City Approves Land Purchase For Road Project

At Tuesday night's City Commission meeting Paducah Mayor Gayle Kaler and city commissioners approved the purchase of a parcel of land for the Olivet Church Road Improvement Project.

The city purchased the 2.16 acre property for $500,000 from property owner Betty Owens and that price includes the Owens' home. The agreement reached with Owens also outlines a life estate interest, meaning Owens can reside at the home on the property for her lifetime. However, the holder of a life estate cannot leave the land to anyone in their will because their interest in the land does not survive the person.

Before providing the final piece of funding for this $8.5 million project the State of Kentucky wanted to make sure the City and County were in agreement with the parcel. The City and County approved a joint resolution in October 2012 in support of the project.  

The new Olivet Church Road Improvement Project includes the widening of Olivet Church Road to three lanes from U.S. 60 (Hinkleville Road) to the already improved section near James Sanders Boulevard.

The new purchased land was also necessary for the construction of a new connector road that will stretch from New Holt Road next to Kentucky Oaks Mall and tie into Olivet Church Road. This will play a key role in reducing traffic congestion for mall goers at the exit 4 interchange of I-24. Drivers will be encouraged to use the exit 3 interchange to enter the Kentucky Oaks Mall and surrounding areas. This will also aide in growing and developing the area north of the mall.