Councilwoman
Paula McCraney
601 W. Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1107
paula.mccraney@
louisvilleky.gov
Email Councilwoman McCraney
Visit the District 7 Website
Phone Numbers
of Interest
l Air Pollution: 574-6000
Animal Services: 363-6609
or 361-1318
Anonymous Tipline:
574-LMPD (5673)
Brightside: 574-2613
Jefferson County Clerk's Office: 574-5700
Legal Aid: 584-1254
Metro Call: 311 or 574-5000
Metro Parks: 574-7275
Metro Police: (Non Emergency) 574-7111 or 574-2111
Metro Safe: 572-3460
or 574-7111
MSD: 587-0603
PARC: 569-6222
Poison Control: 589-8222
Public Works: 574-5810
Solid Waste Management (SWMS): 574-3571
TARC: 585-1234
Veteran's Affairs: 595-4447
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Join meeting through Webex by clicking here:
Join meeting through Facebook Live! by clicking here: Facebook!
 My weekly message will be communicated in person during the virtual meeting. Please tune in!
The next virtual "Muffins with McCraney" is THIS MORNING, Saturday, August 29, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Tune in to Webex to ask questions, make comments, share your thoughts about your local government and hear about the many issues being dealt with at Metro Council and throughout out city.
A portion of the agenda will include comments from the Councilwoman about current civil unrest, the resolution calling for the mayor’s resignation, proposed developments in District 7, and the work she’s doing as co-chair of the Civilian Review Board Workgroup. “I will answer any question that is on the hearts and minds of my constituents. I believe all elected officials should be transparent, and I look forward to hearing from my neighbors and friends of District 7. We will engage in open and honest dialogue,” says McCraney. “Get ready to brew a cup of coffee, have a muffin or two handy, and from the comfort of your own home, let’s talk.”
Webex Sign in:
Meeting number (access code): 160 041 1095
Meeting password: 75hDATiEaP9
Attend the virtual "Muffins with McCraney" meeting for a chance to win this COVID-19 survival kit basket!
It is filled with a nice coffee table book, snacks and goodies, masks, hand sanitizer and so much more!
If you sign-in and hang in there for an hour until the end, you may witness your name being pulled from the hat!
The value of the basket is approximately $250, and YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE ABSENTEE BALLOT PORTAL: https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/govoteky
or click on link below:
GoVoteKY.com
I-64 Corridor Comments Due
VOICE YOUR OPINION!
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KYTC is 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.
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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.
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KYTC joins national effort to combat impaired driving over Labor Day Holiday
"Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” runs now to Sept. 7
This Labor Day weekend, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and law enforcement across the nation in reminding drivers to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
“It’s been a tough year for all Kentuckians and I want us to have a great Labor Day Weekend,” said Gov. Beshear. “But to keep each other safe, I’ve got to ask you two things. First, please celebrate safely – follow precautions at bars, restaurants and tourist attractions and limit social gatherings to ten people or fewer. Second, please get home safely. Drive sober or plan a ride with someone who is to protect yourself and everyone on the road.”
While law enforcement officers patrol for impaired drivers year-round, NHTSA says impaired driving-related crashes tend to increase during the Labor Day holiday period.
“If you are under the influence of any substance and choose to get behind the wheel, you put everyone on the road in danger, including yourself,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “No matter the occasion, always plan for a designated driver.”
There were more than 4,700 total collisions involving an impaired driver in Kentucky last year, resulting in more than 2,200 injuries and 138 deaths. During the Labor Day holiday weekend, there were 56 crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 30 injuries and two deaths.
“Impaired driving is 100 percent preventable,” said KYTC Office of Highway Safety Acting Executive Director Jason Siwula. “Drivers must understand that drugs and/or alcohol not only hinder your ability to drive, but also affect your judgment about whether you can or should drive. You may think you’re fine, but impairment slows judgment, coordination and reaction times.”
According to NHTSA, impaired driving fatalities typically spike during holidays. To prevent such tragedies, the KYTC recommends the following:
- Before festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night;
- If impaired, use a ride-booking company or taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely;
- If you see an impaired driver, safely pull over and contact law enforcement. You may dial the KSP toll-free line directly at 1-800-222-5555 or call 911.
- If you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get them safely to where they are going.
- Wear a seat belt! It is not only the law, it is the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if involved in a crash.
“We want all Kentuckians to enjoy the upcoming Labor Day holiday,” said Siwula. “All we ask is that you make smart choices and celebrate responsibly.”
For more information on drunken driving visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving. For more information on drug-impaired driving visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving
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Residents who want to weigh in on the current top-to-bottom review of the Louisville Metro Police Department have a new way to register their views. The consulting firm Hillard Heintze is now accepting concerns, comments, and inquiries via email at LMKY@hillardheintze.com. They will respond to all correspondence sent to that address which will remain open until the delivery of their report later this year.
Hillard Heintze representatives are making visits to Louisville, conducting interviews, observing training, and participating in ride-alongs with officers. Once all assessments are done, they will develop recommendations to serve as a road map for LMPD's strategic plan.
Residents who want to weigh in on the current top-to-bottom review of the Louisville Metro Police Department have a new way to register their views. The consulting firm Hillard Heintze is now accepting concerns, comments, and inquiries via email at LMKY@hillardheintze.com. They will respond to all correspondence sent to that address which will remain open until the delivery of their report later this year. Hillard Heintze representatives are making visits to Louisville, conducting interviews, observing training, and participating in ride-alongs with officers. Once all assessments are done, they will develop recommendations to serve as a road map for LMPD's strategic plan.
Gov. Beshear: https://governor.ky.gov/PublishingImages/Governor-Andy-Beshear.jpg
Sec. Adams: https://governor.ky.gov/PublishingImages/SecretryAdams.jpg
In the midst of a global health pandemic caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19), as a Democratic Governor and a Republican Secretary of State, we have proven that we can put partisanship aside to make our elections safer for our people.
During this pandemic, Kentuckians will have more than just 12 hours to vote at one polling place on Election Day.
Our plan includes:
Expanded absentee voting – Kentuckians who are concerned about in-person voting due to the coronavirus can request an absentee ballot online at www.GoVoteKy.com or through other methods, all of which require voter identity verification. Voters can return their ballots by mail, or put them in drop boxes we’re distributing, a first for our state.
Early in-person voting – In order to reduce lines and further social distancing, we’re offering three weeks of early in-person voting, including Saturdays, also a first for our state.
Election Day voting – While not every precinct will be open on Election Day, because, for example, some of our regular voting locations are nursing homes, Kentuckians are stepping up to serve as poll workers so that we can open as many locations as possible. Our plan requires every county to have at least one vote center, where anyone from that county can go vote, regardless of his or her precinct – another reform for our state.
Finally, Kentuckians who are unable to get a photo ID to vote due to the pandemic – whether because of risk of exposure to COVID-19, or because their clerk’s office was closed – can sign a document explaining this concern, present non-photo ID and cast their ballots.
Gov. Andy Beshear on Friday updated Kentuckians on the state’s continuing efforts to fight the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in the commonwealth.
“We still have a whole lot of cases in Kentucky which means a number of people get sick and we lose a number of people, too,” said Gov. Beshear. “The good news is our positivity rate continues to decline. If we keep wearing these masks and we keep doing the work, we can get this to a manageable level to get our kids back in school and get back to more of our old lives.”
Case Information As of 4 p.m. Aug. 28, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 46,757 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 792 of which were newly reported Friday.
Eviction Prevention Assistance
Make an Appointment Today!
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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-louis ville/eviction-prevention, visit www.stopmyeviction.org, or call Metro United Way’s help referral service at 211.
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Small business grant program provides much-needed aid to local businesses
Grant program has assisted nearly 350 small businesses since July 1
Since its launch on July 1, Louisville Metro Government’s Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program has awarded more than $12.7 million in grants to nearly 350 small businesses throughout the city.
“I have heard from many business owners about the struggles they are facing as a result of the pandemic and economic downturn, which is out of their control. Our small businesses are the heartbeat of Louisville’s economy – providing jobs and tax revenue that helps pay for city services – and of course, it’s our small businesses that shape the unique character of our city,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “That’s why it was important to the city to support our small businesses as we weather these unprecedented times together.”
Because of the pandemic, overall revenue among small businesses in Louisville have declined nearly 20 percent, according to Opportunity Insights, a non-partisan research and policy institute based at Harvard University. The Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, funded with more $21 million in federal CARES dollars, is designed to help prevent business closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and to preserve the hundreds of businesses that make Louisville unique.
Of the grant dollars allocated to date, 21.6 percent has gone to minority-owned businesses, and 36.6 percent has been awarded to women-owned businesses. The city also has committed to spending half of the total fund in low-to-moderate income census tracts.
About 800 applications have been submitted by small businesses, and businesses have requested grant amounts ranging from $1,500 to the maximum of $50,000.
Louisville Forward’s Economic Development team, which is administering the program, continues to work with businesses that have applied to guide them through the process. Once the applicants have provided all the necessary information, their funding requests are reviewed and voted on by an external six-person review committee.
“The top priority of the review committee is to ensure that we can help as many businesses in need as possible and that the businesses assisted are representative of Louisville’s diverse economy,” said Jackie Pennington, a retired banker and member of the review committee. “We want to make sure all small businesses have an opportunity to apply for a grant through the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program.”
Businesses can use the funds to cover payroll, utilities, lease or mortgage payments, and fixed costs, such as interest on debt service and business insurance. Business without existing online platforms may also use grant dollars to support the implementation of new technology to allow for online sales.
For small businesses to be eligible to receive a grant through the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, they must meet the following criteria:
- Had 20 employees or fewer as of March 16, 2020, except for non-retail businesses. Non-retail businesses must have had 50 employees or fewer and remained closed or had their operations severely restricted under state executive order dated March 25, 2020.
- Been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Must be located in Louisville/Jefferson County.
- Must be in good standing with Louisville Metro Revenue Commission.
- Must be in "active" status with Kentucky Secretary of State.
Learn more about the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program and view a list of businesses with approved grant applications at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/small-business-covid-19-relief-grants.
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.
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The LMAS Shelter is open for citizens needing to purchase or renew pet licensing or pay a violation. These services are also available online by clicking HERE
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.
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Louisville Water Company has a new program – “Drops of Kindness" - to help people dealing with financial difficulties in the global pandemic.
Whether you’re a resident or business owner, Drops of Kindness offers a customized approach to help customers resolve unpaid bills and reduce future financial obligations. Drops of Kindness starts with a confidential call with a customer service associate who works to find a bill payment option suitable for a customer’s individual and unique situation.
Customers are matched with payment options that help them catch up on unpaid bills. This could include:
- A payment plan on the outstanding balance or other payment options
- Connecting customers with partners who have funding for help with an unpaid bill.
Contact Louisville Water by email or call (502) 583-6610.
NOTICE: All Metro Council meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 and U-verse Channel 99.
The meetings are also available online at the Metro Council home page at http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk. (Click here and click on the “Watch Meetings Online” button.)
OR access prior or current meetings here:
http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2.
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Agendas for these meetings can be viewed using the following link:
http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2
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