ATTENTION! ATTENTION!! ATTENTION!!!
Due to Coronavirus, the March 19th Zoning Meeting about the Fountain Ave. Property is CANCELED!
NEW DATE: April 16, 2020
On the recommendation of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health & Wellness regarding congregate events and social distancing, the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting set for 1:00 p.m. on March 19, 2020, is being cancelled. All agenda items will be automatically deferred and placed on the agenda for the April 16, 2020, Planning Commission meeting. They are making every effort to contact members of the community and applicants to inform them of this decision. However, if you know of persons planning to attend to address a particular agenda item, please help spread the word regarding the cancellation.
If you have questions, please contact the case manager, Dante St. Germain, AICP, Planner II, or call Develop Louisville at 502-574-6230.
19-ZONE-0094 Request: This case will be continued to the April 16, 2020 Planning Commission meeting - Change in zoning from R5 to C-1, with Detailed District Development Plan and Binding Elements, and associated landscape Waiver Project Name: Westport Road Retail Location: 917 & 919 Fountain Avenue, 4700 Westport Road Owner: Estate of Evelyn Kaelin Applicant: 4700 Westport LLC Representative: Dinsmore & Shohl LLC Jurisdiction.
Gov. Andy Beshear and Attorney General Daniel Cameron issued a scam alert warning Kentuckians of potential consumer scams related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
To profit from consumer health concerns, online scammers may set up fake websites, send emails or texts or post on social media to sell fake products that claim to cure or prevent COVID-19.
Scammers may ask consumers to contact them or provide personal information to receive updates about COVID-19 posing as public health organizations, like the Centers for Disease Control, UNICEF or the World Health Organization.
“Kentuckians should be suspicious of scammers and con artists claiming to have a cure for the newest strain of the virus,” said Gov. Beshear. “Only legitimate medical authorities are working with the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration to create a vaccine for COVID-19. If, and when, a vaccine is approved, Kentuckians should ask their family doctor or government health officials for information on how to obtain a vaccine.”
“We urge every Kentuckian to check the source of any information or claims related to COVID-19,” said Attorney General Cameron. “Be wary of any communication that asks for personal information or donations and report scams to the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-432-9257.”
To avoid identity thieves, con artists and self-proclaimed experts, Kentuckians should:
- Watch out for products that claim to cure coronavirus or guarantee coronavirus prevention.
- Be wary of emails from con artists pretending to be the Centers for Disease Control or other public health organizations. A legitimate medical provider would never ask for sensitive information through email.
- Research organizations that are claiming to raise money for a coronavirus vaccine or to help victims.
- Consult the Kentucky Department for Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for reliable information and updates about the coronavirus. A COVID-19 hotline has also been established for health-related concerns and questions at 1-800-722-5725.
To learn more about potential coronavirus scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission or the Better Business Bureau.
If you would like more information about COVID-19, please visit the following online resources:
Governor Beshear and LG&E Information Regarding Virus Crisis
From the Governor’s office this morning: Closing restaurants and bars to in-person service Gov. Beshear said he will direct restaurants and bars to close, although there will be expectations for drive through and delivery. The Governor urged people to order take out when possible and support local businesses and their employees.
Unemployment insurance Gov. Beshear said the state is taking steps to waive the waiting period for unemployment for those who are losing their jobs because of COVID-19 and will waive any work search requirements while the state of emergency is in effect.
LG&E
Metro Government Announces Changes to Operations and Facilities in Response to COVID-19
Mayor Greg Fischer has announced a series of changes to city operations and facilities to protect public health, as well as the safety of Louisville Metro Government employees, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
MetroSafe is screening all calls for COVID-19 to give first responders as much information as possible about whether a person may have or be at risk for having the virus.
Effective immediately, all first responders with the Louisville Metro Police Department, Louisville Fire Department, Metro Emergency Services and Metro Corrections will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 upon reporting to work. The employee’s temperature will be taken, and their general health will be assessed. If an employee registers a temperature of 100 degrees or higher, or is presenting other symptoms of COVID-19, the employee will be ordered to return home.
Non-first responders of those departments shall be encouraged to self-monitor their health and to act accordingly, as per Personnel Policy 1.5 Standards of Ethical Conduct: “Employees shall follow and promote general standards of safety and health on the job.”
Additionally, Metro Government has hired a contractor to sanitize LMPD vehicles, Emergency Medical Service ambulances, and other vehicles used by first responders. Metro Government buildings will also be disinfected, using a sanitizing process that will last for seven days. The MetroSafe building downtown, which is where Metro 911 and the Emergency Operations Center are located, is the first building disinfected.
All Metro government employees are teleworking when possible, and some buildings are being closed to the public -- but services will be available via phone and the Internet. Go to www.louisvilleky.gov to find contact information for the various Metro agencies and departments.
Louisville Metro Police Department Changes Due To Virus Crisis
LMPD
- Conducting roll calls: Rather than have officers gather together at the start of each shift at their division headquarters, commanders will request them to call off via radio from wherever they are in the division.
- Providing security and traffic control support for Metro-run food distribution sites as they go operational.
- Limiting public access to police facilities – including the main headquarters, division headquarters buildings, the property room, the LMPD Service Center and the tow lot.
- In order to cut down on the risk of face-to-face exposure, LMPD is increasing the capacity of its telephone reporting unit. More calls for service will be sent to that unit for situations where a report can be taken by phone instead of dispatching an officer.
- Using state forms for reporting on non-injury accidents, as is done during bad weather.
- Suspended all training except for LMPD recruits who are currently in the Academy. Academy training continues with precautions in place to allow for social distancing.
Metro Corrections Department Change Due To Recommendation from Governor Beshear.
Metro Corrections
Inmate visitation has been suspended at the Louisville Jail for at least three weeks. The decision was made based on a recommendation from Gov. Andy Beshear.
Louisville Fire Department Changes Due To Virus Crisis
Louisville Fire Department (LFD)
Will limit patient contact on non-traumatic incidents and patients not in immediate distress.
- Crews will consider reducing the number of personnel making direct patient contact.
- Crews will keep further distance during patient assessment to limit exposure.
- Post patient care: Crews will continue to frequently disinfect apparatus and equipment.
LFD has suspended:
- Home Safety Checks, with the exception of 311 MetroCall requests.
- Community Involvement Programs and public access to fire facilities.
- Community Action Programs.
- Target Hazard Surveys conducted by fire suppression companies.
- Routine Building Inspections conducted by the LFD Fire Prevention Bureau.
- Note: Buildings that pose eminent life hazards such as an overcrowding situation or structural instability will continue to be inspected, and codes will continue to be enforced.
Louisville Metro Emergency Medical System Changes Due To Virus Crisis
Metro EMS
- Performing call-ahead notifications to hospital facilities if transporting a patient who may fit the parameters of suspected COVID-19, which allows for special intake procedures at the facility to reduce the spread of the virus.
- Ambulances are being decontaminated multiple times each shift, with a deep decontamination after any suspected contact with COVID-19 and at the conclusion of each shift
- In-person training and unnecessary gatherings are suspended.
- EMS employees are encouraged to notify command staff if they or a family member is sick, and to not report to work if so.
Louisville Metro Develop Louisville Changes Due To Virus Crisis
Develop Louisville
- All public meetings (Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustment, Landmarks Commission, Land Development and Transportation Committee, Development Review Committee, and neighborhood plan advisory committees) are canceled through April 5, 2020. No meeting notices will be sent during this time.
- Offices at the Metro Development Center, 444 S. Fifth St., remain open. However, everyone is encouraged to interact with Develop Louisville staff via phone or email. Develop Louisville’s main line is (502) 574-6230.
- Plans and applications may be dropped off in the Metro Development Center’s First Floor Conference Room.
- Zoning Enforcement is still conducting exterior inspections. Violations will still be issued if warranted and working with property owners if additional time is needed to correct non-hazardous conditions.
- The Metro Office of Housing will continue processing applications for home repair and conducting essential inspections to keep repair projects moving forward. For information about housing repair, call (502) 574-5850.
- Vacant property information may be obtained by calling (502) 574-4200.
- Neighborhood Plan information may be obtained by calling (502) 574-1358.
TARC Changes Due To Virus Crisis
TARC
- TARC established a COVID-19 Task Force on March 6th that meets daily and is responsible for providing a rapid, controlled, and effective response to COVID-19.
- All TARC vehicles, including fixed-route buses and TARC3 vehicles, are being cleaned and sanitized daily in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. TARC is exceeding the guidelines of most transit agencies concerning COVID-19 sanitization techniques.
- The TARC Safety & Security Department has been taking additional steps in response to COVID-19, providing kits to drivers that include gloves, sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.
- In addition to local officials, TARC is in regular communication with the Federal Transit Administration and the American Public Transportation Association.
Louisville Parks & Recreation Changes Due To Virus Crisis
Louisville Parks & Recreation
- The city’s 120 parks, including its 18 Olmsted-designed parks will remain open with no restrictions on access. The 6,700-acre Jefferson Memorial Forest will also stay open, but the Welcome Center is closed. Parks employees are increasing cleaning protocols and implementing social distancing.
- Louisville’s 10 municipal golf courses will remain open for play. Parks has taken several steps to ensure the safety of players and employees:
- In the clubhouses, food service will be limited to takeout only. Tables and chairs will be removed to prevent social gathering, and patrons are discouraged from congregating inside them.
- Additionally, bathrooms and touchpoints will be cleaned multiple times daily, credit card terminals will be cleaned after every use, and clubhouse employees will use gloves during every transaction.
- Golf carts will be limited to a single rider per cart, and carts will be thoroughly cleaned after each use. Golfers are encouraged to keep six feet away from each other during play, and flags are to be left in the holes at all times.
- The Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center is closed.
- The city’s 13 community centers are temporarily closed to the public through April 5.
- The Wilderness Louisville Senior Center is closed.
- Parks will not be accepting rentals of facilities and shelters through April 5. All rentals through April 5 have been canceled. Those with rental agreements through Louisville Parks and Recreation will have the option of a refund or a rescheduled date.
Louisville Free Public Libraries are Closed Due to Virus Crisis
Louisville Free Public Library
The Main Library and branches are closed. Library staff is teleworking when possible. Fines for overdue books and other material are temporarily suspended. Patrons should not try to return borrowed materials. LFPL offers access to eBooks, eMagazines, downloadable audiobooks, and streaming movies online at http://www.lfpl.org/.
Louisville Zoo & Asian Lantern Festival Closes Due To Virus Crisis
Louisville Zoo
The Zoo is temporarily closed. While there have been no known cases of exposure to COVID-19 at the Zoo, the decision to close was made to further support efforts to reduce the rapid spread of the virus and to protect the health and wellbeing of Zoo staff and the community. The animal care team and other essential personnel will remain active at the Zoo; however, staff who are able to work from home will be encouraged to do so. The Asian Lantern Festival has been temporarily closed as well.
Louisville Metro Codes & Regulations Changes Due to the Virus Crisis
Metro Codes & Regulations
- Property maintenance enforcement will be focused on exterior inspections, but interior inspections will be conducted, if necessary, to address health and safety concerns such as electrical, plumbing, and sewage hazards. Violations will still be issued if warranted.
- Codes & Regulations is working with property owners who may need additional time to correct non-hazardous conditions.
- Construction Review Permit applications can be dropped off and payment will be accepted on the first floor of the Metro Development Center, 444 S. Fifth St. Building Permit applications also can be submitted through the city’s online permitting portal at aca-louisville.accela.com/ljcmg. Anyone having trouble filing online can call (502) 574-3321
- Construction review staff will prioritize inspections.
- Section 8 inspections will be limited to initial inspections and follow-up of previous failed inspections.
- Vacant lot crews will stagger shifts and only perform prioritized work orders.
- ABC applications can be dropped off on the first floor of the Metro Development Center, 444 S. Fifth St.
Louisville Metro Office of Resilience & Community Services and Neighborhood Place Changes Due to Virus Crisis
Metro Office of Resilience & Community Services / Neighborhood Place
- The seven Neighborhood Place locations will close to walk-in traffic starting on Wednesday.
- For information on financial assistance, call (502) 363-1424
- For WIC assistance, call (502) 574-7975.
- If you need to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), call (502) 991-8391. Go to https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap for info.
- If you need to drop off LIHEAP paperwork, please leave your documents in the red box at the Neighborhood Place door.
- For information on Food Stamps, Medicaid, K-TAP, and Child Care, please call (855) 306-8959.
Louisville Metro's Office of Resilience and Community Services Announces Plans to Provide Meals During Pandemic Response
Louisville Metro Government’s Office of Resilience & Community Services today announced plans to provide meals for seniors ages 60 and older while the city responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Starting Tuesday, March 17, the Metro March for Meals program will distribute up to 1,000 frozen meal packs per day to people 60 years of age and older at six locations throughout the community on a rotating schedule. Meals will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from 10 a.m. until noon and are limited to one box per person and to five frozen meals per week. Older adults in need are advised to go to the center closest to their homes for assistance.
- Mondays – Shawnee Community Center (607 S. 37th St., 40212)
- Tuesdays – Beechmont Community Center (205 Wellington Avenue, 40214)
- Wednesdays – Sun Valley Community Center (6505 Bethany Lane, 40272)
- Wednesdays – East Government Center (200 Juneau Drive, 40243)
- Thursdays – Wilderness Road Senior Center (8111 Blue Lick Road, 40219)
- Fridays – Arthur S Kling Center (219 W. Ormsby Ave., 40203)
“As we ask the community to engage in social distancing as a response to COVID-19, we know access to nutritional food will be a barrier for some in our community,” said Tameka Laird, Director of the Office of Resilience & Community Services. “That is why our office worked hard to ramp up efforts on our Metro March for Meals to help feed our older adults during this challenging time. We are grateful to Masterson’s Catering for stepping up to prepare these meals on short notice.”
Local nonprofit food bank Dare to Care also is currently operating normal business and is coordinating with Louisville Metro, its nonprofit partners, JCPS, and others to establish a system of food assistance access that can be durable during this situation.
“Part of being a compassionate city means helping those in need during a crisis,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “This is a prime example of how local government and organizations like Dare to Care can work together to address challenges facing our city.”
Those seeking up-to-date information on Dare to Care services can visit www.daretocare.org/covid-19.
“With over 100,000 Louisvillians suffering food insecurity during this public health crisis, now is not the time for our neighbors to struggle to get good nutrition,” said Stan Siegwald, Director of Strategic Initiatives for Dare to Care. “We are also working to make available grab-and-go meals and increase the availability of nonperishable groceries.”
For more information on Metro March for Meals, call (502) 574-5223.
Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness Changes Due to Virus Crisis
Metro Public Health & Wellness
- WIC offices are closed to walk-in traffic. For assistance with WIC, call (502) 574-7975.
- The TB Clinic is operating by appointment only.
- The Specialty Clinic is limiting the number of people in its waiting room, and practicing social distancing.
Louisville Metro Animal Services Changes Due to Virus Crisis
Metro Animal Services
- Animal Control officers will only respond to the most serious incidents involving a human and domestic animal in progress, or to assist first responders.
- The LMAS Shelter at 3528 Newburg Road will be open only for adoptions, citizens looking for a lost pet, fosters, and stray pet surrenders.
- Go to gov/government/animal-services for more info. You can also direct questions to animals@louisvilleky.gov.
KentuckianaWorks Changes Due to Virus Crisis
KentuckianaWorks
- The comprehensive Kentucky Career Center at Sixth and Cedar will be closing today at 5 p.m. All other Career Centers are closed.
- Both Kentucky Youth Career Centers (Fourth Street and the Nia Center) and Reimage are closed, but staff members are still providing virtual career services and guidance. Please check out the KYCC and Reimage Facebook pages or call (502) 574-4115.
- KentuckianaWorks staffers are teleworking and can be reached at (502) 574-2500 or by completing the contact form at https://www.kentuckianaworks.org/contact.
- Those seeking unemployment compensation from the State of Kentucky should visit https://kcc.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
Louisville Metro Revenue Commission Changes Due to Virus Crisis
Metro Revenue Commission
- Suspending face-to-face customer service.
- You are advised to use the E-MINTs online portal to file taxes, request an extension, request an employee refund, make a payment, request a payment plan, view account info and correspondence, or send a message. Go to metrorevenue.org to learn more.
- Call (502) 574-4860 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to connect with the taxpayer services, legal, audit, and compliance divisions for any assistance you may need.
Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District Changes Due to Virus Crisis
Air Pollution Control District
- The Louisville Air Monitoring Network continues normal operations and is being maintained. Air monitoring data is available in real time at the Louisville Air Watch website.
- Odor, dust, and smoke complaints are still being taken and investigated, though direct person-to-person contact is being avoided.
- If you need to speak to someone at the APCD, please call first at (502) 574-6000. The person you need to see may not be working in the office that day, and you may be able to resolve your issue without coming to the office.
Louisville Metro PARC System Changes Due to Virus Crisis
PARC
- Motorists must still pay to park in metered spots. Parking violations will still be issued but booting has been suspended.
- To help support the local food and beverage industry, PARC will allow 15 minutes of free meter parking in spots near restaurants if you are picking up a carryout order or buying a gift card. Make sure to turn on your flashers.
Jefferson County Public Schools ANNOUNCEMENT
- All JCPS buildings including the VanHoose Education Building and the Lam Building are closed to the public. This will impact parents and guardians who are trying to register their children for future programs or normally have in-person visits with JCPS employees. Questions? Call 313-HELP from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Monday- Friday.
- JCPS Nutrition Services has begun distributing free breakfast and lunch to all children 18 and under as well as all JCPS students over age 18. JCPS has 45 sites where families can drive or walk up and get the meals from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. each weekday while schools are closed. Each child present can get a breakfast and lunch. Here’s a video from the Rangeland Elementary School site.
- If you have questions about registration or the assignment plan during our closure, please send an email to: AskStudentAssignment@Jefferson.kyschools.us
- Just a reminder that you should have two weeks worth of supplemental educational materials in hard copy or in your student’s Digital Backpack. You can also find them here. We encourage your child to do the exercises, even though they are not required, to stay engaged in learning and be ready to get back into the classroom when JCPS reopens. Other online educational resources are available at Clever.com. Your student can find the additional exercises on this site with their JCPS log-in information.
- Check out our weekly Monday Minute video which has more information regarding the school closure.
We are scheduled to return to school on April 6th and we can’t wait to have students back in our classrooms.
|
