West End Partnership Deadlocks on $2.1M Goodwill NIA Center Purchase

The West End Opportunity Partnership (WEOP) board deadlocked 9-9 on a proposal to subsidize Goodwill Industries of Kentucky's $2.1 million purchase of the NIA Center in Louisville's Parkland neighborhood, resulting in the plan's failure. Goodwill had planned to lease the property from WEOP for $1 per year over 99 years to build 76 affordable housing units, targeting individuals affected by poverty, addiction, and the justice system, in partnership with Woda Cooper Companies. The project faced opposition from current tenants of the NIA Center, who run small businesses and expressed concern over displacement and the loss of an important business incubator. Board members also debated whether the $2.1 million could be better spent on smaller projects or other affordable housing initiatives, with some emphasizing the need to protect minority-owned businesses. Supporters, including WEOP Chair Laura Douglas, highlighted Louisville's significant affordable housing gap, especially for vulnerable populations such as single mothers with children in the West End. The proposal had previously failed to pass the finance committee following a 2-2 vote, reflecting ongoing tensions between development goals and community preservation.