May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and Hopkinsville Mayor, J.R. Knight and Christian County Judge Executive, Jerry Gilliam recognized the month with a proclamation at Tuesday’s Hopkinsville City Council meeting.
Following the proclamation, the council approved zoning ordinances, provided an update regarding the installation of a four-way stoplight at the intersection of Pyle Lane and Canton Pike and went into closed session to discuss helping fund the construction of a road in South Park.
Reading the proclamation, Gilliam recognized that the history and heritage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is integral piece of American history. He also shared that the theme of this year’s AAPI Heritage Month is “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation” which serves to spotlight AAPI visionaries and trailblazers.
Turning toward city matters, on second reading the council approved for a parcel of land at the intersection of Pyle Lane and Canton Pike to be designated as a general business district. Also on second reading, the council approved for a residential subdivision consisting of 49 properties along Singletree Drive, Wainright Drive and Canton Pike to be zoned as a single-family residential district.
Along with the recent zoning in the area, the Pyle Lane and Canton Pike intersection was transformed to a four-way stop on April 23 after it had been a two-way stop only requiring drivers on Pyle Lane to stop for traffic.
The intersection is in Ward Five which Council Member Amy Craig represents. Regarding the transition, Craig thanked the public for their patience with the new four-way stop and says the transition has made the intersection safer.
Toward the end of the meeting, Ward Six Council Member Travis Martin requested for the council to vote on an additional municipal order. The order would allow for up to $250,000 of the City’s economic development funds to be used as a contribution to the Hopkinsville Industrial Foundation for the construction of a road in South Park.
Knight clarified that the road will run between Toyota Boshoku and Altria facilities and the Christian County Fiscal Court will also be contributing up to $250,000.
The council went into closed session to discuss the motion and afterward they passed the order, but council members Natasha Francis and Matthew Handy abstained and Chuck Crabtree voted no.