Jackie Cobb – Cherokee Triangle
Jackie Cobb is a resident of Cherokee Triangle and graduate of the Neighborhood Institute. Read about her work below and follow this link if you are interested in participating in the Neighborhood Institute!
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
By day, I’m a sustainability consultant at Schneider Electric where I help corporations reduce their emissions, energy, and water usage to fight climate change. Outside of work, I’m raising my two young boys (2 and 5 years old) alongside my husband of 15 years. I’m passionate about fighting poverty and climate change by creating a Louisville where anyone – regardless of age or ability – can walk or bike where they need to go. I’m a tree lover and volunteer with TreesLouisville, a non-profit doing unmatched good for Louisville.
What do you love about your neighborhood?
Walkability. I don’t need a car to live in my neighborhood. It’s amazing. Trees! Density and diversity of housing types. Apartments, condos, houses. Renters and owners Access to public transit. Adjacent to Tyler Park, Cherokee Park, and Willow Park.
How and why did you get involved in your community?
While I’m a Louisville native, I lived in Washington DC for six years. While there, I lived a life where I could bike and walk and ride public transit to EVERYTHING. My quality of life was wonderful in part because of the built environment. At the same time, I began to read voraciously about how roads, sidewalks, trees, parks, streets, cars, etc impact quality of life, poverty, social cohesion, and the environment. My eyes were opened and, ever since, I’ve been a champion for a more equal, safe, nature-filled, and walkable world.
What have you been working on recently in your neighborhood?
I lead a neighborhood organization called Friends of Bardstown Road. We’re a collaboration of businesses and residents helping Bardstown Road in the Highlands reach its full potential as a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
We’ve been heavily involved in advocating the state and city to redesign Bardstown Road in a way that is safer for pedestrians and encourages slower car speeds. We successfully advocated for a road design that – when construction is complete in April 2023 – will provide pedestrians better marked, shorter, and more crosswalks. Bardstown Road will have hundreds more trees; trees are actually a VERY effective tool for making a street more comfortable and safe for people on foot.
What are your hopes for your neighborhood in the future?
More people living here. More housing. Slower and fewer cars. More trees. Safer streets for walking and biking.