District 9 eNews - Thursday, August 13, 2020

 

 
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Bill Hollander

Councilman Bill Hollander
601 W. Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1109
Email Bill

Kyle Ethridge

Kyle Ethridge
Legislative Assistant
(502) 574-3908
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In this Issue...


Women’s Equality Day Events

Women's Equality Day

2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.  The Frazier Museum, The League of Women Voters, and The Louisville Metro Office for Women are working with more than 100 community partner organizations to coordinate Louisville’s celebration.  

Next week, there are two virtual celebrations of Women’s Equality Day. 

  • Friday, August 21, 2020 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

    Tina Cassidy, author of Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait? Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson and the Fight for the Right to Vote will be interviewed by journalist Pam Platt. Cassidy writes about women and culture. She is also the author of Birth: The Surprising History of How We Are Born; and Jackie After O: One Remarkable Year When Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Defied Expectations and Rediscovered Her Dreams. This is a virtual event in collaboration with Carmichael’s Book Store.

  • Saturday, August 22, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

    The main Louisville celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment includes presentations and inspiring speakers. Poet and artist Hannah Drake will present an original work and Tina Cassidy, author of Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait? Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson and the Fight for the Right to Vote will offer the keynote address.

More information and a place to sign up for both events here.  


Register, Be an Election Officer and Vote!

vote

There are now eighty-two days until the November 3 election and we still don’t know exactly how it will be conducted in Kentucky.  It appears there will be more opportunities to vote early and there may be an expanded ability for some people to vote by absentee.  Currently, Kentucky is one of only eight states requiring some excuse beyond the coronavirus to vote by mail this November. 

There are a couple of things you can do now to help get ready for the election. 

First, register, change your registration or just check to make sure you are registered at GoVoteKY.com.  The deadline to register online to vote in the 2020 General Election is October 5, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. local time.

Second, consider signing up to be an election officer!  The Jefferson County Clerk is seeking both Democrats and Republicans to fill positions on November 3, in order to have more polling locations open for people who will vote in person.  More information is here.


Deadline for Petition for Landmark Review

rickhouse

On July 16, we reported on a demolition permit for a rickhouse located at the corner of Lexington Road and Payne Street, Case No. BLD-WRE-20-00194. More information about the demolition permit application is available here.  The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Irish Hill Neighborhood Association is now circulating a petition “requesting that the Louisville Metro Historic Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission conduct a study and hold a public hearing to determine if Nelson Distillery Warehouse (NDW), 100 Distillery Commons Dr. should be established as an Individual Local Landmark.”  That designation would require that the demolition of the building be additionally reviewed and approved by the Landmarks Commission in a public hearing. This review, as well as the Designation hearing, would include a review of potential economic hardship.  

intent to demolish

The Commission may only designate a structure or property as an Individual Landmark if it receives a petition requesting such designation and the petition contains the verified signatures and addresses of no fewer than 200 Louisville Metro residents, 101 of whom must live in Council District 4 or within one mile of the property proposed to be designated.  Absent receipt of that petition by TOMORROW, Friday, August 14 at noon, a wrecking permit for the building can be issued without further review and all requirements of the demolition ordinance for historic buildings are met. 

Electronic signatures on the petition are allowed.  You can find the petition here.

I am NOT taking a position on the merits of a possible designation, because it could, eventually, come before Metro Council, and pass this along simply as information from the Irish Hill Neighborhood Association. 


Stream Restoration Work Underway

MSD

Property at the corner of South Peterson and Grinstead Avenues is protected from development by a conservation easement.  If you see work there in the next few weeks, it is NOT development. 

MSD will soon begin work to restore a stream and wetland located at 346 S Peterson Avenue.  Its contractor, Cardno, Inc., will treat invasive woody shrubs and vines, and restore proper hydrologic function to the wetlands and waterway.

Stream and wetland restorations are essential for healthy waterways. Stable stream channels with proper hydrologic function increase the water quality for aquatic, terrestrial and avian wildlife. Healthy waterways and wetlands improve the quality of life for those living in the area and downstream. 


Eviction Prevention Assistance

eviction prevention

Louisvillians who need help paying rent due to the impact of COVID-19 should apply for assistance through Louisville Metro Government efforts being funded by $21.2 million from the federal CARES Act.  

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

The city’s Office of Resilience and Community Services is administering this assistance for eligible households earning at or below 80 percent of the area median income ($61,100 annually for a family of four). Appointments to apply are required in advance, utilizing an automated appointment system described below. 

Eviction Prevention Assistance for Households

How to apply: Jefferson County residents who meet the below eligibility requirements can call an automated scheduler at 502-977-6636 or visit online at EvictionPRevention.itfrontdesk.com.

Eligibility:

  • Jefferson County residency
  • Must have a pending court eviction, or a past due notice from landlord
  • Household income up to 80% AMI (Area Median Income) within the previous 30 days (see more details here.
  • The assistance is necessary to avoid eviction
  • Reasonable prospect that the household will be able to resume payments within a reasonable period of time
  • Households facing COVID-related delinquencies 

Landlord-Based Assistance

Landlords of federal, state or locally subsidized multi-family or single family units (i.e., LIHTC, CDBG, HOME, Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Louisville CARES or to tenants that receive Section 8) may also apply on behalf of multiple tenants, which streamlines the application process by eliminating the need for income verification. This portion of the program is administered by Louisville Metro Office of Housing, part of Develop Louisville.

How to apply:

Landlords in Jefferson County meeting eligibility may apply for assistance on behalf of their tenants by visiting https://louisvilleky.gov/government/develop-louisville/eviction-prevention .

Louisville’s Eviction Prevention Task Force recently launched a website called StopMyEviction.org that has a multitude of eviction prevention resources and services in one location.

Visit www.stopmyeviction.org for the following information and services, including:

  • Rental assistance and resources for tenants who are behind on their rent
  • Help coordinating assistance when facing an eviction
  • Support from a Task Force coordinator who will review requests on an online form and respond within 48 hours

The Legal Aid Society, part of the Eviction Prevention Task Force, provides legal assistance to tenants facing eviction in order to prevent homelessness. Legal Aid lawyers represent tenants in court to help avoid an eviction and maintain stability. To apply for Legal Aid’s assistance visit www.yourlegalaid.org or call (502) 584-1254.

For more information about rental assistance, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/develop-louisville/eviction-prevention, visit www.stopmyeviction.org, or call Metro United Way’s help referral service at 211.


Financial Assistance to MSD Customers

Low-income households may qualify for a 10-percent sewer bill discount under a new Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP) offered by MSD. Aimed at providing relief for households struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic, the EWRAP discount is effective August 1, 2020. It will run through July 31, 2021.

For eligibility information or to apply online, visit https://louisvillemsd.org/ewrap. Residents may also call 502.540.6000 or email CustomerRelations@LouisvilleMSD.org to request a paper application in the mail.


Possible Delays in Yard Waste Collection

yard waste

Since early March, Metro Public Works has adjusted its staffing levels, start times and other safety measures to provide a safe work environment for employees, comply with CDC guidelines, Metro Health & Wellness recommendations, and to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 while providing uninterrupted waste collection/recycling services to residents. The Solid Waste Management Services (SWMS) division is comprised of 96 members who service 21 collection routes in the Urban Services District. That number is impacted day-to-day by staffing factors. Though these adjustments may cause a one to two day delay in yard waste collection in some routes, trash and recycle collection schedules have not been impacted.

When there are changes to waste collection schedules, a message is sent through Recycle Coach letting residents know. It's a great communication tool, but you have to be signed up to receive the messages! On the smart phone app or web app, click "Set Reminders." There are also waste related events, including paper shredding events, waste drop-off events, and the Know Waste Webinar Series, that get announced through Recycle Coach. 

It's easy, it doesn't take up much storage on a smart phone, and you'll stay informed! Download for free at the App Store or on Google Play. Or use the web app at www.Louisvilleky.gov/RecycleCoach

Most of D9 has regular yard waste collection on Fridays.  If your yard waste is out early Friday morning and is not collected, my suggestion is that you leave it out for collection on Saturday. If it is not collected then, contact me at this page.

recycle coach

Metro Council Livestreaming on Facebook Live

metro seal

The Louisville Metro Council is now livestreaming all of its regular meetings and committee meetings on Facebook Live.

To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here.

The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99.  Proceedings are live streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.

If you would like to see the agenda for any of the Metro Council’s Committee meetings click here.


Notice of Planning & Design Public Meetings

For basic details for all of below case/s, please visit https://aca-louisville.accela.com/LJCMG/Welcome.aspx?.  Click on the “Planning” tab.  Then enter either the case number in the “record number” box or the address.

You can also click on the notice below to go to the application page.

For specific case information, please call or email the listed case manager.  If you have any questions, please contact Planning & Design directly at 574-6230.  

20-WAIVER-006520-VARIANCE-0069

I-71 and I-64 Corridor Studies

KYTC 1

Studies are underway to consider changes to I-71 and I-64, and your input is requested. 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has two current projects in the design phase to widen I-71 in Jefferson County.  The purpose of these adjacent projects is to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety along this critical corridor.

  • Item No. 5-48.10 is to widen I-71 from Downtown to just north of Zorn Ave.
  • Item No. 5-557.00 is to widen I-71 from Zorn Avenue to I-265. 

Included with Item 5-48.10 are alternatives at Zorn Avenue (Exit 2) to improve traffic operations and safety at the interchange with I-71. An interactive website has been developed to share information about the projects and study processes to date and give some details on the alternatives and improvement concepts developed.

KYTC 2

KYTC is also seeking community input on the proposed I-71 and Zorn projects. Please review the website, then take a quick survey to share your opinions. Responses will be collected through August 28, 2020. 

KYTC is also conducting an I-64 Corridor Study from Story Avenue to I-264.  An interactive presentation and survey have been developed and are available online, seeking input on the study.

  • Interactive StoryMap (https://arcg.is/04CaCb0) - provides the study background, schedule, existing conditions, and a variety of improvement strategies that will be developed and evaluated as part of the next steps. 
  • Survey - please click here to link directly to the survey to provide your input. The survey will be open for comments through Wednesday, September 2, 2020.

Please note that each survey includes options to either oppose or support lane expansions and other changes to the highway. I’m also interested in hearing your thoughts on the proposals.  Let me know by clicking here.


Library Expands Curbside Pickup Hours

Library

With the majority of Library employees now back at work after a three-month furlough, the Louisville Free Public Library is expanding curbside pick-up hours to include some evenings and Saturdays at all 17 library locations, as it works on plans to open library buildings.  Specific curbside hours vary by branch and can be found online at LFPL.org/curbside, or by calling (502) 574-1611.

To utilize LFPL’s curbside service, you must first place items on hold in the online catalog. Once you receive an email or phone notification that the items are ready for pickup, you must call (502) 574-1611 to schedule a pick-up time. At your scheduled pick-up time, simply follow the directions indicated on signage at your pick up location. To ensure the health and safety of library patrons and staff, LFPL’s curbside service is a no-contact delivery process. Library materials in plastic bags are placed directly in your vehicle by library staff and all workers wear face masks. The Library’s curbside service is contactless for patrons without cars as well. Items are placed on a designated table for pickup.

Borrowed library materials can be returned via the Library’s book drops on days of operation. Returned materials will be quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours before being processed, to ensure they are safe to be shelved or checked out again.

For more information, please visit LFPL.org/curbside.


Bingham Park Master Plan Needs Your Input

Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Louisville Parks and Recreation needs your help in working to create a new Master Plan for Bingham Park, which will enhance this beloved neighborhood park to better serve the community.

Community engagement and involvement is critical to the process, so story boards have been installed in Bingham Park with a direct text line (502-513-6279) for folks to provide input.

Ways to Get Involved:

  • Stop by the park to check out these boards and use the number to tell us what you think!
  • You can also help shape the future of Bingham Park by sharing how you use the park and suggestions for improvements in a quick survey
  • Follow on Facebook @BinghamPark502 for updates
Bingham Park

Public Input on Conceptual Plan to Improve Natural Trails in the Olmsted Parks

Cherokee Park Trail

Olmsted Parks Conservancy, in partnership with Louisville Parks and Recreation, conducted a trail study last fall with help from Alta Planning and Design to learn how to better control soil erosion and improve the existing natural trail system in Cherokee Park, Iroquois Park, and Seneca Park. Combining feedback from the 770 responses received from the Trail Usage Survey with the insight received at the public meetings last fall, a new conceptual natural surface trail plan has been developed.

This natural surface trail plan provides a conceptual 25-year guide for three of Louisville’s Olmsted-designed parks. While Cherokee, Seneca, and Iroquois Parks are well-loved community assets, their trail systems have a history of challenging issues including overwhelming use, rogue trails, conflict between trail users, and environmental degradation. Many of these issues were noted in the 1994 Master Plan for Louisville’s Olmsted Parks and Parkways and still persist today.

The conceptual natural surface trail plan provides recommendations for enhancing the existing trail systems including identifying renovation projects, establishing new trails, implementing trail closures, and recommendations for ongoing management.

To create the conceptual plan, Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Louisville Parks and Recreation:

  • Listened to numerous park visitors on their needs for the trail system and incorporated their ideas to develop a connected network of trails that provides equitable access to users while balancing user needs and demand.
  • Studied the environmental impacts of the current trail system and looked for ways to develop a sustainable trail system that limits erosion, the spread of invasive species, and other impacts to the landscapes of the parks.
  • Considered the long-term maintenance and financial needs of the trail system.
  • Maintained the historic integrity of the original design by following Frederick Law Olmsted’s design philosophy in the development of the trail system.

Two interactive maps have been developed by Alta Trail Design—one for Cherokee and Seneca Park, and one for Iroquois Park. The interactive maps will be used to collect feedback from park visitors on the conceptual plan and can be accessed by visiting http://olmstedparks.org/trailplan. No additional public meetings will be held to review the plan due to the pandemic.

Feedback received by August 31, 2020 will be taken into consideration and incorporated into the natural trail study / conceptual plan. Implementation of the final natural trail surface plan is dependent upon raising the necessary funds for the project.


KSBCF's Virtual Getaway Week

KSBCF

After much deliberation, the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation (KSBCF) team has decided to go virtual with the “Luck of the Irish 2020” gala originally scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2020. This decision is based the advice of health officials and local leaders; more importantly, it is in the interest of health and safety of KSBCF's supporters, volunteers, and staff. 

KSBCF will host, “KSBCF’s Virtual Getaway Week”, filled with interactive events to provide a welcomed and fun-filled break for all. Details will be available later this week on KSBCF's website and social media platforms. There are a series of competitions for prizes you may do on your own or in a small group; virtual cooking and cocktail classes hosted by KSBCF volunteers; a live, virtual Trivia Night open to all with prizes for 1st place; and KSBCF’s silent auction! Click here for more information.

Below is list and brief description of the upcoming events:

  • #WasteofTime Challenge: How have you been killing time during the COVID-19 pandemic? Did you count the tiles in your bathroom? Rearrange your furniture, just to put it back in the original spot? Names the plants in your yard? Well, KSBCF challenges you to show off your best #WasteofTime!

    How to play? On social media, post a photo or video with a brief description that best shows off how you have kept yourself occupied during the pandemic. Use the #WasteofTime and tag KSBCF. Whichever #WasteofTime has the most likes/retweets/impressions etc. wins $50 gift card to Monnik Beer Co. (be sure to encourage your friends and family to like your post!)! Winner will be announced August 28th during Quiz-antine (Trivia Night) on Facebook live.
  • Starting Sunday, August 23rd #TheHunt: Epic scavenger hunt along historic Frankfort Avenue - first to complete wins a $25 gift card to Carmichael's Bookstore & $25 gift card to Heine Bros. Coffee.
  • Tuesday, August 25th #TacoTuesday - Kentucky Style: Celebrate Taco Tuesday with a Kentucky twist! Cooking tutorials by Chef Graham Thompson.
  • Thursday, August 27th COVIDtails: Learn how to craft delicious, quarantine - inspired cocktails! Our bartender will guide you through how to make five, tasty cocktails to help pass the time at home.
  • Friday, August 28th Quiz-antine Night!: A general knowledge (virtual) trivia night streamed from lockdown! You can play along with your household or create a virtual team with some friends. $50 gift card to Mile Wide Beer Co. for 1st place!
  • Silent Auction OPEN! The KSBCF Silent Auction is still open! Auction will close at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28th, at the end of Quiz-antine Night. There are many great packages from dinner at your favorite local restaurant to a week's getaway in Antigua. To check out more items, click here!

District 9 Calendar Events

Below are some Ninth District calendar events!  To view a full listing of events, please visit the District 9 Blog at http://district9news.wordpress.com/.  If you would like to submit events to be considered for the blog calendar please email Kyle Ethridge or call 574-1109.

Thursday, August 13: Crescent Hill Farmers Market at Frankfort Avenue and S. Peterson Avenue. Find fresh produce, local items, coffee booth, dessert booth, soap vendor, food trucks and entertainment. Stop by and support local farmers and businesses. The farmers market is open from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. every Thursday through November 12. Questions, please contact Francis Tucker at 333-5839.

Thursday, August 13: Metro Solid Waste Management will host an educational series, Know Waste Webinar Series. Join on Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. to learn about how trash, recycling, and compost works in Jefferson County. Register for the sessions online at https://www.louisvillewastedistrict.org/webinars. On August 13, learn about waste collection and drop offs.

Thursday, August 13: Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Ave, will host Music in the Gardens with The Whiskey Bent Valley Boys from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). Cost is $25 or $20 for WBG members (use code WBGMEMBER at checkout to receive discount). Registration Limited! Wine and beer will be available, but no food service or outside food permitted. For more information, please click here.

Thursday, August 13: Carmichael’s Bookstore will host a free virtual event at 7:00 p.m. with Bobi Conn and Dr. Chad Berry. Click here to attend the event.

Saturday, August 15: St. Matthews Farmers Market, 4100 Shelbyville Road. The market is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. More information, including new social distancing rules, is here.

Thursday, August 20: Metro Solid Waste Management will host an educational series, Know Waste Webinar Series. Join on Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. to learn about how trash, recycling, and compost works in Jefferson County. Register for the sessions online at https://www.louisvillewastedistrict.org/webinars. On August 20, learn about illegal dumping.

Tuesday, August 25: Carmichael's Bookstore will host a community book club at 7:00 p.m. Join in for a free virtual discussion of Brit Bennett's The Vanishing Half. Click here for the event link.

Wednesday, August 26: Whitehall Wednesday Workshop: An Introduction to Cut Flower Gardening at 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Cost is $50 per student. In this class participants will learn the basics of growing cut flowers for their own enjoyment from flower farmer Lisa Hamrick of Color Me Mod Flower Farm.  Each participant will get hands on experience with planting their own seeds to take home, in addition to taking home 18 plants to begin their own cutting garden. Participants will also receive a small cut flower arrangement as a thank you.  You can register for the workshop here.


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