District 8 Streets Report: Silver or Lead

In this space, we provide updates on major projects and report on upcoming (scheduled and funded) streets and other infrastructure improvements.

The Louisville Water Company Lead Service Line Replacement Program, which focuses on replacing Louisville Water’s lead service lines with copper service lines, has a silver lining, too: extra paving out the wazoo!

Based on my analysis of Louisville Water’s Street Paving Repair plans for District 8 and District 8’s own FY 2019 - 2021 Paving Plan, Louisville Water will pave as many new District 8 streets by spring 2019 as Louisville Metro Government will pave by spring 2021!  (The two plans also include at least four whole “crossover” streets, which should allow me to redirect already-programmed city funding toward completing even more Louisville Water “partial” street paving projects.) 

There are four different lead service line replacement project areas in District 8: Bardstown Road; Glenmary Avenue; Hawthorne Avenue; and Windsor Place (see District 8 Projects map here).  Construction is complete in the Bardstown Rd and Hawthorne Ave areas.  Construction is underway and will continue for the remainder of the year in the Glenmary Ave and Windsor Pl areas.  Some of the paving is complete in the Bardstown area and – weather permitting – the remaining streets will be completed this fall.  Paving has not started in the other areas.  Some of the paving in the Hawthorne area should be completed this fall but some streets may be carried over to spring 2019.  Paving will not start in the Glenmary and Windsor areas until spring 2019.

The new streets to be paved in whole appear to be: Basset Ave; Bates Ct; Beaumont Rd; Beechwood Ave; Bellwood Ave; Byron Ave (Strathmoor Village); Dearing Ct; Dell Rd (Seneca Gardens); Dudley Ave; Edenside Ave; Glenmary Ave; Gresham Rd; Hawthorn Hill; Hill Rd; Hoock Ave; Kings Hwy (Kingsley); Mossrose Ave; Valley Rd; Windsor Pl; and Woodcreek Rd (Seneca Gardens). 

The “crossover” streets to be paved appear to be: Edgeland Ave; Fleming Rd; Hawthorne Ave; and Whiteway Ave.

Please refer to Louisville Water’s Street Paving Repair plans for the new streets to be paved in part; I will announce which “partial” streets are able to be paved whole using realized “crossover” savings at a later date.

Thank you for your patience during construction, and please enjoy your reward.

* * *

Over the Next Two Weeks

Despite all the new projects, there are no streets planned to be paved over the next two weeks.

There is only one new sidewalk repair project to announce: 2026 Alta Ave.

However, due to the weather, the sidewalks we expected to fix over the last two weeks have been delayed for repair until over the next two weeks instead: 1351 Bardstown Rd; 2013-2015 Baringer Ave; 1300 Cherokee Rd; 2058 Eastern Pkwy; 2421 and 2161 Glenmary Ave; 2400 Longest Ave; and 1400 Willow Ave.      

Scheduling information is subject to change. Please let us know if you observe any discrepancies in projects reported as completed.  Visit the District 8 Streets Information page here.  

District 8 Development Report: Sterling Sliver

In this space, we report on District 8 planning and zoning activity from the past two weeks and, also, preview activity scheduled for the next two weeks.  All information is as of today’s date. Please Subscribe & Stay Informed to receive Notification of Development Proposals via email or text and never miss the opportunity to participate in the development process. 

There will be no mini-warehouse at 1300 and 1306 Bardstown Road.  On September 17th, the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BOZA) declined to approve the applicant’s request for a conditional use permit.  I testified against the proposal; and you can watch video of my testimony here, from the 3:47:00 to 3:52:14 mark.  (The entire hearing runs from 2:29:44 to 4:55:00.)

This decision was crucial to keeping our goal alive in this convoluted case: namely, to secure a development plan for the site that is substantially similar to the Sterling beer brand project the city bargained for dating back to 2014 in the sale of these two historic properties.  In fact, now that all this mini-warehouse business is behind us, if I can help the developer to deliver on its end of the deal then I will.

Because the applicant has until October 17th to appeal BOZA’s decision to the Jefferson Circuit Court, I am rescheduling the Metro Council Government Oversight, Audit and Ethics Committee special discussion on this case from October 2nd to a later date still awaiting confirmation, out of an abundance of caution to preserve the land use final action. 

* * *

The comments on the proposed changes to the “Airbnb” Ordinance are in, and you can read all 31 pages of them here.  Many are very good.  Thank you, everyone, who submitted.

At tomorrow night’s (9/27) Metro Council meeting, I’ll be introducing a resolution requesting the Planning Commission to start its review of the ordinance and propose amendments thereto.  I expect both the Commission and the Council to complete our work on this subject by the end of the year.

Click here for the city’s Short Term Rental Information page.

* * *

A change in zoning application from C-2 Commercial to Planned Development (PD) District for the project proposed at Lexington Road and Grinstead Drive – “One Park” – has been formally filed (16ZONE1044).  The request will be heard at two or more public Planning Commission meetings, the dates for which have not been set but will likely be in the first quarter of 2019.  The full Planning Commission hearing will also almost certainly be held at night, near the site, given the public interest in the size and scope of the project.    

In rezoning cases, the Planning Commission functions almost like a trial court, recommending approval or denial to the Metro Council and establishing the record and decision the Council ultimately affirms or reverses.  Therefore, I recommend interested stakeholders to appear and speak at a Planning Commission hearing or submit written comments to Case Manager Julia Williams (Julia.Williams@louisvilleky.gov) at any time to get on record.  We will provide public meeting dates in this space as soon as they have been set.  

As I’ve previously written (here and here), because I performed work related to the subject property for the developer prior to my time in office, I am recusing myself from any debate or vote of the Metro Council on this matter in order to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. 

* * *

Over the Last Two Weeks

On September 12th, the Cherokee Triangle Architectural Review Committee (CT-ARC) of the Landmarks Commission approved an after-the-fact removal and replacement of historic wood windows on the sides and rear of a structure at 2424 Glenmary Ave.  18COA1189

On September 12th, the CT-ARC approved the demolition of an existing garage and the construction of a new carriage house at 2026 Midland Ave.  18COA1204

On September 12th, the CT-ARC approved the window replacement and construction of a new deck with wall screen at 2311 Longest Ave.  18COA1181

On September 17th, the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BOZA) declined to approve a conditional use permit to allow a mini-warehouse facility in a C-2 zoning district at 1300 and 1306 Bardstown Road.  18CUP1072

Over the Next Two Weeks

On October 1st at 1:00pm, BOZA will hold a public meeting to review a proposed conditional use permit (CUP) for a short-term rental in a UN zoning district at 1405 Morton Ave.  The meeting will be held at 514 W. Liberty St.  18CUP1084

On October 1st at 1:00pm, BOZA will hold a public meeting to review a variance request for a fence height increase at 2514 Kings Hwy.  The meeting will be held at 514 W. Liberty St.  18VARIANCE1072

On October 1st at 1:00pm, BOZA will hold a public meeting to review a variance request for an accessory structure to encroach into the required rear yard setback at 1900 Woodbourne Ave.  The meeting will be held at 514 W. Liberty St.  18VARIANCE1071

On October 1st at 6:00pm, a neighborhood meeting will be held to discuss a proposed CUP for a short-term rental in a non-primary residence at 2026 Baringer Ave.  The meeting will be held at 2026 Baringer Ave.  18CUP1111

Click here to view meeting agendas, download supporting documents and live-stream all planning and zoning public meetings. Visit the District 8 Development Information page here. 

District 8 Crime Report: Trouble Gnome More

The following Crime Report is adapted from the last two 5th Division Weekly Crime Updates (9/9/18 - 9/22/18) provided by Sgt. Stuart Hamilton.  Please note the linked maps cover the entire Fifth Division, not just District 8.   

The July 9th arrest of “gnome bandit” Barton E. Bishop (at a campground in Georgia), coupled with the District 8 summer “surge” in police overtime from July to August, has our crime rate back on track to be less than or equal to 2017 (which was down 17.7% over 2016).

From May 28th to his arrest, Bishop accounted for 61 reported thefts in District 8 (and 75 total in the 5th Division), including three in Beat 2, 23 in Beat 3 and 35 in Beat 4.  As a result, as of September 1st, Bishop has single-handedly pushed our crime rate 2.6% higher year-over-year.  Adjusted for Bishop, the rate is - 2.5%. 

For the surge this year, I authorized $9,000 in Neighborhood Development Funding for the cost of extra weekend late watch platoons (12:00 - 4:00am) in Beat 2.  Fifth Division Lieutenant Alejandro Cabrera’s report on the initiative is here.

Due to limited staffing, only 93 of 160 available overtime hours were accepted and worked, leaving us with a balance of $5,477.28, with which I plan to continue the program through at least the end of November (as funding allows).  Despite operating at less than full capacity, Lt. Cabrera judged the summer program impactful.  The extra law enforcement activities resulted in 35 total events: 13 field contacts; 10 traffic citations; six arrests; five parking citations; and one accident report – as well as increased visibility and crime prevention.  Statistics over the last three summers support this conclusion.  There were 131 “Part 1 Crimes” reported in Beat 2 this July/August; 141 were reported in 2017; and 216 were reported in 2016.  Part 1 Crimes means burglary, motor vehicle theft, larceny, aggravated assaults, robbery, rape and homicide.

* * *

The gnome bandit may have single-handedly swung the crime rate 5.1% this year but he’s got nothing on the folks who continue to fail to lock their homes and vehicles and take their valuables out of their cars.  A review of theft from automobiles, stolen vehicles and burglaries in the Highlands for the third quarter of 2018 shows that 39.5% of the crimes committed (45 of 114) were easy targets because the doors were left unlocked, keys were left inside or otherwise made available to thieves.  This is a significant percentage increase from the second quarter of 2018, where 34.1% of crimes committed (44 of 129) were the result of unlocked homes, businesses or vehicles.  Adjusted for the gnome bandit and unlocked crimes, the 2018 District 8 crime rate would be down 10.6% year-to-date as of September 15th.  Instead, it is up 3.2%.

* * *

Robbery – There were two reported robberies this reporting period.  As described by Sgt. Hamilton:

1) At 4:00am Saturday, September 15th, at 1101 Bardstown Road (Speedway), the victim had been drinking with subjects when they then began hitting him in the face and head until he lost consciousness.  Subjects then took victim’s wallet and car keys.

Suspect #1: B/M, dreads and dark clothing.

Suspect #2: B/M, short hair.

Suspect #3: Male, unknown race.

2) At 5:45am Tuesday, September 18th at 2440 Bardstown Road (Kroger), a shoplifting subject stopped by employee indicated that he had a gun and fled in a white Dodge Dakota.

Suspect: B/M, light complexion, thin build, beard and acne scars.

Burglary – There were five (5) reported burglaries this reporting period, a slight decrease from the last reporting period (7).  There was one in Beat 2 and four in Beat 3.  All were residential and by forced entry.  See maps here and here for more detail. 

Auto Theft – There were two (2) reported auto thefts this reporting period, a slight increase from the last reporting period (1).  One occurred in Beat 2 and one in Beat 3.  One was the result of an unlocked car and the other was by unknown means.  See maps here and here for more detail.

Theft from Automobile – There were 10 thefts from automobile this reporting period, a slight increase from the last reporting period (8).  There were four in Beat 2, one in Beat 3 and five in Beat 4.  Five of the vehicles were unlocked, four were by forced entry and one was by unknown means.  Please remember to lock your vehicles and take your valuables out of your car!  See maps here and here for more detail.

2018 District 8 “Unlocked” Crimes Tracker – 144/403 = 35.7%

Q3: 45/114= 39.5%

Q2: 44/129= 34.1%

Q1: 55/160= 34.4%

2018 over 2017 District 8 CompStat Data (Period 2018 37)

If you have any questions or want to discuss anything in these crime reports, please email LMPD 5th Division District Resource Officers at: 5thdivlmpd@louisvilleky.gov.  Visit the District 8 Crime Information page here.

District 8 Events Calendar: The Fortnight Ahead

This listing is primarily a District 8 business calendar.  We’ll also highlight annual and special events affecting traffic and street closures, and choice events that are free and open to the public.  We’ll use social media to promote many others.  For event location and other information, click here to visit District 8 Events online.

SEPTEMBER 26                       6:30pm             Upper Highlands Neighborhood Association Meeting

SEPTEMBER 27                       6:00pm             Metro Council Meeting

SEPTEMBER 27                       7:00pm             Tyler Park Neighborhood Association Meeting

SEPTEMBER 28                       1:00-4:00pm     Councilman Coan Satellite Office Hours at the                                                                                         Douglass Community Center (By appointment only)

OCTOBER 1                             1:00pm             BOZA Public Meeting 18CUP1084 1405 Morton Ave

                                                                            BOZA 18VARIANCE1072 2514 King Highway

                                                                            BOZA Public Meeting 18VARIANCE1071 1900                                                                                        Woodbourne Ave

OCTOBER 1                             6:00pm              Neighborhood Informational Meeting 18CUP1111                                                                                      2026 Baringer Ave

OCTOBER 1                             6:30pm             Seneca Vista Neighborhood Association Meeting

OCTOBER 3                             9:00am             LMPD 5th Division Coffee with a Cop

OCTOBER 3                             6:30pm             Highlands-Douglass Neighborhood Association                                                                                         Meeting

OCTOBER 4                             7:00pm             City of Kingsley Meeting

OCTOBER 5                            1:00-4:00pm     Councilman Coan Satellite Office Hours at the DCC                                                                                (By appointment only)

OCTOBER 6                           12:00-9:00pm    Street Closure: Halloween Parade

OCTOBER 8                            6:30pm             City of Strathmoor Village Meeting

OCTOBER 9                            7:00pm             Bonnycastle Homestead Association Meeting

OCTOBER 10                          7:00pm             Belknap Neighborhood Association Meeting

8 Shout-Outs: The Grateful 8th

This is a flexible space for giving thanks, saying hi to friends and having a little fun.

1. Shout-out to Heine Brothers’ Coffee and all the sponsors and individuals responsible for bringing New York City Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver to this year’s Breakfast for the Olmsted Parks!  Mr. Silver was the most impressive and inspiring urban government thinker I’ve had the privilege of listening to for quite some time!

2. Shout-out to one of District 8’s own parks – and platform tennis – champions, Kyle Bates!  Kyle has started a petition to bring hybrid paddle tennis and pickleball courts to Tyler Park as part of the master plan implementation calling for pickle.  I support Kyle’s petition, and you can, too, by clicking here. 

3. Shout-out and fare you well to Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Rolf Eisinger, who left us last week to head Denver’s Vision Zero traffic safety program!  Good luck to you and your family, Rolf, and don’t be a stranger, ya hear!?

4. Shout-out to my dear friend, LEO Weekly cover girl and head brewer at Against the Grain Amelia Pillow – as well as District 8 resident, co-owner and head brewer at Apocalypse Brew Works Leah Dienes and assistant brewer at Gordon-Biersch Maggie Bray – for representing women who brew everywhere!

5. Shout-out to new principal Dr. Tamela Copeland at District 8 favorite Hawthorne Elementary School!  Bienvenidos, and ¡ vamos Halcones! 

6. Shout-out to Nicole Fielder and the University of Louisville’s Student Government Association for inviting me to be part of your FancyVille panel again this year!  It is a great political forum and a lot of fun!

7. Shout-out to – and I hope I don’t jinx – the Tyler Park Jazz Festival’s final Sunday in September of the year, this weekend (9/30) starting at 4:00pm and featuring the UofL Big Band!

8. Finally, shout-out and happy belated birthday to all my fellow Virgos out there!

In Two Weeks: The Look Both Ways Edition

Thanks for reading, and tune back in two weeks!  

Councilman Brandon Coan   |   Louisville Metro Council   |   District 8

Facebook |  Twitter  |  Instagram | iTunes | Soundcloud  

601 West Jefferson Street, Third Floor

Louisville, Kentucky 40202

You are receiving this email because you have had communication with our office in the past. If you would like to be removed from our email list, please follow the Unsubscribe instructions below.  WARNING: Unsubscribing may result in bowling alone.