District 9 eNews - Thursday, January 8, 2015

 

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Bill Hollander

Councilman Bill Hollander
601 West Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1109
Email Bill

 

kyle ethridge

Kyle Ethridge
Legislative Assistant
(502) 574-3908
Email Kyle

 

 


Links

Visit the District 9 Website

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See NDF/CIF Spending

In this issue...


Welcome!

Bill Hollander taking oath

I was honored to be sworn-in as your District 9 Councilman on Monday and I am excited to get started serving the neighborhoods that make District 9 a great place to live, work and raise a family. I am especially fortunate that Kyle Ethridge will continue to be District 9's Legislative Assistant and editor of the eNews. Rest assured that the great service and informative eNews that you have come to expect from the District 9 office will continue. 

There are some new features for the eNews, including an announcement of a D9 Community Conversation, the first of a series of monthly meetings we’ll be having across the district, and office hours in St. Matthews. The box on the left includes links to documents showing how we are using your tax dollars in District 9. The documents are blank now but we’ll be listing Neighborhood Development and Community Infrastructure Fund expenditures as they are made in the future.

This is your newsletter. Let us know what features or news you would like to see. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Photo: Michael Clevenger, The Courier-Journal


Meet With Bill at St. Matthews Library - January 13

We are always happy to hear from constituents.  To make meeting with us in person more convenient, we’ll be holding office hours at various places around District 9.  On Tuesday, January 13, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., we’ll be in the meeting room of the St. Matthew’s Eline Library at 3940 Grandview Avenue. The meeting room is located on the second floor at the top of the stairs to the left.   Stop by with any questions or concerns.


D9 Community Conversation - January 27

Bring your ideas, questions and concerns about issues affecting the community to a conversation with your new Metro Councilman and your neighbors.  Our first monthly meeting will be Tuesday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Peterson-Dumesnil House, 301 South Peterson Avenue.  (Future meetings will be at different sites across D9 and everyone is invited to each meeting.)  We’ll begin with a brief update on D9 activities and programs but the focus of the meeting is you.  We want these meetings to be unscripted, open conversations about your vision for D9 and the City. Please join us – and bring along a friend or neighbor!


Notice of Planning & Design Public Meetings

metro seal

Information provided by Louisville Metro Planning and Design Services, 444 S. 5th Street – Suite 300, Louisville, KY 40202-4313, (502)574-6230

Case Number: 14VARIANCE1112
You are invited to attend a Board of Zoning Adjustment review for a variance from the Land Development Code to allow a proposed addition to encroach into the required front yard.
Subject Property: 507 Briar Hill Road
Case Manager: Jon Crumbie (jon.crumbie@louisvilleky.gov)
Meeting Type: Board of Zoning Adjustment|
Date: Monday, January 12, 2015
Time: Meeting will begin at 8:30 A.M. and continue until all cases are heard
Location: Old Jail Building Court Room, 514 West Liberty Street, Louisville, KY 40202

For basic details for above case/s please visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/PlanningDesign/Click on “Case Information – eCustomer Services” link.  Then select the “home” tab and select the type of case and enter the above case number.  For specific case information please call or email the above listed case manager.  If you have any questions please contact Planning & Design directly at 574-6230.


New Trees Planted in Irish Hill

Lexington Road trees

Seven urban trees were planted on December 31 in a long traffic island in the middle of Liberty at Lexington Road across from Irish Hill Park. The traffic island had lost three ash trees and was losing four more. The types of trees that were planted were: Autumn Gold Ginkgo, 2 1/2", Frontier Elm, 3", Catalpa, 3", Willow Oak, 3", Exclamation plane tree, 3", Japanese Pagoda Tree, 2 1/2", and White Shield Osage Orange, 3". All new trees are canopy trees and will cool four lanes of Liberty and will slow storm runoff. The planting was done by Browning Landscape.

This was a joint effort by several organizations. Tina Ward-Pugh and David Tandy sponsored the planting. Mark White at Public Works removed four declining ash trees from the island. The Irish Hill Neighborhood Association paid for stump removal and will water the trees. The Louisville Metro Tree Advisory Commission organized the planting.


Remember, Don’t Ride on the Sidewalk

no bikes on sidewalks

When cyclists are faced with streets full of speeding cars and potholes, it’s not surprising that many riders feel that sidewalks are the safest place to cycle. However, unless you’re a small child, sidewalk riding can be significantly more dangerous than riding on the street, and it’s illegal. 

“Don’t ride on the sidewalk. Although you might think it’s a safer option, motorists are simply not looking for bicyclists on the sidewalk, especially those riding against traffic. So at every driveway and intersection, you are at much greater risk of being hit by a motorist than if you were riding on the road with traffic. Pedestrians will thank you for riding on the road as well.”

Sidewalk riding is dangerous for three main reasons: speed, visibility and predictability.

Cyclists travel much faster than people on foot. Pedestrians aren’t looking out for bicycles speeding down the sidewalk. It’s nearly impossible for them to anticipate – or avoid – sidewalk cyclists, nor should they be expected to. Remember, pedestrians have the right-of-way. Plus, a great variety of sidewalk users – D9’s large blind and visually impaired community, people with strollers, wheelchairs or walkers, seniors, children and even pets – are not compatible with fast-moving bikes.

When riding on sidewalks, bicyclists pass driveways and cross streets at speeds that put them at odds with motorists. Often hidden behind parked cars, trees and other obstructions, sidewalk cyclists are invisible to drivers on the road until they suddenly enter a street or driveway, when most drivers won’t have enough time to stop for them. A bicycle is a vehicle. As with all vehicles, predictability is the key to safety. Weaving in and out of intersections and around pedestrians is dangerous, because no one cannot predict what the cyclist is going to do next. As a result, drivers and pedestrians cannot prepare to deal safely with sidewalk riders.

Finally the law prohibits everyone but children from riding on the sidewalk, per Metro Ordinance, 74.01 Operation of Bicycles: No person 11 years of age or older shall operate a bicycle on the sidewalks located within the geographical boundary limits of Louisville. To read the entire ordinance please click here and quick search "74.01" and click on "bicycles and motorcycles."

For those times when sidewalk riding is allowed, please follow these guidelines:

  • Ride slowly
  • Always give the priority to pedestrians – stop and dismount your bike if there is not enough room for pedestrians to pass
  • Say a friendly hello or ring your bell gently to warn pedestrians that you are about to pass from behind
  • Approach driveways carefully, looking both ways
  • Take extra care when going from the sidewalk onto the street and watch for turning cars
  • Never ride with headphones covering both ears
  • Never text or phone while riding
  • Always assume that pedestrians and cars do not see you: ride defensively

Information provided by the Culver City Bicycle Coalition by Meaghan Sahli-Wells


Louisville Extreme Park will close for two weeks

extreme park

The Louisville Extreme Park will be closed from January 7 through January 21 to accommodate a major phase of construction work at the site. The skate park, located just east of downtown at Clay and Witherspoon Streets, has been under renovation since May due to work on the Downtown Crossing of the Ohio River Bridges Project. Approximately one-third of the park was demolished to make way for construction of the flyover ramps that will support the new Louisville-Southern Indiana downtown bridge, and a new section of park is being reconstructed on adjacent property.

During the two-week closure, large-scale concrete work will be undertaken to connect the existing park with the new section. Sections of the park unaffected by the bridge work have remained open during the demolition and reconstruction period. The temporary closure in January is the first necessary closure of the entire park since the renovation work began.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has provided funding to Metro Government for this demolition and functional replacement. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2015.


Louisville Water Asks You to "Tag It'

LWC "tag it"

Do you know the location of the water shut-off valve that controls the flow of water in and out of your home? If not, now is a good time to find the valve and “tag it.”

During January, Louisville Water will help residents prep for cold weather emergencies with the “Tag It” campaign.  The private water shut-off valve controls the flow of water coming inside a home. If a water pipe inside the home bursts, knowing the location of your shut-off valve and how to turn it off can save valuable time and minimize water damage.

During the extreme cold weather in 2014, Louisville Water received hundreds of calls from customers after their private water lines had burst.  This year, Louisville Water is working to educate customers on how to minimize damage in case of a water line bursting inside the home or business.

Find it & Tag It

Louisville Water is offering free hangers that attach to the water shut-off valve.  Customers can request a hanger through Louisville Water’s Facebook and Twitter channels or pick up one at the downtown office, 550 South Third Street.  Or - - use a bright colored ribbon to tag the valve, something that won’t be destroyed if it gets wet.

Need help finding the valve and turning if off?  Watch a video at LouisvilleWater.com

Knowing the location of the private water shut-off valve is important not only in cold weather but also when you plan to be away for an extended amount of time.

Tagging the shut-off valve is just one way to minimize damage in your home from a burst water pipe.

Here are additional steps that can prevent frozen water pipes:

Wrap up for winter

Wrap exposed pipes with insulating material.  Pipes under kitchen sinks, in crawl spaces, near windows or in unheated basements are areas susceptible to freezing

Make sure you have it covered

If your house has a crawl space, cover the outside vents to prevent winter winds form entering and freezing pipes.  Keep the garage door closed if you have a slab foundation since some water pipes are located under concrete floors in the garage.

A cold, small drip

If a faucet has a tendency to freeze, it’s okay to let a small flow of water run from the faucet during extreme cold weather.  Use the cold water faucet and the stream of water should be the size of a pencil lead.   Doing so will not greatly impact your water bill, adding a penny or less to your overall bill.

Louisville Water maintains over 4,100 miles of water main throughout its distribution system.  In addition, the company is responsible for 24,000 public fire hydrants. Prior to the winter season, crews train in winter safety procedures, winterize fire hydrants and adjust the company’s inventory to prepare for any cold weather issues with water mains.

Tag it – then participate in a live Twitter Chat on January 8

Got a question about winterizing your pipes?  Louisville Water is hosting a Twitter Chat on Thursday, January 8 from 1-2 pm.  Use the hashtag #tagit to pose a question or follow the conversation @louisvillewater


Serve on a Board or Commission

metro seal

Serving on a board or commission is a great way to utilize your talents. We hope you will consider volunteering your time with us and encourage you to browse the openings regularly for opportunities that would best utilize your experience and knowledge. We have approximately 100 boards and commissions with many areas of interest, including business and economic development, land planning, parks and recreation, public health and public safety. It is important that these boards have adequate representation from all areas of town, including District 9, as they are responsible for evaluating many important decisions that impact our city and its citizens.

Please click here for more information. Be sure to alert the District 9 office once you have applied. Thank you for your interest! 


The Avenue Maps are in print and online!

The Avenue

Stop by The Crescent Hill Trading Company (2720 Frankfort Ave.), The Wine Rack (2632 Frankfort Ave.) or Lexie's Trading Post (2224 Frankfort Ave.) to pick up 2014-2015 Avenue maps. You can also download and print the maps off the Frankfort Avenue Business Association website: Trolley Hop Map


Sign up for the Spring Neighborhood Institute

Neighborhood Institute

The Neighborhood Institute Spring 2015 is open to all neighborhoods, Metro Council Districts and the whole community. There is no charge to attend.

The Neighborhood Institute is a neighborhood leadership-education program established in 1987 by the Center For Neighborhoods, a non-profit civic organization.  The Neighborhood Institute equips neighborhood leaders with the resources necessary to effect positive change by acting through and with their neighborhood groups. 

Each semester of Neighborhood Institute begins by identifying and assessing what class members view as being their most pressing issues.  Financial support for the Neighborhood Institute is generously provided by Louisville Metro Department of Community Services.

To register for the 12-week program, contact John at 502.589.0343 or email johnh@centerforneighborhoods.org.

Classes will be held at New Directions Housing Corporation, 1000 East Liberty Street, from January 27th - April 14th, 2015 - (12 Consecutive weeks). Every Tuesday from 6:00 - 8:30 PM. Dinner is provided.


TARC Announces 16th Annual Design-A-Bus Contest

TARC

TARC and Louisville Metro Parks are partnering this year for the 16th annual Design-a-Bus contest, featuring artwork by schoolchildren throughout the Louisville area. This year’s theme is “Metro Parks and Recreation and TARC – A Natural Connection,” based on the commitment by both organizations to help promote healthy, active living and a sustainable environment. 

The Design-a-Bus contest is open to all elementary and middle school students in Jefferson, Oldham and Bullitt counties in Kentucky and Floyd and Clark counties in southern Indiana. Twelve winners will be chosen to have their posters displayed on a TARC bus, and winners will be invited to ride on the bus in the Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade on Thursday, April 30, 2015. Artwork becomes the property of TARC.

Potential ideas for artwork could include students riding TARC, or using the agency’s Bikes On Board program to reach their favorite park; how both agencies help kids stay healthy and active; illustrating ways both agencies help improve environmental conditions in the Louisville area; or how residents benefit from an expansive public parks system and public transportation.  For further inspiration, students are encouraged to visit metro-parks.org and ridetarc.org.

Entries should be in marker, crayon or paint and submitted on 11-by-17 white paper, or digitally through a JPEG or PDF file. Entries will be judged on visual appeal, creativity, originality and message. All artwork is to be produced by the student only. This year's entry deadline is Friday, Feb. 27, 2015.

An entry form must be attached to each entry (paper or digital). For entry forms, visit  www.ridetarc.org or e-mail Jon Reiter at  jreiter@ridetarc.org, or Jessica Holman at jholman@ridetarc.org. Send digital entries with entry forms attached to Jon or Jessica. Paper entries should be sent to TARC, c/o Marketing Department., 1000 W. Broadway, Louisville, Ky. 40203

More information visit http://www.ridetarc.org

http://www.metro-parks.org


Tax Preparation Volunteers Needed

tax prep

My office is partnering with the Louisville Asset Building Coalition to provide FREE tax preparation services again in 2015.  We are recruiting volunteers to help prepare taxes on four Fridays in February and March 2015 (Feb 6, 20 and Mar 6, 20).  Full training is provided by the Louisville Asset Building Coalition on select dates in December or January.  To volunteer or to obtain more information please contact our office directly at 574-1109 or email Kyle Ethridge for a list of training dates and information.

More information on tax preparation dates will be posted soon.  The service is FREE if you earned $50,000 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or less in 2014 or if you quality for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Call the office today to see if you qualify and make your appointment!


District 9 Calendar Events

Below are some Ninth District calendar events!  To view a full listing of events please visit the District 9 Blog at http://district9news.wordpress.com/.  If you would like to submit events to be considered for the blog calendar please email Kyle Ethridge or call 574-1109.

Thursday, January 8: Crescent Hill Library, 2762 Frankfort Avenue, will host a talking book discussion at 7:00 p.m. Questions please call 574-1793.

Saturday, January 10Bingham Park volunteer opportunity from 10:00 a.m. – Noon.  Bingham Park is located on Coral Avenue off Frankfort Avenue.  Cleanups are scheduled the 1st Saturday of every month.  Please note these dates are subject to cancellation due to weather. For more information and to register, please call Sarah Wolff at 456-8125 or visit www.olmstedparks.org/events

Saturday, January 10: The American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Avenue, will host A Birthday Party for Mary Ingalls - Celebrating National Braille Literacy Month from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Register by January 8. Find out about her richly rewarding life and the challenges she faced as a blind woman a hundred years ago. Sing along with some of Pa’s fiddle tunes, weave a beaded bracelet (the same as those Mary made for her sisters), and enjoy birthday cake made from Ma’s recipe. Free to the public but space is limited so registration is required. Call 502-899-2213 or email kcarpenter@aph.com  by January 8 to register. For adults and children age 5 and up.

Saturday, January 10: Crescent Hill Library, 2762 Frankfort Avenue, will host an adult book discussion at 10:30 a.m. Questions please call 574-1793.

Monday, January 12: Crescent Hill Library, 2762 Frankfort Avenue, will host China: People, Places, Things & Ideas at 7:00 p.m. Learn about the Chinese culture. Questions please call 574-1793.

Wednesday, January 14: The Clifton Center, 2117 Payne Street, and 91.9 WFPK present Winter Wednesday featuring Matthew Ryan and the Northern Wires with Joan Shelley at 7:30 p.m.  For more information and to purchase tickets please click here.

Thursday, January 15: Carmichael’s Bookstore, 2720 Frankfort Avenue, to host acclaimed local writer Paul Griner and his new book Second Life, an “exciting thriller that illustrates the worst-case scenario of what might happen to a body after death…. Griner’s novel will rev up the reader’s pulse as it pulls back the surgical curtain to reveal a hidden world of literal flesh peddling.” (Publishers Weekly).  Event is at 7:00 p.m. Questions please call 896-6950.


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