioning, or other agreed upon services related to brownfields. This assistance is free to communities since TAB providers are funded by the EPA.
Fall 2024: City submits EPA Cleanup grant application.
Fall 2024: Another round of EPA Cleanups grants will become available. This typically occurs in the fall and the City can utilize information prepared through the assessment process to prepare an application. Current funding levels are capped at $5 million but are subject to change.
Beyond 2025: Implementation of final plans
Beyond 2025: Redevelopment funding needs will vary greatly based on the final master plan. Resource roadmaps are a great way to map out a funding strategy to implement your final master plan.