District 9 eNews - Thursday, March 5, 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


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In this issue...


Oh no, more snow!

Just when we were seeing grass again in District 9, the snow is back.  Fortunately,  the extremely cold weather is not expected to stay around so long this time.  In the meantime, please remember that businesses and residents are responsible for shoveling their own sidewalks  (see  below).   To keep up with any late-breaking changes in Metro services (TARC snow routes, delayed or cancelled recycling or garbage and the like), subscribe to the D9 blog at https://district9news.wordpress.com/or follow us on Twitter - @BillHollander. 


Please Clear Those Sidewalks

snowy sidewalks

A message from Metro Public Works:

We’ve had lots of inquiries about who is responsible for clearing snow from the city’s sidewalks. Snow covered sidewalks have led many people to choose walking in roadways over trudging through the white stuff on the sidewalk. The answer is that property owners and tenants must perform this function.

Below is the Louisville Metro Ordinance that spells out the responsibility of property owners for clearing sidewalks.

§ 97.113 SNOW REMOVAL (A) It shall be the duty of all persons and corporations owning or occupying property abutting a public street in Louisville Metro to remove within 24 hours thereafter such snow as may fall on the sidewalks in front of their property. Where the property is unimproved or unoccupied this duty shall devolve on the owner or the agent for the property. Where property is occupied by others than owners thereof, this duty shall devolve on the owner or the tenants and either may be proceeded against for the violation.

The ordinance goes on to state that “Any responsible party failing to comply…shall be subject to the following fines: not less than $25, nor more than $100.” We also urge that snow removed from the sidewalk be placed on private property such as lawns, and not in the street where it would slow or reverse progress of plowing crews.


 

Tax Preparation Appointments Still Available

tax prep

My office is partnering with the Louisville Asset Building Coalition to provide FREE tax preparation services again. The service is FREE if you earned $58,000 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 – 574-1109! There are still a few appointments available on Friday, March 20 between 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 S. State Street. 


Free Tax Preparation Assistance at Government Center

tax

Community Services'  Financial Empowerment Services Center will be offering free tax preparation on Mondays in March - don't hesitate to call and make your appointment today! Click here for eligibility info. 

  • Where: Urban Government Center, 810 Barret Avenue, 3rd Floor 
  • When: Mondays in March - March 2nd, 9th, and 16th from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 
  • By appointment only - call 574-5191 to schedule 

Sustainability Stories - A Regular Bus Rider

I want to use the D9 eNews to feature residents and businesses doing good things for the environment.  Riding the bus, bicycling, walking, gardening and more – our eNews will feature practices which can benefit all of us.  Send your sustainability success story to bill.hollander@louisvilleky.gov.  This week’s feature is a District 9 resident who regularly rides the bus to work downtown.

Paul Guagliardo has been riding the bus from his Crescent Hill home to his downtown office for years.  Like many of us in District 9, the routes are convenient – Paul says two different buses stop less than 50 yards from his residence.  Barring unusual traffic problems, he waits from 3 to 10 minutes for the bus.  And the destination points are convenient too. One bus lets Paul off half a block from his office; the other is about two blocks away.  In addition to saving money which would otherwise go to gas or parking, Paul uses his time on the bus to do office work or the LEO crossword puzzle.  He enjoys socializing on the bus, too. “While most riders are in their own space, i.e., reading, nodding off, using their smart phones, etc., I often run into old friends and sometimes make new ones”, Paul says.

We all want even better service and Paul has some ideas.  He would like to see buses that have a little smoother ride and more buses with Wi-Fi.  He praises TARC’s on-line system but would like to see better Apps. “From your desktop, the TARC website can use GPS to tell you how close your bus is to your stop.  TARC says it’s working on Apps for Android and iPhone, but they aren’t available yet.  I’d like to be able to see where my bus is while I’m at the stop.”

All in all, though, Paul enjoys his daily bus ride and the rest of us benefit from cleaner air and less crowded streets.  


Even Better Service is Coming!

TARC

We asked TARC to respond to Paul’s wish list and are glad to say that even better service is coming.  TARC reports:

In the past few years, TARC has successfully competed for federal grant funding to upgrade the fleet.  There are 70 new (within the last 3 years) replacement buses on the road – 11 hybrid-electric, 28 clean diesel, 21 eTran “commuter coaches” and 10 all-electric ZeroBus vehicles that replaced the diesel-powered trolley buses downtown.  Forty-three of these buses including the all-electric fleet have free Wi-Fi onboard and TARC plans to expand Wi-Fi to the entire fleet later this year.   With additional grant funding, TARC will also add another 25 new replacement buses and five more all-electric ZeroBus vehicles to the fleet next year.  TARC continues to pursue federal grant funding for additional fleet upgrades to replace the oldest, highest mileage buses.

Real-time bus arrival information is available through Google Maps, including the Google Maps App, and on the ridetarc.org mobile site using the link “trip planner.”  An app called “Transit App – Real Time Tracker,” free in the app store online, also provides real time information, in a different format, for TARC buses, using TARC’s real-time data that is provided to Google.  TARC’s real-time datafeed is available to app developers for development of apps that can help passengers plan trips and know when the bus will arrive.

To find out more about TARC service, click here: www.ridetarc.org.     


9th District Black History Honoree

Hosea Mitchell

Congratulations to Hosea Mitchell, D9’s honoree at the 13th Annual Metro Council Black History Month program last week.   Hosea is a Crescent Hill resident who has lived in District 9 for over 11 years.  

Hosea’s community and governmental service includes The Slice Charities (an inner-city focused group that raises funds and makes grant awards and donations to assist local nonprofit social service organizations in West Louisville and Portland), Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky, the Louisville Metro Government Ethics Commission, the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Nativity Academy, St. Boniface, Presentation Academy and the Flaget Alumni Association.

Congratulations, Hosea, and thank you for your service to the community!   


Notice of Planning & Design Public Meetings

Metroseal

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

Case Number: 15VARIANCE1007
You are invited to attend a review of a VARIANCE request to allow the existing parking to be located in the required front yard on the subject property.
Subject Property: 157 THIERMAN LANE
Case Manager: MATTHEW DOYLE (matthew.doyle@louisvilleky.gov)
Meeting Type: BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT
Date: MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2015
Time: Meeting will begin at 8:30 AM and continue until all cases are heard
Location: OLD JAIL AUDITORIUM, 514 W. LIBERTY STREET

Case Number: 14DEVPLAN1182
You are invited to attend a review of a REVISED DETAILED DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT PLAN to allow existing parking and modify an existing building element to allow a new sign.
Subject Property: 157 Thierman Lane
Case Manager: Matthew Doyle (matthew.doyle@louisvilleky.gov)
Meeting Type: Development Review Committee (DRC)
Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Time: Meeting will begin at 1:00 P.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.


Alcohol Beverage Control Notification

abc

At the links below, there is a New Location memo and Courier Journal Legal advertisement for an NQ2 Restaurant Retail Drink License being applied for, located at 3724 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY. 40206.  The ad ran in The Courier Journal Saturday, February 21, 2015.


Blue Dog to resurrect Red Hog

red hog

Insider Louisville

In what will surely be welcome news to Louisville’s meat-centric gormandizers, the city’s Blue Dog Bakery and Cafe is planning to resurrect its much-missed Red Hog Tapas operation. Kit Garrett, co-owner of Blue Dog, confirmed the news to Insider Louisville.

Garrett says the new space will not only provide tapas and barbecue, it also will contain a butcher shop supplied by livestock from the farm she and her husband, Blue Dog co-owner Bob Hancock, own.

The new space, which will be in a separate building from Blue Dog (2868 Frankfort Ave.), should be ready by Labor Day, Garrett says. The couple will own the property where Red Hog will operate. Click here to read the entire story.


AMP to open in Clifton by August

amp

One of the newest additions to Clifton now has a name. The apartment complex under construction at 2030 Frankfort Avenue will be called AMP, which the developer says reflects the area’s lively and engaging character, heritage and traditions. The site was the former home of the Ready Electric Company and will enhance the area by bringing more residents who want to enjoy an urban lifestyle.

The $10.8 million, four-story, L-shaped development will offer 93 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with high end finishes such as dark cabinets, solid surface countertops and hard-surface floors. In addition to being a nod to the former use of the site, the name AMP and tagline “Live in the Current” also reflect the advanced technology touches such as USB wall outlets in every residence.

The development is a mid-century modern design that blends both classical and contemporary styles. Brick is incorporated into the exterior design to connect it to the historic aspects of the neighborhood

Leasing will begin in May, with the first move-in dates by August.

“We appreciate the neighborhood support as the project has progressed,” said Branden Burke, director of development for Milhaus, the Indianapolis-based developer.  “We’re excited about the chance to add to this vibrant urban area where residents will be able to walk and bike to many great places to dine, work and play.” A bike storage area will be one of the available amenities.

For more information, visit www.ampliving.com.


Historic Plaque at Franklin School Apartments

Franklin School Apartments in Clifton was recently approved for one of the Historic Structure Recognition Plaques that Mayor Greg Fischer has made available. Almost 10 years ago, River City Housing transformed the 1892 Franklin Elementary School (corner of State and Arlington) into 12 apartments for low income elderly. The newer part of the structure became UCHM. For more information on the apartments, click here.


Help Report Potholes

potholes

Metro Public Works

The temporary disappearance of the President’s Day week snow from Metro Louisville roads has uncovered another scourge to traffic and wheel alignments. The many potholes in the streets resemble the results of a high caliber strafing run along the asphalt through the city.

Citizens are urged to report potholes to MetroCall by dialing 311 or 574-5000. Reports may also be made through an online service request at www.louisvilleky.gov/government/metrocall-311. Potholes on interstate highways should be reported to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 1-877-For-KYTC (367-5982)

Potholes result from a combination of water that seeps through cracks caused by normal wear and tear in asphalt, repeated freezing and thawing temperatures, and the weight of traffic. Cold temperatures cause the water to freeze and expand, weakening the pavement. The weight of traffic on the weakened pavement then breaks the asphalt, eventually leaving a hole that grows as more traffic goes over it.

Help us get them filled by contacting MetroCall.


Legal Aid Society Offers Free Tax Clinics

Legal Aid

Each year over 1.5 million taxpayers receive a notice of audit or request for more information from the IRS relating to their individual tax filings.  The Legal Aid Society is offering free clinics on the steps a person can take in responding to an IRS notice.  The Legal Aid Society can help eligible low-income taxpayers respond to the IRS notices and correct amounts in dispute.   

The Legal Aid Society also helps low-income individuals in disputes with the IRS, including audits, appeals, collection matters, and tax litigation.  Individuals interested in these free services are encouraged to attend any of the upcoming clinics offered at the offices of the Legal Aid Society, 416 W. Muhammad Ali, Blvd, at 3 p.m. on the following dates:

  • Thursday, March 19
  • Thursday, April 2
  • Thursday, April 16

The clinics are open to the public but persons interested in attending should call (502) 584-1254 to reserve a spot.  Individuals unable to attend one of these clinics but who are interested in legal help may call this same number to apply for services. 


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.

Friday, March 6: Did you earn $58,000 or less in Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) in 2014?  If the answer is yes, you qualify for FREE tax preparation!  The 9th District has partnered again with the Louisville Asset Building Coalition to provide FREE VITA tax preparation to anyone making $58,000 or less.  To make an appointment or for more information please call the 9th District office at 574-1109.  Appointments are available between 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at United Crescent Hill Ministries, located at 150 S State Street.

Saturday, March 7: Bingham 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

Thursday, March 12: The Chamber of St. Matthews hosts Lunch Leads from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Bluegrass Indoor Karting, 2520 Ampere Drive, 40299. Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina will be the lunch sponsor. Please click here to RSVP for the event.

Thursday, March 12: Veterans and their families are invited to participate in a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) town-hall meeting designed to hear directly from Veterans and their families.  Medical Center Director, Martin Traxler and Louisville Regional Benefit Office Director, David Davis will be in attendance to address questions and provide information relating to VA healthcare, benefits and claims. Resource tables and staff members will also be available to provide information on a variety of VA programs and services. Meeting is scheduled from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Robley Rex VA Medical Center, 800 Zorn Avenue, West Entrance Conference Room.  http://www.louisville.va.gov/LOUISVILLE/features/Town_Hall_Meeting31215.asp 

Thursday, March 12:  The Clifton Center, 2117 Payne Street, will host a concert by The Earls of Leicester, Grammy winner of the 2015 Bluegrass Album of the Year and a group of musicians banding together to recreate the music of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys, at 8:00 pm. Led by thirteen-time Grammy winner Jerry Douglas, the band features some of Nashville’s most talented musicians. Tickets are $35-$42 and are available at Carmichael’s Bookstore, 2720 Frankfort Avenue, or online at cliftoncenter.org.


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