By Vasi Prokos, Fox 56
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Over a thousand people attended Monday night’s Nehemiah action assembly hosted by the group B.U.I.L.D.
“B.U.I.L.D.”, which stands for “Building a United Interfaith Lexington through Direct action” called on local officials to find solutions for some of Lexington’s problems.
This is the 20th year since B.U.I.L.D. was formed to work for justice in Fayette County.
Executive board member with B.U.I.L.D., Belinda Snead said, “We’re going to be asking our officials and just a forewarning to let them know that we’re going to be here and we need you here, your presence, your leadership at the meeting to show our officials that we mean business and we want something done about our problems in our city.” said B.U.I.L.D. Executive Board Member Belinda Snead.
B.U.I.L.D. said it expects action in three areas.
“Campaigns that we have right now are mental health transportation, reducing violence in gun violence in our city. and the last one is affordable housing, increasing affordable rental housing,” said Snead.
The group also said it worked for nine months to make the recommendations presented to leaders at this assembly.
“We’ve talked to the experts in the field about those issues that we’re working on. we have found we have we are presenting proven strategies to deal with these particular issues,” Co-chair with B.U.I.L.D., Gale Swanson said.
B.U.I.L.D. asked council members who were present if they would support an ordinance that would commit one percent of the city’s budget each year to affordable housing. Each member present said they would vote in favor of it.
The group was disappointed that two invited leaders didn’t make it to the meeting, Chief Lawrence Weathers and Lextran General Manager Jill Barnett.
“This is the largest gathering in Lexington where people are questioning the size of our public transportation as she refuses to address us. I cannot help but to be disappointed tonight that Police Chief Weathers’s seat was empty as well, that he chose not to come and address thousands of our concerned citizens. Their absence speaks volumes,” a speaker with B.U.I.L.D. said.
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