District 7 E-Newsletter

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

Councilwoman 

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


Email Councilwoman McCraney

 

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: 574-7275

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


time

Set your clocks one hour ahead before you go to bed Saturday!

In this Issue...


Message from McCraney

On Thursday, I attended the Planning and Zoning Commission's  public hearing on the 4700 Westport Rd/Fountain Ave development plan. The plan calls for a change in zoning from R-5 Single Family Residential to C-1 Commercial, with binding elements and landscaping waiver.

The Commission meetings begin at 1:00 p.m., and while you find out in what order your case is listed, there is no way to know when your case will be called for review. Each case is called in the order it's listed, and unless your case is listed first, you must sit (or take a stretch break outside the room) patiently until your case is called.  Each case could take between 15 minutes to an hour to review.  So, you wait.

And wait I did! I arrived around 1:45 p.m., because I knew in advance that our case was listed as the ninth one on the agenda. When I arrived, the Commission was on case number four. I knew then that it was going to be a long afternoon.

D7 Resident

I was greeted by a District 7 resident (I don't think he wants to be singled out, so I will not list his name --- although, that's him in the picture to the left. I captured him as he spoke before the Commission. More about that later).  We discussed the process of the public hearing and I asked him if it was his first time experiencing the meeting. He told me yes.  I then asked if he found the process exciting.  He replied, "No, I find it to be a pain in the %@*%." I  belted out a robust chuckle. (It was good that we were standing outside the Commission room when he said that because otherwise, we would have been put out. Lol)

D7 Constituent

I share our experience to encourage you to consider attending a Commission meeting some day.  While it may be a pain in the wazoo and require a tremendous amount of your time, it is quite the experience --- you know, similar to waiting your turn in line at the DMV on the first of the month.  (Disclaimer: Our DMV is well-run, and the wait time is minimal on most days OTHER THAN the first day of the month.  The wait time then is no fault of the staff at the DMV, it's due to the fact that most people seem to wait until the first of the month to renew. Lol) 

D7 project

Case number 19-Zone-0094 was called for review around 4:25 (my Council Caucus meeting began at 4).  First up, the developers and attorneys for the project. Their presentation included very nice and colorful slides of the proposed building, homes surrounding the property, landscaping and the development plan.  After the developers and attorney, two sisters spoke in favor of the development. They are the daughters of Theodore and Evelyn Kaelin - original owners of the property to be developed. Both delivered compelling testimony about the history of the property, including the fact that it once was thriving commercial property --- albeit nonconforming --- a grocery, a liquor store and a dry cleaners.

D7 rendering

Rendering of proposed building

D7 Plan

The Commission listened carefully as the case was made to build a multi-use commercial building to house several businesses. 

Next up --- anyone opposing the project.

D7

Three District 7 residents spoke in opposition of the project.  They, too, had compelling testimony, making the argument that Westport Road traffic is reason alone to oppose any business at 4700 Westport Rd.  It was also noted that when the property was a business, times were different --- traffic was not as heavy on Westport Rd., and the businesses such as those in Westport Village were not in existence.  "District 7 has just about anything you want, and no other business is needed in the area," stated one of the opposition speakers.

Again, the Commissioners listened intently as people spoke, and then they went into an open business session to discuss the proposal.  

One question and answer after the other led the Commissioners to basically conclude that while they thought the project was a good one, the zoning request was questionable.

The woman in the above picture, seated at the table, is Dante St. Germain, employee of Louisville Metro Planning and Design Services. She is the staff member designated as the case manager for this project. 

Below is a slide used during the presentation Ms. Germain made at the hearing:

D7

In essence, Ms. Germain recommended the project be denied. In her findings, the request for C-1 zoning was out of order for a residential area such as 4700 Westport Road/Fountain Ave., the rezoning is not compliant with Plan 2040 (something I need to get my hands on --- and will!), and the developers did not indicate hours of operation and lighting associated with the businesses that would operate in the proposed building.  

At this juncture in the hearing process it was 5:45 p.m.  (I had now missed my 5:15 Committee on Committee meeting with my colleagues, and the 6:00 Metro Council meeting was about to take place.) I was on pins and needles.

Just as the Commissioners were about to render a decision, counsel for Planning and Zoning state that he observed movement among the developers and attorneys and thought they should be given an opportunity to speak before the decision on the project was voted by the Commissioners.

The attorney for the developers/clients approached the podium and asked for a continuance --- a postponement, if you will.

Upon hearing this, I figured the Commissioners would grant the continuance, so I bolted out the door to make it to the Council meeting on time.  I later heard that the continuance was indeed granted, and the next hearing was set for Thursday, March 19.

Woohoo! We get to do this all over again!! Actually, YOU get to do it, if you're interested, because I will be on 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. on March 19 (I'll be sure to share with you later why I was in D.C.).

Granting the continuance means that no decision was made on the project. The developers will use the time to rethink their strategy and show up prepared with another presentation that might entice the Commissioners to vote "Yes" for the project.  This also means that YOU, residents of District 7, especially those with a vested interest in seeing the project fail, can use the two-week delay to frame your thoughts and decide if it's worth your time to attend the public hearing to attempt a defeat.

In next week's e-Newsletter, I will share information about the zoning process, your rights, and how to get involved for your voice to be heard.

So you'll know, I am a proponent of smart and sustainable growth.  We'll examine exactly what this means in a future e-Newsletter.  In the meantime, SAVE THE DATE: March 19, 2020. Planning and Zoning hearings start at 1:00 p.m., and are held at the Old Jail Building, 514 W. Liberty St., downtown Louisville.



Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Important Announcement
Coronavirus

Before I give an update, I want to make a correction about a statement I made in last week's e-newsletter. This is the statement in question: "Coronavirus is to be taken seriously, as evidenced by the reported 3,000 people around the country who have already lost their lives as a result of being infected." CORRECTION: The phrase, around the country, should have been throughout other countries, or even better, worldwide. The implication was that persons had lost lives in this country - the United States of America. Last week that was not the case.  Today, however, 16 Americans have died from the virus. Washington is the hardest hit state to date, with a reported 13 deaths (one reporting stated the number as 12). Nine of the deaths were reportedly from the same Seattle, Washington nursing home.

As I stated before, facts are important when dealing with a subject as delicate as the Coronavirus outbreak. My mistake was innocent and did not speak to the cause and effect of the disease itself, but still, if one is going to speak on the subject, one cannot be too careful.  Words matter.

According to the World Health Organization, it's a "false hope" that COVID-19 will be seasonal and subside in the summer, like the flu. Coronavirus will not "magically" go away, you shouldn't go to work ill and expect to get well without treatment or getting rest, and the U.S. containment of the virus is not "close to airtight" or only as deadly as the seasonal flu.  Facts matter!

Here's what you should know to keep yourself safe:

1.  Know the symptoms - Coronavirus makes people sick, usually with a mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illness, similar to a common cold. Its symptoms include a runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache and a fever that can last for a couple of days.

For those with a weakened immune system, the elderly and the very young, there's a chance the virus could cause a lower, and much more serious, respiratory tract illness like a pneumonia or bronchitis. 

2.  Know how it is spread - Transmission between humans happens when someone comes into contact with an infected person's secretions, such as droplets in a cough.

Depending on how virulent the virus is, a cough, sneeze or handshake could cause exposure. The virus can also be transmitted by coming into contact with something an infected person has touched and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Caregivers can sometimes be exposed by handling a patient's waste, according to the CDC.

3.  Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with an alcohol-based rub or soap and water.

4.  Maintain social distancing - Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

5.Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth.  From there, the virus can enter your body and make you sick.

6.  Practice respiratory hygiene - This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the used tissue immediately.

7.  If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early - follow the directions of your health authority.  Stay home if you feel unwell.

8.  Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider - Information from the television news, the newspaper or on the Internet can be helpful, however, always consider the source and don't obsess with the news about Coronavirus.  Take a break from the news.  Live your life as usual.  The health professionals are still sayng that facts do not back up the need to panic over Coronavirus.

The CDC is the best source for accurate, up-to-date information on the Coronavirus. www.cdc.gov

The World Health Organization (WHO) is tracking novel Coronavirus worldwide, posting daily situational updates, disspelling myths, providing answers to frequently asked questions and more: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019



WATER TOWER TOUR - REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!

Register
bus

for the... 

      DISTRICT 7 BUS TOUR        (the first one in a series of tours scheduled in 2020)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

SATURDAY

MARCH 28, 2020

10:00 AM.

Fun!  Fun!!   Fun!!!  Fun!!!!……….AND door prizes, to Boot!

Seating is limited, and tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.  Reserve your ticket(s) today!  Each household can receive up to four (4) tickets (some exceptions may apply). 

Water tower

Ever wonder how Louisville Water Company makes the best tasting tap water in the nation?

Well, hop on the bus, Gus! We will tour the water tower and learn all about it.

THIS EVENT IS FREE!

Sponsored by District 7 Councilwoman Paula McCraney

 

District 7 Map

map

After we tour the Water Tower facility, we will board the bus, enjoy a delicious boxed lunch and take a ride around District 7.  We will learn the make-up and logistics of the District. Plans are to have several home-rule Mayors join us, so that as we ride through their city, they can give us a brief history lesson and show us points of interest.  

THIS IS ONE DISTRICT 7 ACTIVITY YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!!!!

water

TO REGISTER:

VISIT 

WWW.EVENTBRITE.COM

Search for:

District 7 Water Tower Tour

PASSWORD: District 7

OR CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO RESERVE YOUR TICKETS:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/district-7-water-tower-tour-tickets-98756113193?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-source=strongmail&utm-term=listing

IF IT'S EASIER FOR YOU, CALL THE DISTRICT 7 OFFICE AT 574-1107 TO REGISTER.  IF NO ONE IS IN THE OFFICE TO TAKE YOUR CALL, LEAVE A MESSAGE:  1. NAME, 2. ADDRESS, 3. TELEPHONE NUMBER AND 4. NUMBER OF TICKETS BEING REQUESTED. 

UPON RECEIPT OF YOUR MESSAGE, WE WILL ADD YOUR NAME ON THE TOUR LIST AND SEND YOUR TICKETS TO YOU.  WE WILL ALSO GIVE YOU A COURTESY CALL TO LET YOU KNOW WE RECEIVED YOUR RSVP.  

You do NOT have to call into the office to register if you register through Eventbrite. When you register through Eventbrite, simply bring your confirmation with you from your phone or computer-generated ticket provided by Eventbrite.  SEE YOU ON THE BUS!



info

Tips for Your Tap Water

water

Storing water for emergencies

In the event of an emergency, you may need to be self-reliant for days without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket or local services, or perhaps even without response from police, fire, or EMS. Most of us can survive without electricity; however, we must have safe drinking water to live. 

Louisville Water offers the following guidelines for safe water storage.

ANNOUNCEMENT!  ANNOUNCEMENT!!  ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Louisville Water Company is celebrating a milestone in maintaining great water quality.  As of last month, Louisville Water has removed all of its known lead service lines that deliver drinking water.  This is an accomplishment that only a small number water utilities have achieved.  In all, Louisville Water removed approximately 74,000 lead service lines that were installed between 1860 and 1936. 

Louisville’s drinking water does not contain lead when it leaves the treatment plants.  The risk of lead getting into the drinking water happens as the water travels through pipes and plumbing that contain lead. Louisville Water’s scientists balance the water chemistry to minimize the risk, but eliminating the lead service line is important. 

In the 1980s, Louisville Water began to replace lead service line as they were discovered during routine work or water main breaks.  Then, in the 1990s, the company began a focused approach to go block-by-block and replace the lead lines. The total cost of the effort was over $45 million.


Does Your Vote Count Discussion

voting


Upcoming Events Logo

WILD LIGHTS: Asian Lantern Festival

zoo
zoo

See the Zoo in a whole new light at the largest lantern display in the region

One of the largest Asian lantern festivals in the country is right here at the Louisville Zoo and it opens on Thursday. The ‘Wild Lights: Asian Lantern Festival’ runs from March 5 through April 25.

The display features more than 2,000 lanterns in 65 “larger-than-life scenes” including a shark tunnel and a fairy forest. There are also interactive displays where you can jump and swing through illuminated scenes.

zoo

Louisville Zoo members can buy tickets in advance online for $15.50. Tickets at the zoo's admission gate cost $18.50. If you aren’t a zoo member, you can buy them online for $18.50 and for $20.50 at the gate. There are also four-pack tickets available.

Children 2 and under get in for free.

Tickets are sold by time slot, similar to the zoo's Halloween event tickets, so make sure you're buying tickets for the right time.

You can get more information and buy tickets on the Louisville Zoo’s website.


Healthy Learning Lectures

heart

St. Patrick's Parade

st patrick parade

Train Show & Sale

train


Community News Graphic

Crime Trends

LMPD

For the week of Sunday February 23rd to Saturday February 29th

Theft from Automobile - There were a total of ten thefts from autos, which was a decrease from the previous week (12). In two of the thefts force was used, four were unlocked and four were 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 was one reported auto theft for the week which was a decrease from the previous week (3). This case is actually unfounded and the theft did not occur.. See attached maps for more detail.

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

There were no reported Robberies for the reporting period

LMPD 5th Division Email. 5thdivlmpd@louisvilleky.gov This is an email address that is monitored by the 5th Division Command Staff and District Resource Officers. If you would like to contact us about issues in your neighborhood this is a great way to let us know about it.

We need your help to catch people committing crimes. Many of these crimes occur in a short time. Your call can put us in the right place at the right time. Please make sure you report any suspicious activity you observe. How to Call. In an emergency always call 911. If you don't feel it is an emergency but you would like to report it to the police you can always the non-emergency line. 574-7111. You will hear a recorded message, you can press 5 and it will go straight to a call taker. It will be entered in as a run to be dispatched and the next available officer will be sent to the area. Crime Trends from Louisville Metro Police Click here and view our interactive crime mapping tool. Save it in your favorites, it's updated daily. Forward this email to your friends and family! Or use the crime mapping iPhone app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/crimemapping/id452856454


NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING - March 18 @ 1:00 PM

Boza


Just for Fun

Quote of Week Image
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hack
life hack

lifehack


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.