Residents and council spar over $8 million Grand/High roundabout and whether proper study occurred

A resident urged the council and public to demand the formal study that normally precedes a major intersection change, saying the roundabout language moved from "study" to "construct" in the state transportation budget and that the city did not appear to follow the ICE (Intersection Control Evaluation) process for public, objective study. "If a roundabout is such a great idea, why is nobody claiming credit for it? $8 million project about to be constructed," the resident said.

Council members said the item originated in legislative budget language tied to the state's six-year plan and that District 6 may have carried a line item forward; councilors and staff disagreed about whether a full ICE had been completed or shared. Members proposed drafting a resolution to ask KYTC District 6 to remove or reclassify the funding while the city requests and reviews the study materials. A motion was made and seconded directing the mayor to send a resolution to KYTC District 6 to request removal of the construct language or further study documentation.

Council discussed conducting its own objective study or an independently commissioned analysis to present alternatives and ensure public input if the state proceeds. The motion to pursue outreach to KYTC passed in chamber action; staff were asked to prepare draft language and copy regional stakeholders.