District 14 Enews | March 14, 2019

District 14 Councilwoman

Cindi Fowler

cindi.fowler@louisvilleky.gov

Legislative Assistant

Cindy Thieneman

cindy.thieneman@louisvilleky.gov

Administrative Clerk

Danielle Tackett

Danielle.tackett@louisvilleky.gov

Staff Assistant

Audrey Garrison
audrey.garrison@louisvilleky.gov

Office Locations:

City Hall

601 West Jefferson Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
(502) 574-1114

 

Southwest Government Center

7219 Dixie Highway
Louisville, Kentucky 40258
(502) 574-7988

 



*Click here to visit Councilwoman Fowler's website for even more information! 

 

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In This Edition...

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The staff of District 14 would like to wish our constituents a Happy St. Patrick's Day! We wish you good luck and don't forget to wear something green on March 17th!

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Riverview Park Re-Opened

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Riverview Park has re-opened after water levels have receded. The area is once again safe for those in the community to enjoy its beautiful green space.

Water levels have returned to normal, but the ground remains wet and soft. Please use caution when visiting as to not damage the property. Do not ride ATV's or other recreational vehicles as they will cause permanent vandalism.
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Free Tax Prep

VITA

My office is partnering with the Louisville Asset Building Coalition (LABC) to provide FREE tax preparation services again in 2019. The service is FREE if you earned $64,000 Ajdjusted Gross Income (AGI) or less in 2018 or if you qualify for the Earned income Tax Credit (EITC). For more information, visit www.labcservices.org. or call 211.

Free self-file options accessed through www.labcservices.org. In order to access self file, follow the link above and click on "Free Online Tax Filing". Then choose the product that best meets your needs. Prepare your return online from home, school, or work.This service is free for those with incomes of $64,000 or less. It is easy to use with free customer support by phone.

The IRS requires the following:

  • Picture ID and Social Security cards for everyone listed on the return
  • W2's and 1099's from your employers
  • Other 1099's for, interest, dividends, state tax refunds or other income
  • 1095 for health insurance
  • 1098 for education credit plus a detailed financial statement from the school
  • Bank account number and routing number for direct deposit
  • Childcare information including Provider ID and actual amount paid
  • Summarized list of other income/expenses for those who itemize or are self employed
  • Any additional tax information that may be required

Convenient VITA locations:

Sun Valley Community Center (6505 Bethany Ln)

  • Tu, Th: 10am - 7pm
  • W: 10am - 4pm
  • Sat: 9am - 1pm
  • Call (502) 305-0005 to schedule an appointment
  • Walk-ins welcome on Thurs. only

Americana Community Center (4801 Southside Dr)

  • Th: 5:30pm - 8:30pm
  • Sat: 9:00am - 3:00pm
  • Call (502) 366-7813 to schedule an appointment

Salt and Light Community Development (3025 Gerald Dr)

  • M, Tu: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
  • Call (502) 305-0005 to schedule an appointment
  • Walk-ins welcome 

AARP Tax Aide

AARP

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide helps low and moderate income taxpayers (moderate income is generally considered to be an income of less than $60,000), with special attention to those 60 and older. This is a free service provided at no cost to the taxpayer!

Sites are open from Feb 1 - Apr 15. For assistance at other times, contact your local IRS or State Revenue Department office.

Taxpayers are served on a first-come, first serve basis.  Exceptions may be made if the return requires the skills of a particular counselor and also for returns dealing with HSA elements. This service was originally intended to serve seniors as well as those with low-middle income.  The service is now available to anyone whose needs fall within the training and skills of the preparers.  Persons with complex returns and above average income levels would most likely benefit from the skills of a professional service.

**AARP membership is not required, this is a free community service provided through the auspices of the AARP Foundation and the IRS.**

Please note that sites will shut off their sign-in list when the expected maximum number of clients have been registered for that day. Early arrival is suggested. Also note that new returns cannot be started during the last hour scheduled for the site. Hours may vary and our site owners may occasionally need the facility for their own use.  Call 502-394-3443 to confirm site hours and find out if the registration list is filled for the day in question.

Convenient Locations:

Southwest Government Center: Tues & Thur 9am-1pm

Iroquois Branch Library: Tues & Fri 10am-2pm.


Tree Giveaway at the Louisville Zoo - March 16th

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Southwest Community Ministries - Lenten Luncheon March 20th

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Step Fest Competition - March 23rd

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Free Trees at JCTC - March 23rd

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LIHEAP Crisis: Through March 29th

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The LIHEAP Crisis Component began on Jan. 7th.
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 opened on January 2, 2019 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. Read more details here.


District 14 Junk Drop Off - March 30th

Junk drop Off

Councilwoman Fowler is once again offering a “Community Junk Drop-off” so that you can dispose of your junk at no cost! This is a great way to help keep our community clean by offering an alternative to paying for disposal.

The District 14 office receives calls frequently regarding mattresses and tires that have been illegally dumped in the area. If you have either of these bulk items or any other junk taking up space in your home, please take advantage of this convenient opportunity!

Items that are NOT accepted: 

  • Hazardous materials (refrigerant, paint, or chemicals)
  • Concrete
  • Bricks
  • Rocks
  • Construction materials
  • Batteries

Due to extremely large turnouts in past years, the location of the Drop-Off has been restructured. The event will be held at the Sun Valley Community Center Ball Fields. Vehicles dropping off will enter through Lower River Rd. and exit onto Ashby Lane once they have finished unloading.

WHERE: Sun Valley Community Center: Ball Fields

WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 2019; 10:00am - 2:00pm


Kentucky ID Change

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*The roll out for Kentucky's new drivers licenses has been delayed.


Officials say they have not set a new launch date, but it could be anytime from late April to June. Kentucky is overhauling its driver's licenses to comply with a U.S. law meant to make documents more secure.

Click here for more information! https://drive.ky.gov/ConfidentKY/Pages/default.aspx


Spring Break Art Camp - April 1st

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Rescheduled Mary M. Miller Riverboat Cruise - April 14th

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The rescheduled Mary M. Miller riverboat cruise is coming up soon! Due to dangerous weather conditions, the original date was cancelled and moved to Sunday, April 14th in order to give enough time for water levels to return to normal.
There will be two cruise departure times, 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Boarding will begin 30 minutes prior to each of these scheduled times. Limited seating will be available the day of the cruises. You can reserve a seat by visiting Southwest Community Ministries and giving a $5 suggested minimum donation.

When: Sunday, April 14th 1:30 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
Where: Riverview Park, 8202 Greenwood Rd.

All reserved seats on the previously cancelled cruise date will be honored April 14th. If you have any questions, please call the District 12 office (502) 574-1112 or Southwest Community Ministries (502) 935-0310.


2019 Buy Local Fair - Booth Registration

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It's time to sign up for a booth at the 2019 Buy Local Fair!
Help us make it local, even cooler, and that good kind of weird.
They are now accepting booth registrations for the 2019 Buy Local Fair. You can help create the best gathering of our wonderful local Louisville community. With an estimated attendance of over 6000 people, you will be part of something big. Booth space is limited so sign-up today.

When: Sunday, May 19th; 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: Louisville Water Tower Park
Make it a good one, register today!


Pet Owner Reminders

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I receive frequent complaints about irresponsible pet owners, especially ones who allow their animals to run off leash or who don’t clean up as they walk their dogs. Here’s a reminder about Louisville laws. Please keep our neighborhoods safe and clean, and follow them.

91.002 RESTRAINT REQUIRED
All animals, excluding community cats, shall be kept under restraint at all times, as defined in this chapter, except as otherwise provided herein, and any deviation or violation thereof is strictly prohibited.

91.010 SANITARY DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL FECES REQUIRED.
It shall be unlawful for any owner or person in charge of a domestic animal or other four-footed mammal, poultry or other fowl to permit such animal to be on school grounds, metro parks or other public property, or on any private property other than that of the owner or person in charge or control of such animal without the permission of the owner of said property, or on any streets, sidewalks, highways, or rights-of-way of the Metro Government other than duly designated bridle paths, unless the owner or person in charge of such animals:
Has, in his or her possession, a suitable device for the picking up, collection and proper sanitary disposal of the animal feces or manure.
Immediately removes all feces deposited by such animal(s) and disposes of same in a sanitary manner.


MSD Flood Safety Advisory

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Louisville has been experiencing high levels of rainfall over the past couple of days. Please be safe by avoiding standing and moving water. If you notice that grates are clogged or there is slow draining water, please call MSD customer relations at 502-540-6000. The call volume is heavy right now, but they will systematically work through to answer and provide responses.

As the Ohio River waters rise, MSD is taking steps to protect Louisville Metro from flooding. River levels are projected to continue to rise today and tomorrow with a crest of 28.4-feet on the Upper Pool, and 60.5-feet on the Lower Pool by Friday. Then the river is expected to slowly recede. However, upstream gauge readings indicate the river will trend down for a couple of days, then it is projected to rise. At this time, MSD does not anticipate the need to install any floodwall roadway closures. This could change next week if river levels increase. Currently, MSD has 12 of their 16 Flood Pumping Stations in service, with three more in service later today or early tomorrow. Please use caution around areas that are experiencing flooding


Farnsley-Moreman Garden Plots for Rent

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RADON Test Kits Available

Radon is the silent killer lurking inside homes and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the country. The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness is offering free radon test kits while the supply lasts.

You can request a kit by calling 574-6650.

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Apply Online & Join the Census Team

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Volunteer Opportunities

Just serve

JustServe.org is a free volunteer website dedicated to bringing communities together through volunteerism. Non-profits can post the need for volunteers and those in our community can go to the website and see all the opportunities to volunteer. Because the website is self-funded, they never ask for donations to maintain the website, they never sell advertising and they never sell any information. All those connected with JustServe.org are volunteers and there is no paid staff. The website is zip code driven, easy to use and 100% free.

If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, this is a perfect place to start looking! There are plenty of organizations to chose from that are conveniently located in your area.


Cleanup Our Community - Throw Away Illegal Lawn Signs

Throw Away Signs

We all see the signs cluttering our major road ways stating:

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


These signs are regularly and illegally posted on telephone poles and in the right-of-way of businesses and busy intersections. These signs clutter our streets and eventually fall down and litter our roadways, sewers and environment. If you walk by these signs or live somewhere where these signs are posted, help clean up our community by taking them down and throwing them away


Dixie Hwy Update

US 31W (Dixie Highway):
At Dixie Highway and Lower Hunters Trace, the new sidewalks are wider – making it easier for people to walk two-by-two, or to push a stroller or wheelchair, without feeling too close to traffic.

This summer, you will begin seeing new bus stops taking shape along the length of The New Dixie Highway Project as we prepare for RAPID, the region’s first Bus Rapid Transit System. Benches, shelters and other amenities will be included at regular intervals to better serve TARC passengers along Dixie Highway.

Ensuring that bus riders have safe, comfortable places to wait away from traffic not only improves the riding experience for passengers, but ensures that drivers are able to maintain an efficient traffic flow as well.
Lane closures and delays possible at Burnett Avenue (mile marker 18.3) due to installation of a micro-trench for conduit and fiber optic cables. Right lane will be closed daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. This process will take several weeks to complete as crews progress north to West Broadway.

Lane closures and sidewalk closures in place between Blanton Lane and Crums Lane (mile markers 12.5 to 15.3) due to construction for access management and bus rapid transit lines. Roadway is reduced to two lanes northbound between Upper Hunters Trace and Heaton Road. Roadway is reduced to two lanes on southbound Dixie Highway between Blanton Lane and Upper Hunters Trace. Roadway is reduced to one lane southbound and two lanes northbound between Herbert Avenue and Crums Lane.
In these areas where the lane closures are in place, the sidewalks are closed on the side where the roadwork is taking place. Pedestrians need to cross Dixie Highway at a signalized intersection and use the sidewalk on the other side of the road instead of walking through the construction work.


https://www.TheNewDixieHighway.com


Dixie Hwy Traffic Lights - Kentucky Transportation Update

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Work began on the Dixie Highway traffic signals between Greenwood Road and Moorman Road on March 11th. The crews will install the detection and activate the signal. They will return at a later date to install the pedestrian signals.

Work will begin at the Moorman Road intersection and will progress north to Greenwood Road. Each intersection will be completed before moving to the next intersection. The new Dixie Highway traffic signals will operate on an auto detection loop system. Currently, Dixie Highway traffic lights are on a timed system. The new loops being installed will improve traffic flow by detecting vehicles at intersections. These loops will be installed at each intersection south of Greenwood Road. All sawing and loop instillation will be done at night. Louisville Metro and KYTC staff will be on sight to ensure traffic signals function properly. New traffic signals will be utilized after loop installation.


District 14 Metro Public Works Updates

Construction Ahead

6801 Fincastle Trl. - Eagle Lawn Care LLC has been issued Permit Number 19RW2182 to close a road in order to end work shift connection. Permit is valid from March 15th to March 22nd.

11416 Flowervale Ln. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1753 to close a driving lane and sidewalk in order to reconduct overhead wiring. Permit is valid from February 19th to March 19th.

11516 Deering Rd. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1755 to close a driving lane in order to reconduct overhead wiring. permit is valid from February 19th to March 19th.

5609 Bunning Dr. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1754 to close a driving lane and sidewalk in order to reconduct overhead wiring. Permit is valid from February 19th to March 19th.

7206 Johnsontown Rd. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1745 to close a driving lane in order to replace overhead equipment. Permit is valid from February 15th to March 15th.

5808 Johnsontown Rd. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1751 to close a driving lane in order to replace overhead equipment. Permit is valid from February 15th to March 15th.

9225 Chenault Rd. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1744 to close a driving lane and sidewalk in order to replace overhead equipment. Permit is valid from February 15th to March 15th.

6605 W. Orell Rd. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1928 to close a driving lane in order to install a gas main. Permit is valid from February 25th to March 25th.

12500 Old Dixie Hwy - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1929 to close a driving lane in order to install a gas main. Permit is valid from February 25th to March 25th.

8100 Poinsettia Dr. -LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1750 to close a driving lane in order to replace overhead electrical equipment. Permit is valid from February 15th to March 15th.

5610 Morning Glory Ln. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1747 to close a driving lane in order to replace overhead electrical equipment. Permit is valid from February 15th to March 15th.

5901 Jessamine Ln. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1748 to close a driving lane in order to replace overhead electrical equipment. Permit is valid from February 15th to March 15th.

10910 Stonestreet Rd. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1932 to close one lane in order to install gas main. Permit is valid from February 25th to March 25th.


Help Give Hope to the Homeless

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As the weather gets colder, it becomes increasingly dangerous for those who are homeless. Several constituents have reached out wanting to help, but don't know the best way to do so.
There are many outreach organizations who are checking on homeless individuals and distributing needed supplies. If you can, please consider donating the following items:
- Coats
- Socks
- Hats
- Blankets
Check out the Coalition for the Homeless’ website to see some of the member agencies that are working to provide these supplies to those who need it most.


Winter Driving Tips

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Safe roadways are a shared responsibility, especially during inclement weather when risks increase. KYTC encourages motorists to prepare for winter and remain safe by following these tips:
Tips prepared by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
-Stock vehicles with ice scrapers, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, cell phone charger, non-perishable snacks and first aid kit.
-Winterize vehicles. Have your car battery, tire pressure and brakes checked. Make sure your heater, defroster, headlights and windshield wipers are working properly.
-When snow and/or ice are on roadways, drive slowly no matter what type of vehicle you’re in. It takes more time and distance to stop your vehicle in adverse weather conditions, so break early and slowly.
-Pay attention to weather advisories. Weather will impact your commute on some level.
-Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shaded areas. -These are all candidates for developing black ice—a thin coating of clear ice that can form on the pavement surface that may be difficult to see.
-Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment. Do not pass snowplows on the shoulder.
-Allow more time to travel for routine commutes.
-Know before you go. Download the free Waze app or visit goky.ky.gov to check traffic conditions before you travel.
Get the latest alerts @LouPubWorks and @KYTC


SLOW DOWN

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I get calls every week about speeding on our D14 streets - and with good reason. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that most people who are speeding through residential areas actually live in the neighborhood! You might be eager to come home after work, but that’s no excuse if a child is hit and injured. Quite literally, speed kills: If you hit a pedestrian at 20 mph, 5% will die. If you hit a pedestrian at 30 mph, 45% will die. At 40 mph, 85% will die. 

Driver behavior is crucial to safety in residential neighborhoods.  When you’re driving, go slow enough to see and respond to every new circumstance. Look under parked cars, and you may see children’s feet from the sidewalk, though you can’t see them otherwise. If it’s dark, take another 10 mph off your speed, just in case. In short, take every precaution necessary to avoid bringing tragedy to your own neighborhood.

Please use good judgment when you are driving and remember that, in most cases, traffic behind you will be forced to slow down if you do.


Meals on Wheels Volunteer Opportunity

Meals on Wheels

Interested in Volunteering?

Do you have time to participate in Meals on Wheels?

Southwest Community Ministries is looking for kindhearted, friendly people to deliver meals to home-bound seniors in the 40272 and 40258 zip codes.

Delivery takes about an hour weekly. There is a route on Tuesdays that departs from Sun Valley Community Center (10:00 am) or a route on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays route departing from St. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital in the afternoon (3:30).

If you want to make a difference in a senior's life please contact Jessica Burnett 502-935-0310 ext. 244. 


New Way to Report Illegal Dumpers

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We all know that illegal dumping--putting waste on property that is not licensed as a disposal facility--is an eyesore that is expensive to clean up, diminishes quality of life, discourages economic development and even sends plastic debris into our waterways.

That's why people caught dumping along our city's alleys, sidewalks, fields and roadsides are subject to fines and impoundment of any vehicle used in the dumping. That's where citizens can help with the problem. If you witness illegal dumping while it's happening, report it.

We've developed a new online form you can use to tell us where it happened, describe the vehicle(s) involved, preferably with license plate number(s), and even upload pictures. Of course you can always call Metro Call 311 or 574-5000. For more information about illegal dumping, including a link to the reporting form, visit our illegal dumping webpage.

 


Metro Arts Community Center

Bowman Aviation Festival Flyer
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We are excited to announce the Metro Arts Community Center is now open! The building recently received a colorful new window wrap, and new programs and classes will be coming to the site, which is now known as the Metro Arts Community Center.Visit the website to view open hours, and try to solve our interact jigsaw puzzle based on Hannah Thompson's artwork!

https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/metro-arts-center

Spring Break Art Camp

  • April 1st - 5th; 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. OR 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • Ages 7 - 12
  • Offers a fun, varied curriculum that teaches campers the fundamentals of creative expression. Art-centric learning and making is enlivened by the whimsy characteristic of LVA camps, which ensures that each camper has a unique experience.
  • Two snacks included but campers are responsible for bringing their own lunch and water bottle. 
  • Activities include: pottery, mosaics, upcycled material sculptures, drawing, and more
  • To register, click here.

Jefferson Memorial Forest

Check out the Jefferson Memorial Forest website for fun events!

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Southwest Library Upcoming Events

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Movie Screening & Book Discussion: Never Ending Story

  • March 16th; 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Journey to the land of Fantastica, and join us for a screening of "The Never Ending Story" (1984 Rated: PG). We will have snacks, activities, and a craft. After the film, there will be a special book discussion on the novel by Michael Ende. Copies of the book will be available for checkout at the branch.

Healthy Choices 

  • March 20th; 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is offering a series of nutrition classes. The March Lesson is: Reading Labels - Increase use of the "Nutrition Facts" on the food label to make food choices.

Preschool Jamboree

  • March 23rd; 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Enjoy the free farm fun with tractors, a corn pit, and live animals—including a miniature cow—from the Honey Hill Farm’s mobile petting zoo. This free event also features a musical performance by bluegrass youth band Kentucky Borderline, along with storytelling, hands-on activity stations, and child-friendly crafts. Patrons young and old can stop by and see representatives from KET and other educational organizations, and get their picture taken with the pig from If You Give a Pig a Pancake. Every child attending will also receive a free book to take home, courtesy of the Jefferson County Community Early Childhood Council.

Click the link below to be directed to more Southwest Library events located on Dixie Highway!

http://www.lfpl.org/events/


Got Junk? Don't Forget FREE Resident Junk Drop Off

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The Louisville Metro Waste Reduction Center at (636 Meriwether Avenue) provides a means for all Louisville/Jefferson County residents to properly dispose of tires and household bulk waste including metals, appliances, electronics, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, unbagged yard waste, construction debris and furniture. 

*Up to three household junk items may be dropped off at no charge per day. If there are more than three items a fee will be charged according to the schedule below.

https://louisvilleky.gov/sites/default/files/public_works/pdf_files/wrc_prices_2-1-16.pdf

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5 :00p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 


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Have a community event or information you want to share? Reach out to all of District 14 through this eNewsletter!

Please email cindy.thieneman@louisvilleky.gov or call (502) 574-1114 and please provide as much information about your event as possible with a picture, flyer, or any other enticing visual. Be sure that the event is open to the public and we would be happy to advertise it in the District 14 weekly eNewsletter.


Visit our website!

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Click the link to find information about District 14 and other city services.

www.louisvilleky.gov/district14


"Like" us on Facebook!

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Stay connected on Facebook with Councilwoman Fowler, getting up to date information for District 14 and Southwest Louisville.

www.facebook.com/councilwomancindifowler


LMPD Crime Map Tool

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Want to know where crime is happening in your neighborhood? Use LMPD's Crime Mapping Tool to find out here.