TARC introduced a new fare system this week, making riding public transit in the region easier than ever.

Riders tap their MyTARC cards onto the fare box on board each bus. The proper fare will be deducted automatically, and the card balance will be displayed on a fare box screen.

Riders can also view transactions, ridership history and add value or purchase passes after registering their card at mytarc.ridetarc.org

More information about the new system is at TARC’s website: https://www.ridetarc.org/fares/mytarc-fare-structure-and-faqs/

From Senior Nutrition: Volunteers are needed to deliver a hot lunchtime meal to seniors within our area, between 10 a.m. and noon. A weekly commitment of approximately two hours is desired.

We will train and supply equipment for your use, but you must provide your own transportation.

For more information, please contact Tiffany Woodson at 502-574-6420 or tiffany.woodson@louisvilleky.gov

Valentine’s Dinner and Candlelit Hike

February 14, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Avoid the Valentine's restaurant frenzy, and do something different with your date! Begin your night with a cozy catered dinner at LNC, and then take a hike on candlelit trail at your leisure. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for sounds of forest nightlife! We've seen and heard owls, coyote, deer, raccoons, possum, and fox in our forest. Be sure to dress warm so you can enjoy a nice romantic stroll. (We also welcome non-romantic dates, but this event is for adults only.) $50 per person, includes dinner, dessert, non-alcoholic beverages, and hike. $45/ person for members. Please make sure to let us know if you have any dietary restrictions! Call to register 458-1328. Must register by February 2. This will fill up fast, as space is limited! Please note: we will only cancel/refund in the event of severe weather--we hike outside all winter long.

Mayor Greg Fischer launched Lean Into Louisville, an unprecedented series of presentations, conversations, activities and art exhibits that will explore and confront the history and legacy of all forms of discrimination and inequality in the city and the country.

“Lean Into Louisville aligns with the work we’ve been doing from day one to create a city of equity and opportunity for everyone in Louisville,” said the Mayor. “It’s an important step forward for our city and it send a great message to the rest of the country and the world that Louisville is a city that understands the importance of learning from the past, living in the present and preparing for the future.”

The idea for the initiative was sparked by the clashes in Charlottesville, Va., August 2017 and the deep ignorance and lack of understanding of the nation’s history of discrimination and its ongoing impacts. In a letter to Louisville residents the next day, the Mayor wrote, “Let us use this moment to build on our progress and show the world how our city, with all of its beauty and imperfections, can be a peaceful model for making the union of our city and country a home for opportunity and justice for all.”

Though it is an evolving effort that will be enhanced and expanded throughout the years, Lean Into Louisville will have three major components:

• Learning opportunities: In partnership with the Louisville Free Public Library and the Louisville Human Relations Commission, Lean Into Louisville will offer opportunities for people to learn more about the historical mistreatment of residents based on gender, race, religion, age, gender identity or sexual orientation, disabilities, and nationality or immigration status, and how that history impacts our city and our country today.
• Talking circles: Lean Into Louisville will feature opportunities for small-group talking circles on these issues and their ongoing impacts, as well as ideas for ways that individuals and organizations can help create a more equitable city. Acknowledging these topics are sometimes difficult conversations, the talking circles will be moderated by trained professional facilitators.
• Public Art: Lean Into Louisville also will include a focus on arts experiences and investing in new artworks in public places that share untold stories from a diverse selection of artists that represents our values of today.

Mayor Greg Fischer announced Wednesday that the historic, long vacant warehouse at 1405 W. Broadway has been acquired by the Housing Partnership Inc. (HPI) to be redeveloped into a $34 million mixed-use development.

“This historic building has been a visible commercial marker of the Ninth Street divide and represented blight,” said the Mayor. “I commend HPI’s investment, which will bring this property back to the commercial vibrancy it once was for west Louisville and will attract additional investments along West Broadway.”

Originally built in 1922 as the National Candy Co. Frank A. Menne factory, this property is on the National Register of Historic Places and has sat vacant for the last 30 years. Its redevelopment is a catalytic step in the transformation of the West Broadway corridor.

Partners in the project include Louisville Metro Government and OneWest, a nonprofit community development organization focused on driving commercial development growth in west Louisville.

“This is prime example of a partnership in which the public and private sectors work together to develop an innovative project that will benefit the community,” said Andrew Hawes, president of HPI. “The restoration of this property will activate a key space along one of the most trafficked corridors in the city, and will hopefully serve as a catalyst for future commercial and residential investment.”

“We are pleased to have been approached by HPI to partner with them on the commercial development of this historically significant property,” said Evon Smith, president and CEO of OneWest. “This project is directly aligned with our five-year strategic plan and is what we heard, through our year-long community conversations, that many residents want.”

The purchase joins the nearly $1 billion in investment taking place in west Louisville by companies such as Passport Health Plan and YMCA, both building new facilities at 18^th Street and West Broadway.

The project partners will meet with west Louisville residents to gauge interest in types of reuse and to understand areas of concern. The dates for the community meetings have not yet been set.

Louisville Metro Government (LMG) is now accepting applications from local non-profits for programs or activities funded by the following U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants for LMG fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020).

HUD-Funded Grants:

1. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG),
2. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and
3. Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA).

These grants are administered locally by Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS). Grant activities are guided by a five-year Consolidated Plan as well as an annual Action Plan, both available online.

Resilience and Community Services’ FY20 Goals are:

1. End homelessness for vulnerable populations;
2. End homelessness for families; and
3. Serve homeless and low-income persons with HIV/AIDS

CDBG Public Service

Grant Period: July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020  Past Award Average: ~ $40,000. Activities that will be given preference during application review:

1. Increasing case management capacity focusing on transitioning homeless individuals into housing;
2. Connecting homeless families to housing and supportive services through outreach;
3. Increasing case management capacity focusing on self-sufficiency; and/or
4. Recruitment of residential property owners and managers to increase access to housing for families and individuals exiting homelessness.

ESG

Grant Period: July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020 Past Award Average: ~ $46,000 *Important Note*: ESG grants require a 100% match to awarded funds. Activities that will be given preference during application review:

1. Increasing the number of emergency shelter beds available;
2. Increasing case management capacity focusing on transitioning homeless individuals into housing;
3. Rapidly rehousing homeless individuals and families; and/or
4. Providing outreach to families to exit homelessness.

HOPWA

Grant Period: July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020  Past Award Average: ~ $180,000 *Important Note*: HOPWA funds may only be used for activities for persons with HIV/AIDS. Activities that will be given preference during application review:

1. Supportive services;
2. Rental assistance; and/or
3. Short-term payments to prevent homelessness.

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, February 8, 2019 by 5 pm.  

A public meeting for questions will be held at 701 W. Ormsby Ave, 1^st floor conference room (Edison Room) on Monday, January 14, 2019 from 2 - 4 p.m.

 To gain access to the applications, go to:

• For a CDBG application:             https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDBGFY20
• For an ESG application:               https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ESGFY20
• For a HOPWA application:          https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HOPWAFY20

 All sub-recipients will go through a competitive funding process.

• Applications will be reviewed by an initial external panel and recommendations will be presented to the Louisville Metro Council for approval.  
• Recommendations will be made for inclusion in the FY20 Louisville Metro budget.

Any groups representing persons of low and moderate incomes may request technical assistance from Louisville Metro to help in their preparation of an application for funding and/or refer to the Louisville Metro Office Resilience and Community Services HUD Subrecipient Grant Application Process Handbook. View the handbook here. 

Once sub-recipients and projects have been approved, Louisville Metro Government will review the list to determine if a technical correction of the information is needed or a substantial amendment is required.

Please submit all questions to Ethan Lambert, Grants Coordinator with the Office of Resilience and Community Services, at (502) 574-5375 or ethan.lambert@louisvilleky.gov.

The LIHEAP Crisis Component began January 7. 

This year’s Crisis Program once again features expanded eligibility allowing residents who received a utility bill with a past due amount to apply, in addition to continuing to serve those who received a disconnect notice.

Residents wishing to apply must make an appointment in advance utilizing the automated appointment system. The toll free service will opened up January 2 and will be available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.

Applicants must be Jefferson County residents with a household income at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (e.g. for a household of four, the gross monthly income cannot exceed $2,720). Read more details here. 

We receive complaints about signs that are illegally posted on poles and at intersections in the right-of-way: 

• "We Buy Houses"
• "Rent to Own"
• "Express Cash"
• "Junk Cars - Cash Paid"

Such signs create visual clutter and often become litter to the detriment of our roadways, sewers and environment.

If you walk by these signs or live somewhere where these signs are posted and may be removed safely, help clean up our community by taking them down and throwing them away. Or better yet, consider recycling the signs - search for "recycled yard sign projects" online for ideas. 

Sweet Layla is a shy kitten who spent her first few months of life roaming the Jeffersontown area. A good Samaritan brought her to the LMAS Shelter and she’s now ready for a forever home. Layla feels safe in quiet dark places, so it may take her some time to warm up to new people.  Layla is approximately four months old and she’s spayed, microchipped and current on vaccinations. You can adopt Layla by making a $150 donation to the Pay It Forward Program at Animal House Adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road, Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.  Questions about Layla? Send an email to animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov or call 502-473-PETS.

The training program (Tuesday evening lecture series) will explore ecological restoration, open spaces management, horticultural skills, volunteer leadership, Olmstedian design and Olmsted Park history. The fee is $50 but scholarships are available!

Click here to learn more and register for a free informational session on Tuesday, February 5 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Conservancy’s office at 1299 Trevilian Way. Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s mission is to restore, enhance and forever protect Louisville’s Olmsted-designed parks and parkways, connecting nature and neighborhood while strengthening the community’s well-being.

Teen programs at Highlands-Shelby Park Library include Homeschool Social Club, Monday Cram Session, Knitting Workshop and more. 

Programs for adults include Fiction Book Club, Nonfiction Book Club, Adult Coloring as Art, and more.

December Storytimes at Highlands-Shelby Park Library are: 

• Family Storytime                     Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
• Preschool Storytime                Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m.
• Baby Storytime                       Thursdays, 10:15 a.m.
• Toddler Storytime                   Thursdays, 11:15 a.m.

Who says homeschoolers don’t socialize? Not us. Homeschool teens and tweens will meet at the Highlands-Shelby Park Library Teen Outpost for games, activities, or just hanging out. Non-homeschooled teens are also welcome to join in the fun, every Thursday 3 to 5 p.m., for ages 12 to 17.

For details visit www.lfpl.org/events. To sign up, call 574-1672. The Library – at the crossroads of knowledge and know-how. Visit www.LFPL.org to learn more.

If you're renovating or remodeling, have a plan for disposing of the resulting debris. Construction and demolition debris in Louisville garbage and junk pickup collection is prohibited by ordinance. Collection crews have recently been reminded to enforce the ordinance consistently. 

Options for disposal of construction and demolition debris include taking it to the Waste Reduction Center on Meriwether Avenue. Fees are variable depending on volume. More information and a fee schedule are available here. Or consider hiring a hauling company or rent a dumpster. 

The new RecycleCoach app features notifications about garbage, recycling, bulk waste, and yard waste collection services. 

RecycleCoach will help Solid Waste Management Services communicate better by sending special messages such as bulk waste rule reminders or suspension of services for yard waste, etc.

The app also has a “what goes where” feature to allow a person to input a certain item to get information on disposal or recycling.  Download from the App Store or Google Play.

Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) will investigate and impose fines on anyone who comes into contact with an underground natural gas line while digging without having contacted 811 to have the lines located before digging.

Contact 811 (call 8-1-1 or submit an online locate request at 811.com) before you dig and make sure that anyone doing excavation on your behalf contacts 811 two working days before they start.

For more information, please visit lge-ku.com/safety/digging.

Some offices and VA hospitals offer a "Health Promotion Disease Prevention Program" that includes treatment methods including acupuncture, tai chi, and meditation instead of opioids, and they work with the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, Press 1) to provide support and treatment for PTSD and depression, the leading cause of suicide for veterans.

Additional references for VA material and assistance: www.vetcenter.va.gov or 1-877-WAR-VETS or (lifestyle changes for better health) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX9fLXrF4fA 

There is also a link for sexual trauma: https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/Military_Sexual_Trauma.asp

Eligibility criteria:

•    Must be owner occupied for at least one year.
•    Not available on rental property.
•    Must meet income guidelines (See intake staff) 
•    May receive assistance once in a five year period.
•    Louisville-Jefferson County only

Types of repairs:

• Furnace repair or replacement (October-April only)
  
• A/C unit- repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, available May-Sept. only)
• Electrical repairs/upgrades
• Water line repairs/replacement
• Sewer line repairs/replacement
• Water heater repair/replacement, gas or electric.
     gas line leaks

For further information contact Jackie Wilson-Rudy at 574-5850 or Jacqueline.Wilson-rudy@louisvilleky.gov.

If you wish to make a MetroCall 311 request, please use the following contacts. You'll receive a service request number that will help the District 10 office assist you.

 You can contact MetroCall 311:

 - Email metrocall@louisvilleky.gov

- Visit www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocall where you can

• chat live with Metrocall
• fill out an online form for a 311 service request
• download the free mobile 311 application

 - Tweet @LouMetro311

 - Call 3-1-1 or 502-574-5000

The carts normally cost $50, but Councilman Mulvihill has made them available for residents of District 10 for a reduced cost of $28. Please call 574-1110, email us for the form, or download a PDF. 

The reduced cost recycle carts will be available on a first come first served basis until the funds are depleted. This offer is available to urban service district residents.

Click here to sign up for the LENSAlert (Louisville Emergency Notification System). 

In addition to receiving notifications, individuals can create a Safety Profile for themselves and their household that can include any information they want 9-1-1 and first responders to have in the event of an emergency. When individuals make an emergency call, their Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker, allowing them to send the right responders to the right location with the right information.

Information about medical history, allergies to medication, number of residents in a home and even a picture of the family dog can all be added to a Safety Profile.