District 8 Streets Report: Nuthin’ but a ‘5G’ Thang

In this space, we provide updates on major projects and report on upcoming (scheduled and funded) streets and other infrastructure improvements.

On August 12, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued an opinion regarding the deployment of 5G cell service buildouts that we believe allows for additional aesthetics-related local regulations – such as different height, location within alleys or other criteria – based on zoning or a historic district.  That means help is on the way for residential neighborhoods besieged by wireless small cell node applications.  New rules must be reasonable and published in advance, so Council Members Hollander, Nicole George (D-21) and I, along with Develop Louisville, the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office and Public Works are working on the fly to draft policy and take advantage of this opportunity.  The changes would apply to current communications services franchisees and we retain authority over construction scheduling, so some delay in deployment may be permissible, but a moratorium is not.  We are acting fast so that as many as possible of the 47 District 8 sites submitted so far will be subject to the new regulations.  Expect an update on this topic next time.   Learn more about 5G here.   

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Make that 48 District 8 sites submitted so far.  Two hours ago (8/26, 1:25pm), I received notice that Verizon has filed an application with Public Works to install a wireless small cell node in District 8 right-of-way at or near 1176 Castlevale Dr.  LV Louisville 2602 would replace a 15.95’ LG&E light pole with a new 35’ Verizon metal light pole.  If your property is within 150’ of this location then you will receive a letter including a photo simulation and an email address to submit any questions, comments or objections: VZW.KY.SC@verizonwireless.com

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Over the Next Two Weeks

Paving

Ingleside Dr; Ransdell Ave; and Woodbourne Ave (Valetta-Cherosen)

The installation of curb ramps will continue for several weeks, followed by the resurfacing of all remaining FY21 streets by October.

Sidewalks

2108 Baringer Ave; 1615 Beechwood Ave; 2554 Carolina Ave; 1858 Douglass Blvd; 1506 Goddard Ave; 2501 Grinstead Dr (concrete pad/litter bin); 2171 Winston Ave (concrete pad/litter bin); and 2318 Woodbourne Ave. 

Scheduling information is subject to change. Please let us know if you observe any discrepancies in projects reported as completed.  Visit the District 8 Streets Information page here.  

District 8 Development Report: Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Parking Placards

In this space, we report on District 8 planning and zoning activity from the past two weeks and, also, preview activity scheduled for the next two weeks.  All information is as of today’s date. Please Subscribe & Stay Informed to receive Notification of Development Proposals via email or text and never miss the opportunity to participate in the development process. 

Like many of you, I am disappointed to see the tree removal at the Highland Preserve development at 2814 Newburg Road, in District 10, across from the Belknap and Hayfield Dundee (Upper Highlands) neighborhoods.  Unfortunately, the tree canopy ordinance Metro Council passed in April does not apply to this subdivision because it was approved prior to the legislation, in February.  Most of the trees removed to build a roadway and a drainage area on the site were located along the frontage, so the visual impact of their removal is significant.  Seventy (70) new trees will be planted as part of the project, including street trees, but still just 28% of the total site area will become canopied again, over many years.

By contrast, under the new ordinance (assuming the preexisting tree canopy was 50% or greater), the total site area would have become 54% canopied due to the 20% preservation requirement and at least 71 new trees to be planted.  The difference equates to approximately 91,169 square feet – more than two acres – of additional tree cover.  The future will be greener, at least.

(You will notice the Highland Preserve landscape plan calculates the total tree canopy provided to be 19% versus the 28% I give it credit for.  That is because – over my strong objection – the law we passed gives double canopy credit for trees preserved on a development site.  We count the 32,736 SF of existing tree canopy to remain as 65,472 SF – go figure!)        

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As promised, here is a first look at new, twin parking ordinances designed to reduce minimum development requirements and to expand residential on-street availability, respectively.  Parking reform is an important part of progressive planning policy.  Both items will be read into new business at next Thursday’s (9/3) Metro Council meeting and then debated in our Public Works Committee beginning September 8.    

My ordinance to address the proliferation of vape shops is on the same schedule, only it will be sent to the Planning and Zoning Committee.  It will read substantially like this.

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The Cherokee Triangle & Bonnycastle Neighborhoods Plan is moving right along.  The visioning survey results and a recording of the third Advisory Group meeting have been added to the online platform.  Now, we are preparing for a virtual workshop in the spirit of a traditional pre-COVID charette, in early October.  Over the course of several days, the workshop will include a keynote address by Karen M. Gravel, Principal & Director of the Historic Preservation practice area at Lord Aeck Sargent, as well as two online “office hours” opportunities to interact directly with the planning team.  This nine-to twelve-month planning process started in January, so my goal is to complete the plan by the end of 2020. 

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Hopefully, some of you were able to participate in the Urban Government Center developer virtual open houses over the last week.  The public comment period has been extended to August 31, so submit your feedback on the proposals here.  As I understand it, announcement of the selected developer is expected in October.          

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Over the Last Two Weeks

On August 17, the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BOZA) approved a request for a conditional use permit to allow a short term rental that is not the primary residence of the host at 1721 Eastern Parkway.  20-CUP-0061

Over the Next Two Weeks

All meetings will be held online: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/upcoming-public-meetings

On August 27 at 1:00pm, the Land Development and Transportation Committee will hold a public meeting to review a proposed change in zoning from R-5, single-family to R-6, multi-family residential with detailed district development plan and waiver at 1616 Rosewood Avenue.  20-ZONE-0058

On August 31 at 1:00pm, BOZA will hold a public meeting to review a request for a variance for an accessory structure to encroach into the side and rear yard setbacks at 1629 Windsor Place.  20-VARIANCE-0072

On September 3 at 1:00pm, the Planning Commission will hold a public meeting to review a parking waiver to reduce required parking from 45 to 23 spaces, a waiver to encroach into a required landscape buffer area and a waiver to allow parking spaces closer to the right-of-way than the front façade at 1125 and 1131 Bardstown Road.  20-PARKWAIVER-0003, 20-WAIVER-0049, 20-WAIVER-0058 and 20-WAIVER-0059

Click here to view meeting agendas, download supporting documents and live-stream all planning and zoning public meetings. Visit the District 8 Development Information page here. 

District 8 Crime Report: The Data Is In

The following Crime Report is adapted from the last two 5th Division Weekly Crime Updates (8/9/20 - 8/22/20) provided by Dets. Daniel English and Ryan Quirin.  Please note the linked maps cover the entire LMPD Fifth Division, not just District 8 (Beats 2, 3 and 4). 

Last week (8/19), the city issued a citation and order to vacate the premises to a Russell neighborhood gas station claiming the property is a public nuisance.  In June 2018, Codes and Regulations shut down a gas station in Phoenix Hill.  I have heard from many of you that think the Speedway at 1101 Bardstown Road deserves the same fate.  Certainly, I think, it has lost the privilege to sell alcohol (until 2:00am, at least) and I said so to ABC Administrator Robert Kirchdorfer last week (8/17) by way of formal protest letter.  (My letter to Mr. Kirchdorfer also included emails from a number of you but I am omitting them here.)  The same goes for Walgreens at 990 Baxter Avenue and 2490 Bardstown, which I consider together as a single renewal applicant.  I have written about alcohol license accountability and these businesses in this space for many months now and finally – on or about August 31 – they are forced to collide.  I hope the city considers the combined 878 calls for service, 108 incidents and 20 arrests at these two businesses over the last year and sends a clear message as the voice of the people to the corporate managers and their local landlords: you must earn the community’s trust back. 

Robbery – There was one robbery this reporting period, a decrease from the last reporting period (2).

On August 12 at 8:05am, a suspect known to the victim demanded property at knife point in the 2200 block of Bardstown Road.  The suspect was arrested shortly after the incident.

Burglary – There were nine burglaries this reporting period, an increase from the last reporting period (5).  There were six in Beat 2 and three in Beat 3.  Three were unlocked and six were by force.  One was a business and five were residential.  See maps here and here for more detail.

Auto Theft – There were five auto thefts this reporting period, an increase from the last reporting period (4).  Three were in Beat 2 and two were in Beat 4.  Four were by unknown means and one was unlocked.  See maps here and here for more detail.

Theft from Automobile – There were eight thefts from automobile this reporting period, a decrease from the last reporting period (9).  There were five in Beat 2, two in Beat 3 and one in Beat 4.  Two of the vehicles were unlocked and six were by force.  Please remember to Lock, Take and Hide!  See maps here and here for more detail.     

2020 District 8 “Unlocked” Crimes Tracker

Q3: 33/95 = 34.7%

Q2: 38/138 = 27.5%

Q1: 50/157 = 33.8%

2019: 182/492 = 37%

2018: 206/581 = 35.5%

2020 over 2019 District 8 CompStat Data (Period 2020 33)

If you have any questions or want to discuss anything in these crime reports, please email LMPD 5th Division District Resource Officers at: 5thdivlmpd@louisvilleky.gov.  Visit the District 8 Crime Information page here.

District 8 Events Calendar: The Fortnight Ahead

This listing is primarily a District 8 business calendar.  We’ll also highlight annual and special events affecting traffic and street closures, and choice events that are free and open to the public.  We’ll use social media to promote many others.  For event location and other information, click here to visit District 8 Events online.

AUG 27              1:00pm             LD&T Public Meeting 20-ZONE-0058 1616 Rosewood Ave

                           7:00pm             Tyler Park Neighborhood Association Meeting

AUG 31              1:00pm             BOZA Public Meeting 20-VARIANCE-0072 1629 Windsor Pl

SEP 2                 6:30pm             Highlands-Douglass Neighborhood Association Meeting

SEP 3                 1:00pm             Planning Commission Public Meeting 20-PARKWAIVER-0003 20-                                                          WAIVER-0049 20-WAIVER-0058 20-WAIVER-0059 1125 and 1131                                                        Bardstown Rd

                           6:00pm             Metro Council Meeting

                           7:00pm             City of Kingsley Meeting

SEP 8                 7:00pm             Bonnycastle Homestead Association Meeting

8 Shout-Outs: The Grateful 8th

This is a flexible space for giving thanks, saying hi to friends and having a little fun.

1. Shout-out to our 13th, 14th and final District 8 interns Madeline Reed and Sam Stottman for refusing to allow the coronavirus pandemic to interfere with their educations! Madeline is a UofL law student interested in land use and public safety and Sam is a Cardinal undergrad interested in budget and neighborhood revitalization. We promise their professors to put them to serious work!  
2. Shout-out to LMPD 5th Division Lt. Neil Tenbarge for taking the time to help get our District 8 “Unlocked” Crimes Tracker back on track after a brief, unplanned hiatus! Lt. Tenbarge searched for, opened and read each individual crime report from May 24 to July 11 so that you can be armed with the knowledge to stay safe. Please thank him by locking your car, taking your keys and hiding your belongings!      
3. Shout-out to Olmsted Parks Conservancy and the Parks Department for developing a sustainable trail system plan for Cherokee, Seneca and Iroquois Parks! Review the concept and submit feedback by August 31 for it to be considered and incorporated into the final draft!    
4. Shout-out to the OPC Park Steward program, too! Fall 2020 training starts September 8. Learn more about Park History, Horticultural Techniques, Plant Identification and Woodlands Management – and meet amazing new people like Matt Spalding! 
5. Shout-out to Friend of District 8, engineer and planner Tom Springer for educating me on carpool lanes! So far as I-64 goes, I am against them, now, too!   
6. Shout-out to the small but mighty Seneca Vista Neighborhood Association for keeping their annual picnic alive on September 13, in compliance with state health and safety guidelines!
7. Shout-out to my man Crazy Fingers for letting me borrow Dog Heaven and welcome to the elite multiple shout-outs club!  
8. Finally, shout-out to GoVoteKY.com – it couldn’t be easier to request a mail-in absentee ballot out of concern about contacting or spreading COVID-19, which is exactly how voting should be – easy!  Do it, just do it, do it right now!

In Two Weeks: The September to Remember Edition

Thanks for reading, and tune back in two weeks!  

Councilman Brandon Coan   |   Louisville Metro Council   |   District 8

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601 West Jefferson Street, Third Floor

Louisville, Kentucky 40202

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