District 7 E-Newsletter

Councilwoman Paula McCraney 601 W. Jefferson Street (502) 574-1107
P McCraney Pic

Councilwoman 

Paula McCraney
601 W. Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1107


Email Councilwoman McCraney


Janet Golden-Lewis

Staff Helper

(502) 574-2285

 

Links

Visit the District 7 Website


Phone Numbers
of Interest

Air Pollution: 574-6000

Animal Services: 363-6609
or 361-1318

Anonymous Tipline:
574-LMPD (5673)

Brightside: 574-2613

Jefferson County Clerk's Office: 574-5700

Legal Aid: 584-1254

Metro Call: 311 or 574-5000

Metro Parks: 456-8100

Metro Police: (Non Emergency) 574-7111 or 574-2111

Metro Safe: 572-3460
or 574-7111

MSD: 587-0603

PARC: 569-6222

Poison Control: 589-8222

Public Works: 574-5810

Solid Waste Management (SWMS): 574-3571

TARC: 585-1234

Veteran's Affairs: 595-4447

MLK Day Signage
Offce Closed Sign

In this Issue...


Message From McCraney


Happy New Year

Here I go, wishing you a Happy New Year - again...

Are you still greeting people with the phrase, 'Happy New Year'? Someone recently told me that she is annoyed by the greeting after the first week of the new year. So, here's my random thought (and question) of the week:  When should we stop saying 'Happy New Year' to people?

According to party and wedding etiquette expert Lisa Forde, director of Tree of Hearts, "Greetings are incredibly psychological and have underlying tones to them. Wishing someone Happy New Year or Merry Christmas can be a positive greeting but it does have a say by date." 

‘Wishing someone Happy New Year after a week into January can be unwanted and insincere." In fact, Ms. Forde argues that the well intended greeting could even have a negative effect on the person you are saying it to. "People want to settle into the new year as quickly as possible without being reminded that it is a new year, or that new year’s celebrations and Christmas are over. This can be depressing, and can often feel they happened months ago, and being reminded won’t be appreciated. It can also prevent both the person greeting and the person being greeted from moving forward and embracing the new year."

Ms. Forde goes on to say, "Greeting people with 'Happy New Year' late into January subconsciously can hold you back and stop you from planning for the year ahead, halting development both personally and professionally. There’s a reason people who plan wisely for the new year are more prosperous and successful, and usually these are the individuals who stop New Year’s greetings a couple of days into January, once they have wished it to their nearest and dearest." 

Also, Lisa explains it isn’t rude to stop the greeting only a few days after January 1. "You wouldn’t wish someone ‘Happy New Year’ if you don’t see them until March, so there’s no need to continue throughout January. ‘You wouldn’t say Happy Birthday after the event, and the same goes for Christmas and New Year."

So, there you have it, at least according to Lisa Forde.  But, what do you think about the issue? Do you agree with Lisa? Her logic seems reasonable. How about this, you should do whatever makes you happy. If you want to say 'Happy New Year' until the cows come home, that would be just fine with me. LOOSEN UP, Lisa; there's bigger fish to fry. Anyway, I cry foul on your conclusions because, I believe in 'live and let live', and 'to each its own'. In other words, my suggestion to everyone is, when it comes to 'Happy New Year' greetings --- (colloquially speaking) --- Do you, Boo! 

Happy Everything


Upcoming Events

SAVE THE DATES! MEET YOUR LEGISLATOR

Cafe Louie Schedule

Café LOUIE creates an opportunity for citizens to connect with their elected local and state representatives. These events take place at various libraries throughout the community from 9:00-10:00 a.m. each Saturday from January 11 through March 21. Elected officials are given a few minutes to offer prepared remarks before taking a few questions submitted by attendees.

Councilwoman McCraney will be in attendance at the events scheduled for the St. Matthews Library (February 29) and Northeast Library (March 14). If your schedule allows, please stop by; she'd love to see you!  If you have any concerns that you'd like her to address during the event, please give our office a call at (502) 574-1107. Councilwoman McCraney is all ears and wants to hear from you.


Muffins with McCraney

Muffin with McCraney


News You Can Use

Goose Creek / KY 22 Road Project Update

Coming Soon

 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has advised that the project at the intersection of Goose Creek Road and KY 22 (Brownsboro Road) is scheduled to begin this month. This project will include the addition of a left-turn on northbound Goose Creek Road as well as a dual left and right turn lane on KY 22. Lane closures are likely throughout the project. Signs and flagging operators will direct drivers through the work zone.


Highway Safety and Travel Plan

I-Move Project

This project, while not in District 7, is one in which I thought you may be interested because of its close proximity. 

I-Move Kentucky is the state’s innovative approach to improving the safety, ease of travel and quality of life for travelers and businesses that frequently use I-265, I-71 and I-64. Using a four-projects-in-one approach, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be able to address some of its highest-priority transportation needs.

All four of these projects were identified as statewide priorities by the Strategic Highway Investment Formula for Tomorrow (SHIFT) initiative developed by the KYTC and included in the 2018 Highway Plan approved by the Kentucky General Assembly.

Construction was expected to start in the Fall of 2019 and should wrap up in the Fall of 2023.

What are the primary benefits of this project?

The project will reduce congestion, increase safety and provide greater mobility that will fuel economic development and improve quality of life in the Greater Louisville region and throughout the Commonwealth. The corridor connects Kentucky’s economic hub to Northern Kentucky, Central Kentucky, Southern Indiana and other regions to support commerce.

By combining separate transportation projects into one, KYTC will save dollars and time. The bundled project approach reduces construction timeframe by many years over the traditional, one-piece-at-a-time approach.

Is this a significant project for the Commonwealth?

Yes, this is the largest interstate improvement project since the Ohio River Bridges Project. It’s a $180 million investment that will add capacity and improve safety along Interstate 265 (Gene Snyder Freeway), Interstate 71 and Interstate 64.

Each of these interstate improvements rank high in SHIFT (Strategic Highway Investment Formula for Tomorrow), which means the project will be addressing high priority transportation projects in the Commonwealth.

What are the key deliverables for each of the four elements of the project?

  1. Expanding I-265 from four lanes to six lanes: Relieve congestion on I-265 between KY 155 (Taylorsville Rd.) and I-71 by adding one lane of traffic in each direction.
  2. Expanding I-71 to six lanes from I-265 to Kentucky 329: Relieve congestion along I-71 between I-265 and Kentucky 329 in Oldham County by adding one lane in each direction.
  3. Modifications to I-265/I-71 Interchange: Adding a collector-distributor lane to I-71 South to improve ramp movements to and from I-265.
  4. Rebuilding the I-265/I-64 Interchange: Improvements for I-64/I-265 interchange, including areas from Blankenbaker Parkway to the Gene Snyder Freeway and on the Snyder from Pope Lick Road to U.S. 60 interchange.

How long will the project take to complete?

The entire project is estimated to be completed in 3 1/2 years. Elements of the project will be completed along the way.

I-Move Pic

The Census Bureau is HIRING!

Census Flyer

Don't be Fooled by Census Scammers

Census Pic

"This year, census takers will be going door to door to retrieve information and BBB is anticipating that scammers may be out in full force, in an attempt to take advantage of those responding to the census," the agency says in a news release.

The BBB says the Census Bureau is likely to have its fair share of imposters, so they're reminding people that there are three main ways to respond to to census: by phone, mail or online.

However, while there are three main ways to respond to the census, you may still see census takers in your neighborhood and possibly knocking on your door. Why? According to the 2020 census website, if you don't respond to the census on your own, census takers are sent to your neighborhood to help make sure you are counted.

"The Census Bureau may request information through almost all communication outlets, including phone, email, mail, fax and in-person," the BBB says. "And yes, some if the information they ask for can get pretty personal."

However, the Census Bureau will never ask for your full Social Security number, money, donations, anything on behalf of a political party, your full bank or credit account numbers or your mother's maiden name.

The BBB has the following tips so you can avoid being scammed.

  • Never give out your social security number. Census takers will never ask for your social security number, bank account number, credit card number, money or donations.
  • Census takers will never contact you on behalf of a political party. If someone calls on behalf of a political party that claims to be from the census, hang up.
  • Make sure you respond to the census through Census.gov ,the official website they provide. Your regional Census Bureau may also be able to help.
  • If something sounds suspicious, confirm it by calling the government agency directly or checking the government agency’s website. Don’t click on any links in an unexpected email – type the official URL into your browser or do a web search to find the right website. Call a trusted phone number other than one provided by the caller to verify the caller’s identity.
  • Don’t click, download, or open anything that comes from an anonymous sender. This is likely an attempt to gain access to your personal information or install malware on your computer.
  • Be cautious of generic emails. Scammers try to cast a wide net by including little or no specific information in their fake emails. Always be wary of unsolicited messages that don't contain your name, last digits of your account number or other personalizing information. Do not click on any links. See our tips on avoiding phishing email scams.
  • Check BBB ScamTracker for local reports of imposters in your area.

And if a census taker comes to your door, there are several things you can do to verify their identity, according to the BBB.

  • Ask to see their ID Badge. Census takers must present a field badge that includes a photograph of themselves, a Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date.
  • Census workers will be carrying a Census Bureau laptop or cellphone, as well as a bag with a Census Bureau logo.
  • If you still have questions, call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative. If it is determined that the visitor who came to your door does not work for the Census Bureau, contact your local police department.

The official website of the Census Bureau is census.gov and the homepage for the 2020 Census is 2020census.gov.


Louisville Parks Foundation Survey

Louisville Parks Survey

For the next two weeks, the Louisville Parks Foundation is once again conducting an annual survey.  The information gathered from this survey is critical as the Parks Foundation works to meet the needs of the community.  The survey will close on Sunday, January 26 at midnight. 

Click this link to access the survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WFPYH7H


Protesting a Motax Assessment

Motax

Garbage, Junk and Recycling Notice

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

schedule changes

There will be no garbage, junk or recycling collection on Monday, January 20 within the Urban Services District in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.

MLK Flyer
Garbage Pic

Collection will resume Tuesday, January 22 and will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week. (Example: residents that have a Monday pickup will have collection on Tuesday.)

Residents serviced by private companies for waste and recycling collection should check with those companies for the holiday schedule.

The following facilities will also be closed Saturday, January 18:

  • All staffed recycling centers
  • Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue
  • HAZ BIN, the hazardous waste drop-off facility, 7501 Grade Lane

Sign up for schedule change notifications and holiday reminders on the Recycle Coach app


The Miracle League - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Miracle League Logo
Miracle League Pic 1

The Miracle League of Louisville is a baseball league and complex located in Fern Creek Park but serves all Louisville Metro Districts and Kentuckiana for children and adults with physical, cognitive, and/or emotional disabilities. The league had a very successful summer and fall season in 2019 and is now seeking volunteers for the upcoming 2020 spring baseball season!

 

Volunteer opportunities include:

  • Buddy (each player in the league has their own Buddy who assists them on the field and in the dugout for each game)
  • Coach
  • Assistant coach
  • Umpire
  • Team mom
  • General game day help
Miracle League 2

The spring baseball season games will be played on Saturdays from April 11 through June 13, except on Derby Day and Memorial Day. The volunteer commitment will require a minimum of one hour, or longer if interested each week.  Church groups, athletic teams, corporate groups, civic groups, and school clubs are just a few examples of how the community can come together to serve.  Volunteering as an individual or a group for The Miracle League of Louisville will build camaraderie and a sense of community involvement!

Miracle League Pic 3

If interested in volunteer opportunities, or you have any questions regarding the upcoming baseball season, please visit the Miracle League of Louisville at www.miracleleaguelouisville.org (website), or contact Stan or Barbara Raley, Co-Directors of Operations, at (502) 445-9430 at your earliest convenience. 


Public Meeting Notice - Indian Hills Subdivision

Public Notice 1-2020

Public Meeting Notice - Blakenbaker Lane

Boza Notice - 922 Blankenbaker

Crime Trends

Police Crime Banner

For the week of Sunday January 5th to Saturday January 11th

Theft from Automobile - There were a total of thirteen thefts from autos, which was a decrease from the previous week (15). In seven of the thefts force was used, three were unlocked and three was entered by unknown means. Please remember to lock your vehicles and take your valuables out of your car. See attached maps for more detail.

Auto Theft - There were four reported auto thefts for the week which was an increase from the previous week (1). In two thefts the keys were used, one was by unknown means and one was reported incorrectly and should have been a Theft From Auto. See attached maps for more detail.

Burglary - There were three reported burglaries this reporting period which was an increase from the previous week (1). All three were residential.  Entry was made by the following: Two were by force and one was by unknown means. See attached maps for more details.

There were no reported robberies for this reporting period.


2020's First Illegal Dumping Impound

Car Impound

The Metro Solid Waste Enforcement team has located and impounded its first vehicle of 2020 for illegal dumping. On July 20, 2019, Metro Solid Waste surveillance cameras captured a 2000 Dodge truck being used to dump tree debris in Metro Council District 1. The license plate was not visible but there were several distinguishing markings on the truck. After some time and investigation, the Enforcement team was able to locate and speak with the driver of the vehicle who admitted to the illegal dumping. On January 7, 2020, the truck was found in Metro Council District 5 and impounded for the July 20, 2019, illegal dumping.

In total, the illegal dumper received a citation with fines and fees totaling $750. Also, they will have to pay approximately $250 for impound and storage fees. Did you know?...a pickup truck load of tree debris can be disposed of legally at the Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue, for only $60. 


River Road Guardrail Replaced

River Road Guardrail

Public Works's Roads & Operations employees worked January 9th to replace about 100 feet of guardrail on River Road which had been damaged in an accident.  This work, near Caperton Swamp Park, was done by Crew Leader Scott Tinker (in the excavator), Senior Equipment Operator Fatima Coffey (at the top of the picture), and Equipment Operators Ross Mannel (left) and Robert Goodman (right). The guardrail keeps drivers away from the Ohio River, which is immediately adjacent to this location.


Yard Waste Collection - by request only

Yard Waste Pic

From January 20 - March 27, yard waste will be collected on your normal day BY REQUEST ONLY. Call 311 or 574-5000 to request yard waste collection. Regular yard waste collection will resume the week of March 30. 

(Residents with private waste haulers should contact their company about yard waste collection.)


Wheelchair Access Ramp

Last week, during the early stages of an intersection re-design project in the Clifton Neighborhood, Public Works’ Transportation Division removed the existing curb extension (bump out) on the southeast corner and extended the existing sidewalk to South Clifton Ave., added 2 new ADA-compliant wheelchair access ramps, a new curb line, reconfigured an existing yard drain inlet into a curb box inlet, and modified two other inlets. The curb extension on the opposite side will be removed during the next phase.

When the project is completed later this year, the intersection will feature a four-way stop; improving visibility and safety for all who use it.   

Wheelchair Construction Pic
Way to Go


Community Events

Keepers of the Dream Event

Kepers of the Dream

Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center, 501 W Main St.

This all-ages event is FREE and open to the public. No ticket required.

Lobby Activities: 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM

Performance: 5:00 PM – 7:00PM

Kentucky Performring Arts ArtsReach, in collaboration with the office of Mayor Greg Fischer and River City Drum Corp, present Keepers of the Dream, a community arts celebration of Dr. King’s Vision.

The 10th annual Keepers of the Dream, hosted by WKU student Jayla Ransom, will feature the presentation of the Mayor’s Freedom Award, ArtsReach Living the Vision Awards, Keith McGill’s recitation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech Another America, along with dance, music, and spoken word. The Freedom Award, first presented in 1987, recognizes citizens that have dedicated their lives to promoting justice, peace, freedom, non-violence, racial equality, and civic activism. The ArtsReach Living the Vision Award will be presented to educators Edna Graham, Johnetta Anderson, and those that have led Maryhurst’s programing team - Joyia Johnson, Stacie Vaughn, Demarco Harris, Jayme Thiem.

Performances include ArtsReach Dance, Percussion and Violin Studios from Chestnut Street Family YMCA, Portland Promise, WESTEC and West End School. Featured artists include Phoenixx Lee with the art of LaNia Roberts, poets Writeous Soul and Brea Brea, Every Known Mastermind, Made New Acapella, D.E.S.T.I.N.E.D. Dance, and the Percussion Ensemble and Drumline of River City Drum Corp.

In addition to the performance and awards ceremony, the lobby will be busting with activity prior to the event, pre-show entertainment by River City Drum Corp Pipe Drummers, a selfie station, Civil Rights button-making with Gwen Kelly and exhibitors from local organizations and artists - African American Cultural Calendar, LFPL Iroquois Branch, Families are Artist Creators & Teachers, G.L.O.W. Girls League of the West, HoneyTree Publishing by Tytianna Wells, LaNia Roberts, Made New Acapella, Maryhust Art, Phoenix Lee, U of L African American Theater Program, and the YMCA Black Achievers Program.

For more information, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/city-events/keepers-dream-freedom-award.


Eat, Drink & Do Science Event

Science Center Adult Event

Eat, Drink, & Do Science

The second Friday of each month, Eat, Drink, and Do Science in a completely kid-free Science Center. From 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., each event will feature a unique theme with hands-on activities, science talks, cash bars, and food. Make a night of it by staying for a 9:00 p.m. Hollywood movie on our 4-story screen!

Admission is $15 for Science Center members/$20 for non-members.

Click here to purchase tickets: https://emuseum.kysciencecenter.org/performance.aspx?PID=176786


Imperfect Union: Steve Inskeep Storytelling Event

Frazier Museum - Jan 30th Event

The Gertrude Polk Brown Lecture Series - Imperfect Union: How Jessie and John Frémont Mapped the West, Invented Celebrity, and Helped Cause the Civil War

  • Brown Theatre (map)

Steve Inskeep tells the riveting story of John and Jessie Frémont, the husband and wife team who in the 1800s were instrumental in the westward expansion of the United States, and thus became America’s first great political couple.

Steve Inskeep is a cohost of NPR’s Morning Edition, the most widely heard radio program in the United States, and of NPR’s Up First, one of the nation’s most popular podcasts. His reporting has taken him across the United States, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, Pakistan, and China. His search for the full story behind the news has led him to history; he is the author of Instant City: Life and Death in Karachi and Jacksonland: President Andrew Jackson, Cherokee Chief John Ross, and a Great American Land Grab, both published by Penguin Press.

For more information about the event and Jessie and John Frémont, please visit https://www.kentuckyperformingarts.org/all-shows/imperfect-union


Monster Jam Event

Monster Jam

Monster Jam® is the big leagues of motorsports competition, where 12,000-pound trucks and the world-class athletes who drive them tear up the dirt with gravity-defying feats. Engineered to perfection, the legendary Grave Digger®, Max-D, El Toro Loco® and many more push all limits in Freestyle, Skills Challenge, and Racing competitions. The Series Champion receives an automatic bid to the prestigious Monster Jam World Finals® to compete for the title of World Champion. This is full-throttle family fun. This. Is. Monster Jam.


The Harlem Globetrotters Event

Harlem Globetrotters
Harlem Globetrotters Pic


Just for Fun

Idiom graphic
Idioms

Quote of the Week
Quote

Money Can't Buy

Life Hack
Life Hack

Life Hack


NOTICE: All Metro Council meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 and U-verse Channel 99. The meetings are also available online at the Metro Council home page at http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk by clicking on the “Watch Meetings Online” button.