Babinta Kiota, owner of Broadway Fashion & Decor, pictured with Mohamed, from Russell April 9, 2019
Ive been here since 1998. Its been 21 years. When I came here, I was the only business here. It was just me, Chevron and Kroger. I remember when I first opened up my business, the police used to be worried about me. At that time, there was a lot of crime over here. If I had a problem with the building and needed repairs, people would ask for my address and I would tell them 2015 West Broadway, and they would tell me that they didnt come this far. That was just 20 years ago, not even a long time ago.
People were scared to come to The West End. Now, people are coming back to live here, and the crime is lower. People are wanting to spend money and support black businesses. I think that if they do that, itll help us and the community. We live here, and well spend money here.
Its a lot of changes. When I first came here, it was rough, and there was a lot of crime and lot of stuff. Things have changed. None of these buildings were here. It was a lot of empty lots. So, its a lot of changes. I think with the new developments, they could do more. Even with the little things that they do, it would make some big changes.
For example, they were supposed to put Walmart over here, and people fought. Walmart would have been good. It could have brought a lot of people from a 10-mile radius. With Passport, I dont know. I hope they hire people from The West End. They said that they were going to hire 500 people. I hope its not going to be a bunch of people, from outside, that will just come to work and go home. Were not going to benefit from it. The YMCA will be good for the neighborhood. The director said that hes going to make sure that every kid knows how to swim, so thats good. Thatll be a positive thing for the neighborhood.
I think The West End is headed in a good direction, if they let us do more. We have to come together and do more, instead of complaining. For example, they complained about Walmart. Now, Walmarts gone, and what do we get? We get nothing. Walmart being here, would have kept people from going so far. It would have been competition for Kroger, and they would have to drop their prices. But they didnt look at it that way. Also, they were going to hire 200 to 300 people in the neighborhood. Also, people wouldnt have to travel 10 miles. The closest one is where? Cane Run? Indiana? Instead, people complained about a parking lot. Would you rather park 500 feet or drive 10 miles? It just doesnt make any sense. We gotta stop the complaining.
West of Ninth began as a Louisville photography blog, westofninth.com, by Russell residents Walt and Shae Smith. With a love for their community, Walt and Shae see the value and potential of all nine neighborhoods that make West Louisville. Armed with a Nikon DSLR, a recorder and the ability to never meet a stranger, their goal is to shed light on the attributes that make West of Ninth the greatest.
This article appears in May 1, 2019.