District 4 Your Voice Matters

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Newbarbaraphoto

Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith
601 West Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1104
Email Barbara

 

Committee Assignments: 

  • Budget
  • Public Safety
  • Government Oversight

Wanda Mitchell-Smith

Wanda Mitchell-Smith Legislative Assistant             (502) 574-3453                     Email Wanda


audrey

 Audrey Champelli               Intern

Email Audrey


District LMPD links

1st Division Information

2nd Division Information

4th Division Information

5th Divison Information


The Fourth District includes:

  • Downtown
  • Central Business District
  • NuLu Business District

Neighborhoods:

  • Paristown Pointe
  • Phoenix Hill
  • Shelby Park
  • Smoketown

and portions of these neighborhoods:

  • Butchertown
  • California
  • Germantown
  • Irish Hill
  • Meriwether Fort Hill
  • Original Highlands
  • Portland
  • Russell
  • Schnitzelburg

In this issue...


Important Plans for the Weekend

weekly update mayor

In advance of demonstrations planned for Kentucky Derby day, Mayor Fischer and Louisville Metro Police are urging residents to base their behaviors on facts and to not participate in the spread of misinformation.

Here are the facts:

The city fully supports First Amendment rights and expects peaceful protests on Saturday. Louisville Metro Police has been in contact with protest organizers. If activities become unlawful, LMPD has plans in place and is prepared to handle the situation.

If people are blocking traffic, creating dangerous conditions on our roadways or trespassing on private property against the wishes of the property owner, the police will cite and/or arrest them. Anyone committing violence or vandalism will be arrested.

Many times since protests began in Louisville, rumors and false information have spread quickly on social media and created unnecessary worry. Residents can help by following LMPD and other official Louisville Metro Government social media accounts for verified updates regarding protests.

"Racial justice is a goal we all support. And we support First Amendment rights," Mayor Fischer said on Wednesday. "We just have to balance the right to protest with our essential duty to preserve public safety."


Ideas for Celebrating Derby from Home

derby

This year, many of us will be watching the Derby virtually from home, but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate! This can be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that Kentucky has to offer by listening to some music by local artists and ordering from local restaurants and businesses.

To see a whole list of ideas on how to make your virtual and socially distanced parties special this derby season, click HERE.


happy labor day

Dear friends and neighbors, Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. As we celebrate our long weekend known as Labor Day Weekend, it is my hope you will do something you enjoy and take a moment to be thankful for the millions of contributions being made during these times.

Together Today - Stronger Tomorrow! 

barbabra

Community Grocery Request for Information

The Center for Health Equity wants to hear from you about  what it’s like to get food and groceries in Louisville.

The 2017 Louisville Health Equity Report recommended that Louisville make healthy foods more accessible.  The report suggested that it would take a lot of different solutions at many different levels. That includes government policy, organizations, and businesses helping to make it easy for people to have a chance to get healthy foods.  

Please share your ideas!  The Center for Health Equity will report your recommendations to the Metro Council, and use them to help determine how the Council’s $3.5 million bond allocation will be spent to provide a community grocery.

Read the full Request for Information here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/center-health-equity/food-systemcommunity-grocery-rfi. Share your responses here: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5771845/Community-Grocery-RFI.

che grocery

Share Your Input on the Top-to-Bottom review of the LMPD

metro seal

We need you to weigh in on the comprehensive, top-to-bottom review of the Louisville Metro Police Department. The Chicago-based consulting firm Hillard Heintze, a Jensen Hughes company, is performing the review and can be reached by email at LMKY@hillardheintze.com. Members of the Hillard Heintze team will respond to all concerns, comments and inquiries sent to the address.

This is a transparent process that works when you ask questions and feel a part of this process. The email address will remain active through the delivery of the report later this year. Learn more.


Voting by Mail in Kentucky

Vote early ky

Governor Andy Beshear and Secretary of State Michael Adams reached a non-partisan agreement to give Kentuckians concerned with the threat of COVID-19 expanded options to exercise their right to vote this November.

Kentucky voters can visit govoteky.com to request a mail-in ballot, find a ballot drop-box, find early voting locations, and access additional information about the upcoming election.

click HERE for other dates and information


Census 2020 - Everyone Counts!

census

Census Takers will be visiting our neighborhoods. We are urging you to complete the Census before Sept. 30, and please know that Census Takers are visiting every household that has not already responded. In certain areas, the Census Bureau is also calling households, reminding you to respond.

Census Takers will have a valid ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. Census workers may also carry Census Bureau bags and other equipment with the Census Bureau logo.

You have three options to respond to the 2020 Census:

  1. By phone you can call 844-330-2020
  2. By mailing back the paper questionnaire delivered to your home earlier in the year
  3. Online you can respond safely from home by using the online form on the U.S. Census website at my2020census.gov

Additional information can be found at https://louisvilleky.gov/census

Deadline to respond is September 30th. 

Please be counted – we really are all in this together!


River Sweep Revamped for 2020

River Sweep

Because of COVID-19, the 31st Annual River Sweep originally scheduled for September 12 has been changed to a collection of small efforts instead of the traditional large group. You can still be a part of the effort toward safe, clean waterways.

Community members are encouraged to pick up a bag of garbage in their area in honor of the event. Cleaning up gutters and storm drains is a great idea because that litter ends up polluting our waterways.

Groups of 10 or fewer interested in cleaning up their community can contact River Sweep Coordinator Rhonda Crotzer at (502) 548-8409 or email at Rhonda.Crotzer@louisvillemsd.org to pick up supplies and participation T-shirts.


Become an Olmsted Park Steward

Olmsted Parks

Are you passionate about Louisville's Olmsted Parks and looking for a way to give back? Become an Olmsted Parks Conservancy Park Steward! 

The next Park Steward Training program begins on September 8, where volunteers can attend a series of virtual lectures and in-park training to learn more about Park History, Horticultural Techniques, Plant Identification, and Woodlands Management, all while meeting amazing new people and getting the opportunity to exercise ownership over these greenspaces you care about.

The one-time enrollment fee, a $50 donation to Olmsted Parks Conservancy, covers costs to produce the lectures, training, and materials. Scholarships are available for those interested.

Learn more and reserve your spot at https://www.olmstedparks.org/news/park-steward-training-fall-2020/.


Dare to Care September Schedule

dare to care

September DTC Schedule

  • 9/7 – closed for holiday
  • 9/14 – open
  • 9/21 – open
  • 9/28 - open

Dare to Care Food Pantry at St. Peters UCC Louisville, Russell Plaza, 1407 W. Jefferson St, (double doors). COVID-19 protocols will be observed, There will be no entrance into the church. 6 ft distancing in outside line to be strictly followed.


Support Waterfront Park on September 17

support waterfront park

Give For Good Louisville is Thursday, September 17

Please plan to support Waterfront Park during Louisville’s largest day of giving. Your gift during this special 24 hour campaign provides the park an opportunity to participate in prize pools and receive matching dollars. Thanks to a generous donation from the Marshall Family Foundation, your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar on September 17th. Every unique donation makes a difference and we need your help.

Click HERE to donate, click HERE to learn more.


Prominent Youth of America NTI Learning Hub

prominent youth

The Polaroid Project by Louisville Urban League

polaroid

Financial Assistance for MSD Customers

MSD

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.


Help with Louisville Water Bills

Louisville Water

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.


Time's Running Out to Register for Manufacturing Training

manufacturing training

Register today! Click HERE to complete the online enrollment form or call (502) 276-9711 ext. 4001.

Click HERE to hear from real graduates


Metro Public Works and Assets Right-of-Way Guide

public works

 

Metro Public Works & Assets is proposing an update to the current Right-of-Way Guide and Utility Policy, last revised October 2019. View the proposed draft here

The proposed changes are primarily focused on utilities within the public right-of-way. Public Works & Assets would like to hear from all users that may be impacted by the proposed changes. The goal is to have a final policy that protects the public without burdening the stakeholders working within the right-of-way. Submit your comments using this form.

The public comment period will end September 15, 2020. 


Liquor License Applications

abc

751 Vine Street: NQ2 Restaurant Retail Drink, Sunday Liquor Drink, and 4 a.m. Extended Hours license(s) The ad ran in The Courier Journal Wednesday, September 2, 2020.

120 S. Floyd Street: Quota Retail Liquor by the Drink, Quota Retail Liquor by the Package, NQ4 Retail Malt Beverage by the Drink, NQ Retail Malt Beverage by the Package, Sunday Liquor Drink, Supplemental Bars, and 2 a.m. Extended Hours license(s) The ad ran in The Courier Journal Friday, September 4, 2020.

1020 E. Washington Street: NQ Retail Malt Beverage by the Package license The ad ran in The Courier Journal Friday, September 4, 2020.


Applications for Historic Structures and Demolitions

Planning and Design

the following properties are listed or potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places

plymouth complex

1626 and 1630 W. Chestnut St. - Plymouth Complex: owner request to designate property as an Individual Landmark (Case No. 20-LANDMARK-0002). The hearing will be held at 9am on 9/10/20

Click HERE to attend online and HERE for more information

509 cooper st

509 Cooper Street: The Office of Planning and Design has received a demolition permit application for this property (case no.BLD-WRE-20-00219). The requested demolition permit may be issued on or after the following date: 10/1/2020

Click HERE for more information

1231 jefferson

1231 W. Jefferson Street (Rear Addition ONLY): The Office of Planning and Design has received a demolition permit application for this property (case no. BLD-WRE-20-00207). The requested demolition permit may be issued on or after the following date: 10/1/2020

Click HERE for more information

926 e gray

926 E. Gray Street: The Office of Planning and Design has received a demolition permit application for this property (case no. BLD-WRE-20-00229). The requested demolition permit may be issued on or after the following date: 10/1/2020

Click HERE for more information


Russell Housing Repair Programs

Housing

The Russell Homeownership Incentive Program is an exciting opportunity to be a homeowner in a neighborhood rich with history. Incentives are being offered for individuals and families who already live in Russell and are ready to purchase a home, and to those looking to move into the neighborhood.  If you meet the following criteria, this program is for you!

  • Interested in being a homeowner and residing in the Russell Homeownership Incentive Area
  • Committed to keeping the house as your primary residence for five years.
  • Excited about making up to $24,999 in qualified improvements to your home. Participants must be approved prior to repairs being made and any cost over $24,999 will be the responsibility of the homeowner and paid in full prior to Louisville Metro Government (LMG) paying the remaining cost.
  • Willing to complete homeownership counseling, if a first-time homebuyer.
  • Willing to conduct a lead inspection on the property if it was built prior to 1978. LMG can help provide contact information of qualified companies.

The Russell Home Repair program is about revitalizing single-family homes by providing funding for repairs that assist with the stabilization of the home. The homeowner must reside in the Russell Neighborhood and live in the home for more than one year. To qualify, homeowner must also meet income requirements and be current on property taxes and mortgage payments. Repairs that may be addressed in the home includes: Electrical, Heating Systems and Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Roof Repair, Elimination of exterior code violations, etc.

The Russell Rental Rehab program is a partnership with landlords/owners of Russell properties that will assist with increasing the supply of long-term affordable, safe and sanitary rental units for low- and moderate-income residents.

For more information about these programs, contact the Office of Housing at 502-574-5850. For assistance with completing the application, you can visit our office at 444 S. 5th S., 5th Floor.

https://louisvilleky.gov/government/housing/homeowner-resources


Eviction Prevention and Small Business Relief

metro seal

Residents and businesses continue to suffer from the economic shutdowns required by the pandemic. Two programs are helping tenants and businesses in Louisville.

The budget Metro Council passed in June designated up to $21.2 million in federal CARES funding for the Eviction Prevention COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund is designed to prevent the anticipated wave of new eviction cases and aid low-to-moderate income households that are delinquent on rent payments as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund will pay for up to three months of rent for households facing COVID-related delinquencies. Individual households earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income ($45,840 annually for a family of four) are eligible to receive rental assistance. Individual households should CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY.

Our FY21 operating budget also includes up to $21.2 million in federal CARES funding for Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grants. The program will provide eligible businesses with grants up to $50,000 based on demonstrated impact from COVID-19. The Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grants program is designed to help prevent business closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and to preserve the hundreds of fun and funky businesses that make Louisville unique. Download a flier with information about the grant program


Household Eviction Prevention Assistance

eviction prevention for households - updated

COVID-19 Resources, Testing, Helpline, and Links


small business relief

https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/small-business-covid-19-relief-grants for more information on what is needed in order to get prepared to apply.


LouCovidHotline

Jefferson County COVID-19 Data Dashboard

coronavirus

COVID-19 in Jefferson County KY

Discover, analyze and download data from COVID-19 in Jefferson County KY. Download in CSV, KML, Zip, GeoJSON, GeoTIFF or PNG. Find API links for GeoServices, WMS, and WFS. Analyze with charts and thematic maps. Take the next step and create storymaps and webmaps.

Louisville COVID-19 Testing Sites

covid testing

Who should get tested for COVID-19? 

  • Anyone who has symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea, sore throat, congestion or runny nose. Contact your healthcare provider about scheduling a test.
  • Testing for people who do not have symptoms (asymptomatic) including:
    • Persons without symptoms who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. Consider getting tested during your 14-day quarantine if you do not develop symptoms. 
    • Healthcare facility workers, workers in congregate living settings, and first responders without symptoms.
    • Residents in long-term care facilities or other congregate living settings, including prisons and shelters, without symptoms
    • People without symptoms who have been in large gatherings where social distancing was difficult, and you do not know if you were in close contact with a positive case.

For more information on the process and testing sites, please click here.


COVID-19 Information from Governor Beshear

kyseal

COVID-19 Testing Expansion
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians to take advantage of the state’s partnership with Kroger, which has brought free drive-through testing across the commonwealth. Information on how to register at more than 200 sites throughout the commonwealth can be found here.

More Information
Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.govkycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts FacebookTwitter and YouTube.

Kentuckians can also access translated COVID-19 information and daily summaries of the Governor’s news conference at tinyurl.com/kygovespanol (Spanish) and tinyurl.com/kygovtranslations (more than 20 additional languages).


COVID-19 Safety Reporting Hotline

kyseal

Safety Reporting Hotline

Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians that the COVID-19 reporting hotline is available to help keep everyone safe.

People who witness dangerous non-compliance with coronavirus mandates, including requirements for mask wearing, social distancing and sanitation, at Kentucky businesses are encouraged to call the COVID-19 reporting hotline at 833-KY SAFER (833-597-2337). 

Labor Cabinet personnel will monitor the hotline from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT. To file a complaint online, click here


How To Prevent COVID-19

UPDATE!

Councilwoman Sexton Smith has created a special information page about the COVID 19 virus and its impact on Louisville Metro. To get information on basic needs, food distribution, small business assistance from local, statewide and JCPS programs designed to keep you safe and give assistance during this crisis,

CLICK HERE


COVID-19 - Important Links

HELP WITH UNEMPLOYMENT AND SMALL BUSINESSES

NEED HELP OR WANT TO HELP OTHERS?


Neighborhood Associations

Butchertown - butchertownpres@gmail.com 1st Tuesday @ 6:00 pm 

Germantown Paristown - 1094 E. Kentucky St. 396-4836 judithmagrem28@gmail.com 3rd Monday @ 6:00 pm

Irish Hill Neighborhood Association - For more information info@irishhillneighbors.org 

Original Highlands - 1228 E. Breckenridge St 287-3938 driddle121@yahoo.com 3rd Monday @ 6:00 pm 

Paristown Pointe - For more information contact Shannon Musselman at sphiggins69@me.com 

Phoenix Hill -  phoenixhillna@gmail.com  4th Monday @ 5:30 pm 

Portland Now - 2503 Montgomery St. 438-0189 larry.stoess@gmail.com 1st Tuesday @ 6:30 pm 

Russell Neighborhood - 604 S. 10th Street at Western Library, (502) 389-7004 or email  Jackie Floyd, 4th Tuesday every month @ 6:00pm

Schnitzelburg Area Community Council - St Elizabeth's 1020 E Burnett Schnitzelburg.org

Shelby Park - 600 E. Oak Street 417-5336 Shelby Park on Facebook 2nd Thursday @ 6:00 pm 

Smoketown - 325 E. Kentucky Street 836-7661 666@webberconsulting.org 3rd Monday @ 6:30 pm

South Fourth Street - Jim Reskin, President

Meriwether Fort Hill Neighborhood Association - 3rd Tuesday at 6:30 at Shelby Traditional. Jess Brown 270-227-9123


Important Numbers

Metro311: 311 or (502) 574-5000
Air Pollution: (502) 574-6000
Animal Services: (502) 363-6609 or (502) 361-1318
Louisville Forward/Economic Development: (502) 574-4140
Planning & Design Services: (502) 574-6230
Community Services & Revitalization: (502) 574-4377
Public Works: (502) 574-5810
Property Valuation Administrator (PVA): (502) 574-6380.

TARC: (502) 585-1234
PARC: (502) 569-6222
Legal Aid: (502) 584-1254
IPL (Code Enforcement): (502) 574-3321
Solid Waste Management (SWMS): (502) 574-3571
Metro Parks: (502) 456-8100
Metro Police: (Non Emergency) (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-2111
LMPD 1st Division: (502) 574-7167
LMPD 2nd Division: (502) 574-2478
LMPD 4th Division: (502) 574-7010
LMPD 5th Division: (502) 574-7636
Anonymous Tipline: (502) 574-LMPD (5673)
Metro Safe: (502) 572-3460 or (502) 574-7111
Vacant & Public Property Administration: (502) 574-4016
Brightside: (502) 574-2613
Master Commissioner Jefferson Circuit Court (Foreclosure Sales): (502) 753-4888

Your State Representative or State Senator: http://www.lrc.ky.gov 

Congressman John Yarmuth: (502) 582-5129


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