District 6 Dispatch

Louisville Metro to conduct full-scale equity review of the Land Development Code

Review will include a comprehensive analysis of land use regulations and policies

LOUISVILLE, KY (July 13, 2020) – Louisville Metro Government (LMG) will undertake a complete review of the Land Development Code, a comprehensive set of rules for property development and processes, to identify and address land use regulations and policies that have inequitable impacts on Louisville residents. This will be a joint effort by Mayor Greg Fischer’s administration, Metro Council and the Planning Commission.

“Property ownership was and remains critical to building individuals’ and communities’ wealth. Restrictive land use policies for decades dictated how property could be developed and reinforced redlining practices limited who developed land where and for what, intentionally hampering minorities ability to build wealth and contributing to segregation in Louisville and other cities across the U.S.,” the Mayor said. “While Louisville has worked to strip purposefully racist land use regulations from its Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan, it is imperative that we continue the work to identify and change regulations that unintentionally impact our underserved and minority communities in a disproportionate way.”

On Monday afternoon, Louisville Metro Council’s Committee on Equity and Inclusion heard a presentation from LMG’s Office of Planning and Design Services on land use and equity. A resolution requesting the review of the city’s Land Development Code will be introduced next week and must be approved by both Council and the Planning Commission. The review is expected to take at least six months.

“We as a community are long past the time to address some of the problems which have hindered and targeted some of our citizens when it comes to housing and providing for themselves and their families. Through the Resolution, we look forward to working with the Planning Commission to right these wrongs and erase these kinds practices in the 21st Century,” said Council President David James, D-6.

“Louisville’s segregation and economic disparity did not just occur naturally but rather developed through our land use policies and practices. While land use is rarely a hot topic, it impacts almost every facet of daily life from access to food, transportation, health outcomes, education, generational wealth, etc.,” said Councilwoman Nicole George, D-21, vice chair of the Committee on Equity and Inclusion. “In recent years, the legacy of redlining and economic zoning has been recognized but has not been given the focus it deserves and that this moment demands.”

The groundwork for this review of the Land Development Code begin with the release of the updated Comprehensive Plan in 2018 and the Housing Needs Assessment in 2019. Both documents focus on equity in housing, removing barriers for affordable housing and investing in communities impacted by redlining, a practice where minorities were denied loans and insurance. Beginning in February 2020, Develop Louisville staff and Berkley-based architecture and urban design firm Opticos Design began a deep dive review into housing regulations that create barriers to equitable and inclusive development. The report is currently being finalized.

Over decades, land use regulations in Louisville and most cities have resulted in segregated housing patterns. Laws like the racial occupancy ordinance of 1914, which was ultimately overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, made it unlawful for Blacks in Louisville to reside in a residential block occupied by more than 50% white residents. Racial covenants also were common and prevented houses from being sold to minorities until the practice was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1948.

Louisville adopted its first formal Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance in 1931. With some overtly racist policies banned, cities at the time looked for other ways to use zoning to segregate the city, including redlining.

Today, zoning requirements, along with Deed of Restrictions or Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions enforced by homeowners’ associations, continue to disproportionately impact minorities and underserved communities by excluding individuals through economic and social barriers. For example, minimum lot size requirements combined with limits on the minimum home size, sets a baseline cost to buy-in to the neighborhood.

Such restrictions run contrary to the goals and objectives of the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan, Plan 2040. The plan’s guiding principles – Connected, Healthy, Authentic, Sustainable, and Equitable (CHASE) – emerged from public engagement and will be used during the review of the Land Development Code. Plan 2040 encourages fair and affordable housing, the creation of inter-generational, mixed-income and mixed-use developments and equitable access to recreation and other community services, while discouraging displacement of existing residents.

Assistance with paying bills -- read below!

Did you know that Jefferson Service Region has a fund available to help clients pay their water bill, electric bill, etc.?  We sure do!  If you need help providing a home with utilities for yourself and children, then contact the person below. This includes old bills that haven’t been paid.  As we all know, if you have an old bill, you aren’t able to set up services in your name until it is paid.

The checks will be made out directly to the utility company. 

 For Assistance Contact: 

Adrianne E. Johnson

Social Services Specialist

Cabinet for Health and Family Services

L&N Building

908 W Broadway 8E

Louisville, KY 40203

adrianne.johnson@ky.gov

Kentucky Science Center Reopening

Pet of the Week

Pet of the Week: Kitten Adoptions

There’s no meows about it… LMAS has adoptable kittens ready for forever homes! Stop by Animal House Adoption, located at 3516 Newburg Road, to meet our adorable new arrival. Adopt any kitten by making a $100 donation to the Pay It Forward Program, so adult cat adoptions will always be free for approved adopters. Spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations and a microchip are included! Animal House is open daily from 12-6pm, and Fridays until 7pm. For more info, call 502-473-PETS. For more info about LMAS and Pay It Forward Free Adoptions, click here. ( https://louisvilleky.gov/government/animal-services)

Hot weather safety:   Extreme heat can be deadly to our pets, so it’s important to take steps to protect your when temperatures soar. LMAS recommends pets owners follow these tips to keep their four-legged friend safe during hot weather.   Stay Inside and Limit outdoor time  It’s best to keep pets inside with the air conditioner set to a comfortable temperature. Outdoor time should be limited to prevent heat-related injuries. Shade and water If a pet must be kept outdoors, make sure they have access to fresh, cool water and a shady area away from the sun. Do not leave pets alone in a parked vehicle The temperature inside a vehicle can reach triple digits in a matter of minutes, resulting in heatstroke or death. Avoid walking dogs in hot weather Do not walk your dog during the hottest part of the day. Take shorter walks in the mornings or evenings to prevent a pet from overheating Know the signs of Heatstroke Heatstroke can be fatal so it’s important to know the symptoms in pets. Signs include heavy panting or difficulty breathing, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, excessive thirst and seizures. Get to a veterinarian immediately if a pet displays these symptoms. View more hot weather safety tips for pets, click here. (https://louisvilleky.gov/news/lmas-offers-pet-safety-tips-extreme-heat)

Smell something, say something

The Works Week

Investing in infrastructure

By District 11 Councilman, Kevin Kramer - One of the issues I have been pushing for since joining the Metro Council has been investing more in our infrastructure. While throwing a party or hosting events can be fun for a few hours, I believe local government should first focus on the basics: Safety, Infrastructure and Health. Since taking office I have spent most of the discretionary funds allocated to my office on paving roads, upgrading parks, repairing sidewalks and enhancing safety. Unfortunately, this discretionary funding was only enough for a few streets each year. In 2015 we were able to establish enough support on the Metro Council to move our paving budget from under $5 million annually to approximately $20 million dollars. In addition to increasing funding for paving, we developed a ten-year plan that, if followed would bring our streets up to standard within that timeframe. I am happy to announce that our current budget marks the sixth consecutive year in which we have achieved that goal. Despite tough economic times, we were able to increase the Mayor’s recommended paving budget from $5 to $20 million dollars. This increase will impact all parts of our community and will help to keep us all moving as our economy continues to open back up. In addition to investing in paving, the Metro Council was also able to restore needed funding for fixing sidewalks, maintaining our parks and mowing rights-of-way. These types of investments may not be the most fun things, but they do make everyone’s lives run a little smoother and help to spur more efficient and safe transit for just about everyone. -  The following streets in District 11 will be paved in FY21: • Weather Way from Summerfield Drive to dead end • Weather Court from Weather Way to dead end • Sunbury Lane from Winterhaven Road to Winterhaven Road • Amity Lane from Summerfield Drive to dead end • Cloudcroft Lane from Summerfield Drive to dead end • Spring Breeze Court from Amity Lane to dead end

Answering the call

Metro Public Works received a request from a citizen a few weeks ago. He was concerned with the potential hazard and blocked path to the sidewalk posed by the alley in the 1300 block of Brook Street, where water pooled every time there was a considerable amount of rainfall. Our Transportation team surveyed the site, and took corrective action. The work consisted of removing the existing pavement and curbs, readjusting the grade, and pouring a new concrete pad. By promptly "answering the call," Public Works addressed a citizen's concern, removed potential hazards for users, but more importantly, reassures our community that we are working for them!

Before

After

After

Know Waste: To rinse or not to rinse?

When recycling food containers, people often wonder if they should rinse or even wash them first. Our local recycling facility, where all the recycling is sorted and processed, only requires items to be empty. Peanut butter and mayonnaise jars are difficult to clean. If you’ve scraped out as much food as possible, the container is good to go. If the container and lid are both made of plastic, replace the lid before recycling. Glass jars and metal lids should be recycled separately. During the heat of the summer, though, you may want to give some items a rinse to prevent pests and odors while you wait for collection. Rinsing items also helps keep your collection container clean. (Please don’t bag your recyclables!) Interested in more Know Waste Trivia? Take our quiz at KnowWasteLouisville.org! Follow @KnowWasteLou on Facebook or Twitter for our weekly Know Waste Wednesday trivia.

Paving Week - July 20, 2020

Below is the list of Louisville Metro Public Works paving projects scheduled for the week of July 20, 2020. The schedule is subject to change due to weather and/or operational factors. Dixie Hwy. from Bernheim Lane to W. Burnet Street • Britt Lane from Rust Oak Lane to dead end • Prestonview Lane from Foreman Lane to dead end • Trio Ave. from Preston Hwy. to Prestonview Lane • Carnes Drive from Tuesday Way to dead end • Horizon Lane from Foreman Lane to dead end • Tuesday Way from Woodbury Drive to dead end • Wednesday Way from Horizon Lane to Foreman Lane • Monaco Drive from Woodhill Drive to dead end • Morningside Way from Monaco Drive to dead end • Oaklawn Drive from Preston Hwy. to dead end • Vaughn Mill Road from Fegenbush Lane to Pennsylvania Run Road • Hassy Way from Dry Ridge Road to dead end • Witch Hazel Drive from Hassy Way to dead end

Large item pick-up in Area C for the week of July 20

Click the map for a detailed view of Area C, where Large Items waste collection is scheduled for the week of July 17. Residents may begin setting out items Friday afternoon, July 20. Reminder: Construction and demolition materials are NOT accepted, and tree trimmings must be bundled properly. Check Collection Guidelines. To receive automatic reminders of Large Items set out dates, download our Recycle Coach waste information and calendar app at the App Store or on Google Play.

Police Reports This Week

Crime Mapping

First Division

Major Andy McClinton Andrew McClinton began his career in law enforcement on January 22, 2001 with the former Louisville Division of Police (LPD). As a patrol officer, he served in the former Sixth District (LPD) and First Division. As a detective, he served in the First Division Flex Platoon and in the Criminal Intelligence Unit. He was also a member of the Dignitary Protection Team for three (3) years. After being promoted to Sergeant in 2008, he served in the First Division, Robbery Unit, Professional Standards Unit and the Public Integrity Unit. In 2016, he was promoted to Lieutenant and worked in the Third Division and Administrative Services.  In 2017, McClinton was promoted to Major and commanded the Administrative Services Division. Major McClinton holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science from Hanover College. He is a graduate of the Academy of Police Supervision at Eastern Kentucky University and the 136th Session of the Southern Police Institute’s (SPI) Administrative Officer’s Course at the University of Louisville. Major McClinton is married with two (2) children.

Second Division

Major Ryan Bates Bates began his law enforcement career in August 1997 with the Louisville Division of Police. He served in the former Second, Fourth, and Sixth Districts. He was also a member of the Street Crimes Unit and the Gang Squad. After merger, Bates served as a patrol officer in the First Division. He was promoted to sergeant in August 2005. He served as a sergeant in the Second Division where he supervised the mid-watch platoon, FLEX Unit, and Detectives Unit. In 2012, Bates was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the late-watch platoon in the Fourth Division. He also served in the Second Division, where he supervised the mid-watch platoon and Division Resource Officers (DROs).   After being promoted to the rank of major, Bates commanded the Fourth Division. Major Bates served on the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team for 14 years. He served on the SWAT Team as an officer, sergeant, and lieutenant. He was appointed as the Assistant Commander in 2012 and Commander in 2015. Bates has also served on two (2) task forces which were created to address violent crime in the community. Major Bates is a graduate of Xavier University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Business. He is also a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s (SPI) Administrative Officers Course.

Fourth Division

Major Tim Burkett Major Tim Burkett began his career with the former Louisville Division of Police (LPD) in 1999 . He was a patrol officer and division detective in the former Fourth District. Additionally, he was a Sex Crimes detective and served on the Dignitary Protection Team (DPT). In 2007, Burkett was promoted to sergeant where he was a patrol sergeant and a division detective sergeant in the Eighth Division. In 2010, Burkett was promoted to lieutenant and commanded the Property Room. He also served as a Special Events lieutenant in the Special Operations Division. While in the Special Events Unit, he was responsible for planning and operating medium to large scale special events. He has been part of the command group for the PGA Championship, the Ironman Triathlon, Thunder over Louisville, the National Rifle Association (NRA) National Convention and many other events. He has been the lead on numerous events including marathons, parades, Muhammad Ali's Memorial Service and the world renowned Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. After being promoted to major, Burkett commanded the Special Operations Division Major Burkett holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a cognate in Public Administration. He was a Dean's Scholar graduate of the University of Louisville's Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course. He is a certified instructor with the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training

Job Announcement

Join a Board or Commission

If you are interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards and Commissions, now is the time to start. By being a part of a board or commission, you will offer your time and your talents to improve the quality of life in our community.

There are approximately 100 boards and commissions with many areas of interest, including business and economic development, land planning, parks and recreation, public health and public safety.

To learn more about applications, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/mayor-greg-fischer/interested-serving-board-or-commission '

Please find below a list of boards and commissions for an opportunity to serve:

BOARD VACANCIES

• Metropolitan Business Development Corporation
• Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board
• Bardstown Road Overlay District
• Building Code Board of Appeals
• Cemetery Board
• Civil Service Board
• Code Enforcement Board
• Community Action Partnership
• Jefferson County Public Law Library
• Deputy Sheriff Merit Board
• Downtown Development Review Overlay Board
• Downtown Management District
• Ethics Commission
• Fire Protection Districts (Fairdale, Harrods Creek, Highview, Lake Dreamland, Lyndon, Middletown, Okolona, St. Matthews & Worthington)
• Hazard Materials Ordinance Appeals & Overseers Board
• Housing Authority Board
• Human Relations Commission Advocacy Board
• Human Relations Commission Enforcement Board
• Kentuckiana Works
• Landmarks
• Library Advisory Commission
• Louisville Arena Authority, Inc.
• Louisville Public Media
• Merit Board
• Medical Center Commission of Jefferson County
• PARC Board of Commissioners
• Police Merit Board
• Redevelopment Authority
• Science Center
• Urban Renewal Commission
• Vacant Property Review Commission
• Waterworks
• Zoo Foundation Board

REMINDERS

Visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroPolice/Patrol+Divisions/ to sign up to receive the LMPD’s new crime alert update for your neighborhood. Simply select your LMPD division number, and click "Subscribe to Crime Alerts by Beat" to begin receiving the update.

Visit http://mapit.louisvilleky.gov/  and type in your address to find out when your junk pick-up date is as well as street cleanings and additional information.

Visit https://lge-ku.com/outages/report/streetlight to report a street light outage in your neighborhood. When reporting a street light outage, be sure to have the pole number, which can be found on a metal plate on the pole. 

If you would like to unsubscribe to this e-newsletter (though we don't know why you ever would) please email Shalanna.Taylor@louisvilleky.gov with the subject "REMOVE". We won't be hurt (much).

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