District 8 Streets Report: Slow Down Johnny

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

The Louisville Metro Public Works, Engineering Division and I have recently completed initial traffic demand and crash history studies and determined that Longest and Patterson Avenues at Cherokee Road no longer meet the warrants needed to justify the continued operation of a traffic signal and, therefore, consideration should be given to removing these signals and replacing them with all-way stops or other alternative traffic control devices.

It is possible that a signalized intersection that doesn’t currently meet any of the warrants will meet at least one warrant after the signal is removed due to increases in crashes, delays, or changes in traffic patterns or demands, however. Therefore, removal of a signal requires not only studies and analyses but engineering judgment (theirs, not mine), as well.

Due to the expense associated with the removal (and possible reinstallation) of a traffic signal, the Engineering Division recommends a trial period prior to formally recommending the removal of any traffic signal.  So, beginning April 15th and ending in July, the following steps will be taken:

• We will inform the public of the removal study through public outreach (like this) and by installing informational signs with the legend NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN AHEAD at the signalized locations in positions where they are visible to road users on all approaches;
• We will place the traffic signals in flashing red operation reflecting multiway stop control and deploy temporary stop signs;
• If, after an extended period of flashing operation (at least 90 days), intersection operation and safety are acceptable, the signals may be deactivated; and
• If the engineering data collected during the removal study period confirms that the signals are no longer needed, they may then be removed.

This initiative aligns with our strategic objective to slow down speeding through neighborhood streets.  We are in the process of creating a Special Project page where you can view primary documents and get more information.             

* * *

Residential street cleaning season is upon us and there is a good chance you will get a parking ticket.  Yes, you.

That’s because nearly 30,000 people live in District 8 and only 803 residents (less than 3%) have signed up for street sweeping alerts, according to Supervisor for the Street Sweeping Unit, Mr. Gregory Mack.  Almost 5,000 people receive District 8 eNews, however, so together we can close the gap right here and now.  Literally, it takes less than a minute:

Click here, enter your address in the MyLouisville box, click “Street Sweeping Reminders” and enter the required fields.  That's it.

There is no parking between the hours of 7:00am and 5:00pm on sweeping day, and street cleaning signs are posted as few as 14 hours before sweeping occurs, due to weather conditions.  By contrast, email and text subscribers are alerted one week in advance that street sweeping is scheduled for their general area and a second alert goes out the day before to tell residents that their particular block is to be swept.  Now, that’s what I call notice.

Here, too, is the 2019 Street Cleaning Schedule –  but you’ll need this map to fully decipher it.  All District 8 addresses are located in Street Sweeping Areas 7, 8, 10 or 12.  As you can see, Germantown and part of the Original Highlands are scheduled to be swept next week.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

* * *

One positive from last Thursday’s (3/21) Metro Council meeting was the swift passage of the bond ordinance funding previously approved FY19 capital projects, including routine street maintenance.  (You’ll recall that I was slightly miffed at the delay earlier this month.)  That means construction season is back in full force* in District 8 (except on “Google Fiber” streets, which will join the party soon – I’ll elaborate next time).

Streets that haven’t been paved in decades are getting smooth new surfaces (I’m looking at you, Hawthorne Avenue); the Louisville Water Company work we suffered through last year is proving to be a paving bonanza for us this year; and other important bike/ped safety fixes are finally set for delivery.  I mentioned Castlewood and Winter Avenues last time but there are others, such as the installation of a full pedestrian crossing, traffic signal modifications – including a new flashing yellow left turn arrow – and driver safety signs on Grinstead Drive at Cherokee Parkway.

It is too early to tell what the future holds for capital improvements in the FY20 budget and beyond but the work we’ve put in FY19 will take us far.  

Over the Next Two Weeks

Louisville Water Company final restoration paving projects are expected to be completed on the following streets:

Bon Air Ave, Byron Ave, Curran Rd, Dartmouth Ave, Dorothy Ave, Doup Ave, Eastview Ave, Emerson Ave, Gladstone Ave, Grinstead Ave, Kaelin Ave, Kenilworth Pl, Montrose Ave, Strathmoor Blvd, Taylorsville Rd, Tyler Ln, Weber Ave, Wetstein Ave and Whittier Ave. 

Current mood.

Visit the District 8 Streets Information page here.  Scheduling information is weather dependent and subject to change. Please let us know if you observe any discrepancies in projects reporting.

District 8 Development Report: Alphabet Soup

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. 

Over the Last Two Weeks

On March 18th, the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BOZA): (1) overturned an administrative decision revoking a short term rental registration at 1274 Everett Ave. (19APPEAL1001); (2) approved a request for a conditional use permit (CUP) for an accessory apartment at 1812 Deerwood Ave. (18CUP1145); (3) approved a request for a CUP for a short term rental that is not the primary residence of the host at 1608 Eastern Pkwy. (18CUP1115); (4) continued to April 1st a request for a variance to exceed the maximum setback on a corner lot and a waiver to allow parking in front of a structure in the Traditional Marketplace Corridor Form District at 1250 E. Broadway (19VARIANCE1003); and (5) approved a request for a CUP for short term rental of a dwelling unit not the primary residence of the host at 1850 Sherwood Ave.  18CUP1175

On March 20th, the Development Review Committee approved a request for a landscape buffer area reduction at 2919 Bardstown Rd.  18WAIVER1046

On March 26th, the Bardstown Road/Baxter Avenue Review Overlay District approved a request for a patio and balcony addition at 1117 Bardstown Rd.  19BROD2001

Over the Next Two Weeks

On March 27th at 4:30pm, the Cherokee Triangle Architectural Review Committee will hold a public meeting to review a request for after-the-fact approval for the replacement of historic wood windows with new vinyl windows on the sides and rear at 1014 Everett Ave. 19COA1026  The meeting will be held at 444 S. 5th St., 3rd Fl.

On March 28th at 1:00pm, the Land Development and Transportation Committee will hold a public meeting to review a request to close the alley adjacent to 2919 Bardstown Rd and Lancashire Ave.  18STREETS1030  The meeting will be held at 514 W. Liberty St.

On April 1st at 1:00pm, BOZA will hold a public hearing to review: (1) a request for a variance of a side yard setback for a first and second story addition to an existing residence at 1846 Harvard Dr. (19VARIANCE1014); (2) a continued request for a variance to exceed the maximum setback on a corner lot and a waiver to allow parking in front of a structure in the Traditional Marketplace Corridor Form District at 1250 E. Broadway (19VARIANCE1003); and (3) a request for a CUP to allow an accessory apartment in a freestanding structure at 1722 Fernwood Ave. 18CUP1165  The meeting will be held at 514 W. Liberty St.

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: Come to Hondro Moment

The following Crime Report is adapted from the last two 5th Division Weekly Crime Updates (3/10/19 - 3/23/19) provided by Sgt. Stuart Hamilton. Please note the linked maps cover the entire Fifth Division, not just District 8 (Beats 2, 3 and 4).  

Without naming names – although you’re free to speculate – one or more drinking establishments located in our fine district is failing to operate responsibly, which is going to carry consequences with it.  The Louisville Metro Police Department, Alcoholic Beverage Control and I have staged individual interventions with multiple bar owners teetering on the edge over the past two-plus years, usually with good results.  However, nobody bats 1,000.  That’s why in early April we’re holding a meeting of all Highlands bar owners to reset expectations and be clear about the future of our late-night economy.  The vast majority of operators on the Highlands bar scene are good apples but a few bad ones can ruin the bunch.  Fifth Division Zone B Lieutenant Alejandro Cabrera will preside.     

* * *

This is a public service announcement: Belknap neighborhood pocket playground Hal Warheim Park has seen a troubling increase in the number of young adults illegally, brazenly and disrespectfully “partaking” in afterschool activities, which will no longer be tolerated by LMPD, effective immediately.  Parents, please advise your teenagers accordingly.  We are not on Snapchat.  Thank you.

* * *

Burglary – There were five burglaries this reporting period, an increase from the last reporting period (3).  There were two in Beat 2, two in Beat 3 and one in Beat 4.  All were residential.  Three were by unknown means, one was unlocked and one was by force.  See maps here and here for more detail.

Auto Theft – There were four auto thefts this reporting period, an increase from the last reporting period (2).  There were two in Beat 2 and two in Beat 3.  All four were by unknown means.  See maps here and here for more detail.

Theft from Automobile – There were seven thefts from automobile this reporting period, an increase from the last reporting period (3).  There were two in Beat 2, three in Beat 3 and two in Beat 4.  One of the vehicles was unlocked, two were by forced entry and four were 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.

2019 District 8 “Unlocked” Crimes Tracker

Q1: 32/93 = 34.4%

2018: 206/581 = 35.5%

2019 over 2018 District 8 CompStat Data (Period 2019 11)

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.

MARCH 27       4:30pm                         Architectural Review Committee Public Meeting 19COA1026                                                                  1014 Everett Ave

MARCH 28       1:00pm                         Land Development and Transportation Committee Public                                                                        Meeting 18STREETS1030 2919 Bardstown Rd

MARCH 28       7:00pm                         Tyler Park Neighborhood Association Meeting

MARCH 29       1:00 - 4:00pm               Councilman Coan Satellite Office Hours at the Douglass                                                                           Community Center (DCC) (By appointment only)

APRIL 1            1:00pm                         Board of Zoning Adjustment Public Hearing                                                                                              19VARIANCE1014 1846 Harvard Dr

                         1:00pm                         BOZA Public Hearing 19VARIANCE1003 1250 E Broadway

                         1:00pm                         BOZA Public Hearing 18CUP1165 1722 Fernwood Ave

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

APRIL 4            7:00pm                         City of Kingsley Meeting

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

APRIL 8            6:30pm                         City of Strathmoor Village Meeting

APRIL 9            7:00pm                         Bonnycastle Homestead Association Meeting

APRIL 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 District 8 resident and Meals on Wheels volunteer Gail Rooney for letting me tag along on her delivery route last week!  “Meals” might just be the most important program available to aging and disabled citizens in our community and it is almost entirely volunteer driven by kind and generous people like Gail.  For more information, to refer a client, volunteer or donate to the city’s Senior Nutrition Program, click here.
2. Shout-out to CDS Demolition for donating 120 seats from the old Cardinal Stadium to the city so that my urbanist-nerd friends and I can turn them into bus stops! 
3. Shout-out to State Senator Morgan McGarvey for pushing the boulder up the hill in Frankfort for us again this year and giving us the penultimate edition of Recap of the Legislative Week (3/15)!
4. Shout-out to District 8 residents and safe and clean streets advocates Jackie Cobb and Jim Dailey for inspiring our new traffic light designalization and street sweeping initiatives, respectively! 
5. Shout-out to LEO Weekly and journalist Mark R. Long for reporting on the indescribably awesome plan to transform Beargrass Creek into the transportation, recreation and ecological corridor this city – and the creek – deserves!  Read the article now and see the proposal at the 27th annual Congress for the New Urbanism here in June (or online shortly thereafter). 
6. Shout-out to my new colleague Councilwoman Nicole George (D-21) for demonstrating to anyone paying attention that less is indeed more: self-less, fear-less and limit-less!  District 21 deserves it!
7. Shout-out to the District 8 Advisory Board for modelling how an informed citizenry works!  Which reminds me: someone left a pitchfork at our meeting Monday; we’ll mail it to you.
8. Finally, shout-out and hallelujah for a five-year contract extension for Teddy Abrams to lead our Louisville Orchestra!  To me, Teddy personifies what is right in Louisville and the cure for what is wrong!  (Hat tip to Bill Clinton.)

In Two Weeks: The Best and Brightest 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.