District 12 eNewsletter - July 8, 2020

District 12
Rick Blackwell

Councilman Rick Blackwell
601 West Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1112
Email Rick

Liz McQuillen
Legislative Aide
(502) 574-1112
Email Liz


fb

tw

Visit the D12 Website

In this edition...


Small Business Covid-19 Relief Program

Small Business

Covid-19 Relief Fund: Eviction Prevention

Eviction Prevention

Eviction Prevention COVID-19 Relief Fund aims to aid low-to-moderate income households that are delinquent on rent payments as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will pay for up to three months of rent for households facing COVID-related delinquencies.

Individual households may begin applying for rental assistance through the Office of Resilience and Community Services immediately. To be eligible, households must earn at or below 60 percent of the area median income ($45,840 annually for a family of four) and have had their income impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Households can begin the application process here: https://louisvilleky.wufoo.com/forms/one-louisville-fund-online-application.

Beginning July 1, Landlords may apply for assistance on behalf of their tenants to the Office of Housing. To be eligible, the landlord must:

  • Be currently registered on the Rental Registry.
  • Have no outstanding code violations for the property for which rent is being paid.
  • Waive all late fees, fines, and penalties.
  • Forgo evictions for assisted tenants for 60 days after assistance is provided.
  • Provide pre-COVID-19 rent rolls to document delinquency rates before and after the pandemic.

Funding will be prioritized for affordable housing units (households at or below 60% of area median income) or properties with more than 50% of their units in the Housing Choice Vouchers Program.

Landlords will be required to submit the following documentation:

  • Information about the property, including its tax ID number, ownership and delinquency rates
  • W-9
  • An eviction prevention application worksheet
  • Certification of non-payment of rent signed by each tenant for whom assistance is requested
  • Copy of each tenant’s ledger for whom you are claiming to be reimbursed for delinquencies
  • Copy of Recorded LURA or Recorded Deed Restriction
  • Accounts Receivable Report for period January 1, 2020 to current
  • Copy of Final 8609 (if a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit project)
  • Executed and Notarized Landlord Tenant Rental Assistance Certification

To find out more information and apply, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/develop-louisville/eviction-prevention.


LIHEAP Summer Cooling - Enrollment Open NOW

LIHEAP

Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services joins with Community Action Agencies across the state to begin accepting applications for the new Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Cooling Program. Designed to help offset the cost of higher electric bills due to rising temperatures, the program is the network’s latest resource to help families during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Applications will be accepted now through October 31, 2020, or until funds are depleted.

The LIHEAP Summer Cooling Program is separated into two components, Subsidy and Crisis, to assist with electric cost. Eligible households can apply for one or both components and participation in prior LIHEAP programs will not affect a household’s eligibility. Households must meet eligibility requirements, with a household income at or below 60% of the Kentucky median income.

The Subsidy component provides households one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $200 depending on income levels and housing category. The Crisis component is available to eligible households who demonstrate a home energy crisis situation. Crisis benefits will cover the minimum needed to alleviate the crisis not to exceed $600. Households can reapply each time they experience a crisis situation until they reached their maximum benefit.

Modified service delivery for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) All six LIHEAP offices remain closed for walk-in clients in an effort to help stem the spread of COVID-19.  Residents can still apply for LIHEAP by utilizing secure drop boxes in front of seven locations.

Jefferson County residents wishing to apply must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system.  Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. The toll-free service is currently open and is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Applicants will be assessed for both the Subsidy and Crisis programs and may receive benefits from both programs if eligible.

LIHEAP required documentation, along with the downloadable LIHEAP Family Profile form and the Remote Processing form, should be dropped off at the LIHEAP site you select, on the day of your appointment.

A copy of the required documentation is advisable but if original information is mailed, the LIHEAP staff will make arrangements to return to the recipient.  

Applicants will then be contacted by LIHEAP staff within 72 hours (3 business days) of the appointment time.

Required documentation to drop off includes:

  • Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
  • Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month. All individuals 18 or over in the household with no income -- and no way to document that status such as a Food Stamp Award letter -- must have a Proof of No Income Form completed prior to applying for benefits. These forms are available at the LIHEAP Drop Box locations or online at gov/LIHEAP.
  • Most current electric bill, or statement from your landlord if electric expenses are included in your rent. 

For more descriptions about the drop box locations, income eligibility and other instructions, call the automated LIHEAP information line at 991-8391 or visit www.louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.  Residents may also visit https://louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP for more details.

Individuals who require more information can contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or (502) 574-5000, email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov, tweet @LouMetro311, Web: loiusvilleky.gov/tell311, or download the free Mobile Louisville Metro 311 app from the website. Residents can also call Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 help referral service.


Louisville Metro COVID-19 Testing

Mobile Testing

Who should get tested for COVID-19? 

HIGH PRIORITY 

  • Hospitalized patients with symptoms
  • Healthcare facility workers, workers in congregate living settings, and first responders with symptoms
  • Residents in long-term care facilities or other congregate living settings, including prisons and shelters, with symptoms

PRIORITY

  • Persons with symptoms of potential COVID-19 infection, including: fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea, and/or sore throat.
  • Persons without symptoms who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive
  • People without symptoms who have been in large gatherings where social distancing was difficult

Mobile Testing Sites

Bashford Manor

Walmart is partnering to offer drive-thru testing located at Bashford Manor. Testing will be offered Mondays-Fridays from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. to those who qualify.

First responders, healthcare workers without symptoms, and anyone older than 18 with symptoms qualify at this location.

To register to be tested, please click HERE.

Southern High School

Kroger Health is offering a mobile testing site at Southern High School. Services will be open from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and open to everyone.

To register to be tested at this location, please click HERE or call1-888-852-2567and select option 3.

Seven Counties 

These testing sites are open to anyone, Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling (502) 538-2980.

  • ​4710 Champions Trace, Louisville, 40218
  • 2650 West Broadway, Louisville, 40211
  • 920 Blankenbaker Pkwy, Louisville, 40243
  • 8301 Saint Andrews Church Rd, Louisville, 40258

CVS

These testing sites are open to anyone and utilize the weld-swab test. To schedule and appointment, visit minuteclinic.com

  • 2311 Lime Kiln Road 
  • 10490 Shelbyville Road

Walgreens 

To schedule an appointment to be tested at any of the sites listed below, visit Norton Prompt Care 

  • ​5100 Dixie Hwy 
  • 2021 Hikes Lane 
  • 12101 Shelbyville Road 
  • 4240 Shelbyville Road
  • 1360 Stony Brooke

Family Health Centers

  • Portland, 2215 Portland Ave.
    • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    • Tests will be open to the general public.
    • Call : 502-772-8301 or Click to self-schedule.
  • Fairdale, 1000 Neighborhood Place
    • Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    • Tests will be open to the general public.
    • Call : 502-772-8301 or Click to self-schedule.

Shawnee Christian Healthcare

This testing site will be operating Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. To reserve a spot, please call 502-778-0001.

Norton Respiratory Illness Center

This testing center is operation by appointment only. In order to schedule, please call 502-861-4611, and press option 1.

St. Stephen Church

This testing site will be open Saturday, July 11th for drive through appointments. Drive through-thru testing available by appointment only. Register here. 

To see a complete list of testing sites throughout Jefferson County, follow this link.


Telephone Line to Help Residents with LMPD Chief Hiring Survey

LMPD Survey

Mayor Greg Fischer today announced the launch of a telephone option to help residents fill out a survey about their priorities for Louisville’s next permanent chief of police.

Starting Thursday, June 25, 2020, residents can call (502) 528-3543 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday, and they will be assisted by call-takers who will input their answers to questions on a community survey, which has been available online since early this month.

The survey asks:

  • What are the three most important qualities or skills you would like to see in the next police chief;
  • What are suggestions for improving police services; and
  • What a new chief must accomplish immediately, and over the next 2-3 years.

Both the phone line and the online survey will be operational through Friday, July 3. Already, more than 8,000 people have completed the online version of the survey, which can be accessed at https://arcg.is/18fTnS.

The Mayor relieved former LMPD Chief Steve Conrad of his duties on June 1, and named Robert Schroeder as LMPD’s acting chief, pending the hiring of a permanent chief.

Mayor Fischer announced on June 3 that the city had hired the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a non-profit Washington, D.C.-based police research organization to lead the search, noting that PERF has identified best practices for cities across the country on fundamental issues such as reducing police use of force; developing community policing and problem-oriented policing; using technology to deliver police services to the community; and evaluating crime reduction strategies.

In addition to the survey, PERF will hold listening sessions over the next month, with various focus groups being held across the community. After that, PERF will review and analyze all the information residents provide to help pinpoint the qualities and characteristics needed for the city’s next police chief. They will use that information to conduct a national search and create a list of qualified candidates. 

Next steps include convening a small group of community and Louisville Metro representatives to review the list, narrow it, conduct interviews, and send the Mayor their final recommendations. The entire process is expected to take four to six months.

In announcing the survey earlier this month, the Mayor stressed that Metro Council will be involved in the process, encouraging people to take the survey, participating in listening sessions, and helping identify other participants in the process. 


TARC Seeking Public Comment - July 6th through 14th

TARC

Grant-Funded Riverport Circulator Route to be Discontinued on August 9th

TARC is notifying the public and seeking comment on the discontinuation of the Riverport Circulator (Route 20)—operated with limited funds awarded by a CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality) grant.

The Riverport Circulator serving the Riverport area, JCTC Southwest, Park Place Mall and the Greenbelt Market Center was funded through a CMAQ grant, awarded to TARC in 2017 for a limited three years of service. Due to grant funding expiration and its consistently low ridership, the circulator will discontinue service on August 9th, 2020.

Alternate routes available in this area include Route 10 (Dixie BRT), 18 (the Dixie Highway corridor), 19 (Muhammad Ali Blvd), and 63 (Crums Ln). Additionally, the Riverport Employment Center will continue to be served on weekdays by Route 19 for both morning and evening trips.

Public Comments Accepted: July 6th to July 14th

To allow for public review prior to the public comment period, detailed information concerning this change will be posted to the TARC website and displayed in the Union Station (1000 West Broadway) lobby by June 30, 2020. Comments regarding this change may be submitted in person at Union Station, by phone at 502-585-1234 (TARC Customer Service) or by email to PublicComment@ridetarc.org.


ECHO Summer Adventure: NOW - August 7th

ECHO

17th Annual Ken-Ducky Derby - August 29th

Kentucky Derby

Development Review Committee Notice of Public Hearing - 7021 Global Dr.

DDP

Get Involved - Build Back Better, Together

Build Back Better

Mayor Greg Fischer kicked off Build Back Better, Together, an initiative aimed at dismantling systemic racism and creating dynamic economic growth from the COVID-19 pandemic impact.

In opening the inaugural meeting of the Build Back Better, Together (BBBT) steering committee and focus area leaders, Mayor Fischer emphasized the importance of all Louisvillians joining the effort.

The work of BBBT is broken into seven focus areas: Arts and Culture; Built and Natural Environment; Economy; Education and Talent Development; Health and Safety; Hospitality, Sports and Bourbonism; and Social Infrastructure and Impact. Louisville residents are invited to join one or more of the focus area teams by signing up at www.louisvilleky.gov/buildbackbetter.

To date, 350 Louisville leaders have been invited to join one of the focus area teams, and 270 people have signed up online to join in. The goal is to have all or most of the focus area teams meet for the first time virtually by the end of this month.

Together, with the steering committee of civic, community, business and non-profit leaders, the focus area teams will recommend actions that can be taken over the next few months, as well as long-term actions focused on last half of 2020 and beyond. These will combine new, innovative ideas and existing government- and community-led projects.

All participants will be trained on Louisville Metro Government’s Racial Equity Toolkit to identify visionary solutions that avoid repeating policies and systems that in the past have produced discriminatory results and inequitable impact.

Learn more at www.louisvilleky.gov/government/build-back-better-together/beyond


Juneteenth Jubilee Video Series

Juneteenth

As we celebrate Juneteenth, a day of freedom commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, we invite you to join our 2020 Juneteenth Jubilee!

We encourage you to watch the second of seven episodes of our educational video series by following this link.

A new episode of the seven part series will premier each Friday beginning June 19th through July 31st. It will be broadcast at noon on Wave Country with Dawne Gee on WAVE 3.


Kentucky Science Center Activities - Do Science at Home

Science Center

Despite the Kentucky Science Center building being closed, the staff has been working hard to continue providing members and the public with at home content! One way they are achieving this is with their new online series titled “Do Science at Home.”

This series includes videos that are released every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11am on Facebook and YouTube. In addition to these videos, KSC is also creating a bi-weekly newsletter with updates related to reopening, School’s Out Summer Camp, and at home content/resources. Click here to read the newest edition of the KSC newsletter!

We may not be able to visit the Science Center in person, but that doesn't mean we have to give up all of the exciting opportunities it offers!


Southwest Community Ministries - Items Needed

SWCM

Southwest Community Ministries is currently overwhelmed with families who have never needed assistance before but are running out of household and hygiene products! They are asking for help from members of the community, youth groups, or anyone willing to donate.

If you would prefer to give food donations, items such as ravioli, ramen, fruit cups, canned meats, soups, and peanut butter crackers are always good options. Things like Ensure and pull top lids are good for seniors as well!

Needed Household Items:

Toilet Paper

Paper Towels

Bleach

Laundry and Dish Soap

Any Cleaning Supply

Soap

Shampoo

Conditioner

Razors

Comb/Brush

Tooth Brush

Tooth Paste

Adult Diapers

Female Personal Care Items

Items can be dropped off at the Ministry (8504 Terry Rd.) Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information please call (502) 935-0310.

Donations can also be made by visiting SouthwestCommunityMinistries.org/donate.


The New Dixie Hwy Update

Finished Dixie

Paving Complete on Dixie Highway

Paving of the New Dixie Highway is complete. This marks a significant milestone for the safer and more efficient Dixie Highway corridor. The surface of New Dixie Highway is a major upgrade from the severely deteriorated pavement that previously covered the stretch.

Drivers will notice a smoother roadway on their next trip of the corridor. A higher quality surface was achieved through daytime paving work. The final surfacing is being completed on schedule with little impact from COVID-19. Foundational work done to level, wedge and mill the roadway will ensure the New Dixie Highway surfacing holds up for years to come on the highly traveled corridor. Some striping work, which requires a dry surface to be completed, remains.

The Project Team is thankful to construction crews for their hard work to complete this important piece of the New Dixie Highway. Their dedication is greatly appreciated as we near the finish line for the project.

landscape

Median Maintenance Begins

In addition to finishing paving, the project team has also completed its first mowing of the transformative medians. The new medians between Greenwood Road and Crums Lane encourage safer traffic patterns by limiting where drivers can make left turns.

Mowing will continue at least once every two weeks throughout the growing season using mulching mowers and weed eaters. By using fine turf equipment and techniques, crews will minimize the amount of grass scattered on along the highway.

All landscaping elements of the project, including shrubs, sod, and newly planted trees along sidewalks and near bus shelters, are also complete. To ensure successful plantings, the New Dixie Highway project included investing in an innovative underground system to provide support for trees to grow productively without interfering to utility lines.

We hope Dixie Highway travelers are enjoying how these new elements beautify the roadway. Our project team appreciates the patience of Dixie Highway area residents and travelers throughout this major construction project.

BRT

Final Tech Pieces Under Way

The only remaining pieces of the New Dixie Highway project are related to technology. Installation of fiber optics and other tech elements will continue this spring and summer.

This includes pylons with digital screens at each RAPID bus stop. Real-time information on TARC riders’ commutes will be available on the high-tech pylons.

TARC buses will travel even more rapidly to RAPID line stops when linked with an Intelligent Transportation System that preempts traffic signals for quick and efficient movement. That technology will be operational later this year.


JCPS Updates - Virtual Summer Programming and Meal Sites

JCPS

You and your child made it! Yesterday was the last day of school for the 2019-20 school year.  While this wasn’t the end of the school year we’ve all come to expect, it is certainly one for the history books, and we’ve been constantly amazed at how our students, staff and families created innovative ways to keep learning.

Now that school is out for summer break, JCPS is offering multiple summer learning opportunities to continue engaging and supporting students.  The programs are being held as virtual experiences, although the district will make every effort to host face-to-face learning late in the summer if circumstances change:

  • Summer League, June 22-July 31, is open to students in grades 1-12 and is designed with the appeal of video game-based learning in mind.
  • Lit & Camps, beginning mid-June, are designed for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders, offering campers the opportunity to learn about chess, yoga, karate, hip hop and fencing.
  • AMPED, beginning mid-June, is designed for students in grade 6 and up and will teach students how to download and install audio production and editing software and how to make, edit and publish beats.

To learn more about the programs, go to our website. We’ll be posting updates and ways to access the experiences on this site.

In order to support these learning opportunities, students who received Chromebooks and/or hotspots from the district will keep those throughout the summer.

Meal sites will continue to be open throughout the summer on the same Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule, with additional mobile sites starting Monday, June 1.  A couple other changes to note: Wilt Elementary’s food site will be closed after today but Laukhuf Elementary will open for meals beginning Friday, May 29, and the Community Connections mobile stop will have its last day on May 29.  For a list of sites and times, click here.


JCPS CARE Hotline - Now Available

Care Hotline

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) launched a hotline to help connect families with needed resources and services.

Families can call 313-CARE (2273) for assistance and referrals related to medical services, drug and alcohol addiction help, homelessness and basic needs such as food, housing and utilities, among other supports.


The CARE line will be operated by professionals from the Academic Support Programs Department and includes school counselors, mental health practitioners, Family Resource Youth Services coordinators, and coordinators from the departments of Early Childhood, Health Services and Community Supports.


CARE operators will be able to offer assistance, resources and referrals for:

  • Basic needs, including food, utilities, clothing, public transportation and housing
  • Medical services
  • Emotional/ behavioral/ mental health
  • Domestic violence
  • Drug and alcohol addiction support
  • Unemployment
  • Homelessness


The line will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, until May 29.  The district will evaluate the response and determine if there’s a need for it to continue over the summer and into next year.  Families can continue to call 313-HELP for general JCPS-related questions.


Metro Animal Services' Pets of the Week: Kitten Season

Kitten

KITTENS

Oh, kitty! Kitten season is in full swing, and there’s plenty of fur babies graduating from foster to adoptable! Adopt any kitten by making a $100 donation to the Pay It Forward Program, so that LMAS can continue waiving adoption fees for adult cats still waiting for good homes. Every adoption includes spay/neuter, vaccinations and a microchip! To meet adoptable kittens at LMAS, visit Animal House Adoption Center located at 3516 Newburg Road, daily from 12-6pm. For more information, call 502-473-PETS.


Louisville Metro Animal Services PSA

LMAS

The LMAS Shelter is open for citizens needing to purchase or renew pet licensing  or pay a violation. These services are also available online at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/animal-services. There will be a grace period for pet owners who cannot show proof their pet’s rabies vaccination is up-to-date.  Citizens can also visit the LMAS Shelter for adoptions, lost and found services, and donations during normal business hours, which are Monday-Saturday from 12-6pm. Please, contact LMAS if you have questions at animals@louisvilleky.gov, or call 502-473-pets


VITA Free Tax Preparation - Drop Off Tax Services Available NOW

LabC

One Louisville: Covid-19 Response Fund

Response Fund

Volunteers Needed - Meals on Wheels

Volunteers Needed

Meals on Wheels

Volunteering for Meals on Wheels is another great way to make a huge impact in a short amount of time. By delivering meals you bring nutritious food and a friendly visit to eight to 10 seniors and people with disabilities in your community.

Anyone can deliver meals, and it’s a great volunteer opportunity for families and teams of employees, as well. Sign up today and find out how easy and rewarding it is to bring nutrition and independence to your neighbors!


Kentuckiana Works and GLI Online Job Board

Hiring

 

You can see which companies are hiring right now in the Louisville area and how you can apply at our new online Job Board, created in partnership with Greater Louisville Inc. in response to COVID-19. 

Job listings are based on information submitted from employers and are updated daily.


Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Road Alerts & Updates

KYTC

Below is a list of projects overseen by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet happening in Southwest Louisville.

U.S. 31W (Dixie Highway): The on-ramps from Southbound U.S. 31 W to I-264 (Watterson Expressway) East and I-264 West will be closed beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 10 for concrete slab replacement. The ramps will be re-opened by 6 a.m. on Monday, July 13. Motorists can detour the area by taking Crums Lane to Cane Run Road to connect to I-264.


You are receiving this message because you have had contact with our office in the past.

If you would like to be removed from the mailing list, please follow the "Unsubscribe" instructions below or email Danielle.Tackett@louisvilleky.gov