Tomorrow - Hillard Heintze hosting Zoom informational session for Louisville residents

Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program has money for small businesses

Louisville Forward still has $5,864,357 that must be spent through its Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program by December 30. That means at least 117 more local independent businesses may receive grants up to $50,000 – grants, not loans – based on demonstrated impact from COVID-19. The entire application and approval process is online, via email and phone.

How to check absentee ballot status and review your registration

• First, go to GoVoteKY.com
• Click on the second box from the top: “Absentee Ballot Status.”
• Enter your first and last name, birthday, and last four digits of your social security number.
• Click on the turquoise box “Show Absentee Ballot Status” at the top.
• A pop up window will show up with when ballot was requested, mailed and received.

New Election Day polling locations added

Today is the last day to request an absentee ballot Any registered voter concerned about contracting COVID-19 by casting a ballot in person can request an absentee ballot through the state's online portal and submit it through the mail or in designated drop-off boxes in their home county. Request an absentee ballot at GoVoteKY.com no later than 11:59 p.m. EST. tonight, October 9. Mail-in votes must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and be received by county clerks' offices by 6 p.m. on Nov. 6 to be counted. Early Voting starts October 13 Starting Tuesday, October 13, early voting will be available to all Jefferson County residents,  Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the following locations: The Kentucky Exposition Center/North Wing, 937 Phillips Lane; The KFC YUM! Center/Foyer, Main and Second Streets; The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd.; The Louisville Marriott East, 1903 Embassy Square Blvd./Commonwealth Ballroom. Free parking at all locations. These locations will also be open Election Day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Early voting is not absentee voting – anyone can vote early for any reason.  Election Day only voting locations Ballard High School, 6000 Brownsboro Road  Carter Duvalle Elementary School, 3600 Bohne Avenue Crosby Middle School, 303 Gatehouse Lane   Fairdale High School, 1001 Fairdale Road  Fern Creek High School, 9115 Fern Creek Road  Iroquois High School, 4615 Taylor Boulevard Jeffersontown High School, 9600 Old Six Mile Lane  Meyzeek Middle School, 828 S. Jackson Street Seneca High School, 3510 Goldsmith Lane Shawnee High School, 4001 Herman Street  Southern High School, 8620 Preston Highway St. Matthews Community Center, 310 Ten Pin Lane Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 1501 Rangeland Road   Valley High School, 10200 Dixie Highway  Waggener High School, 330 S. Hubbards Lane Western High School, 2501 Rockford Lane All locations on Election Day will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., per Kentucky statutes. TARC will be providing free rides on Election Day; and will provide shuttle service from Union Station at 10th and Broadway to the Kentucky Exposition Center throughout the day. Drop-off boxes will be available at all voting locations during voting hours

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.

COVID-19 cases are increasing again

During the city’s weekly COVID-19 update, Mayor Greg Fischer and Public Health and Wellness Director Dr. Sarah Moyer said Louisville’s COVID-19 cases continue to increase. Mayor Fischer said that with the recent increases we should reflect on our actions individually and get back to the basics to help diminish the chance of COVID-19 spreading. “Make your mask wearing as normal to you as putting your pants and shirt on in the morning,” the Mayor said. “Plan your day but put that extra layer on top of it by asking what does this activity do relative to me doing my part to decrease the spread of COVID-19.” Louisville remains in alert level orange, but the city’s upward trajectory of COVID-19 case counts is getting dangerously close to red, according to Dr. Moyer. An orange alert level includes a combination of data metrics, but most notably means there are 10-25 positive cases per 100,000 people per day, based on the most recent seven-day average. Louisville’s current rate is 24.9 cases per 100,000 people per day. The prior week it was 20.6.    Here are the key data metrics for the week of October 6, 2020: COVID-19 cases increased over the previous week for a total of 18,591 cases. Louisville’s rolling two-week average positivity rate is at 6.2 percent. Hospitalization data: 10% percent of patients currently hospitalized have COVID-19. 27 patients in ICU with COVID-19 as of October 6. 18 COVID-19 patients on ventilators as of October 6. Cases continue to be in every Louisville ZIP code with higher numbers in west and south Louisville. Hospitalization data is holding steady, though we are starting to see an increase in cases in our nursing homes, therefore we are expecting these numbers to change soon. Louisville is actively hiring to meet the needs of these increased cases, evidenced by the 198 staff on Louisville Metro’s contact tracing team, Dr. Moyer said. The team is reporting that the majority of cases come from household guests and workplace contacts. Many of the cases in Louisville in the younger age groups are attributed to activities outside of school such as sports, parties, and congregate settings. Last week, the CDC reported that young adults account for more than 20% of all confirmed cases in the U.S. Dr. Moyer acknowledged COVID-19 fatigue in Louisville could be contributing to people letting their guard down with mask wearing and social distancing. She urged community members to stay vigilant in these defenses to help to break the chain of transmission of COVID-19.  “We can do this, we can stop the spread of COVID-19,” Dr. Moyer said. “I challenge everyone to find the joy in this new normal of wearing masks, exercise and enjoying the outdoors. If we want to continue working or be able to send our kids back to school this is our new normal. So please, wear a mask, wash your hands as much as possible and remember that the virus doesn’t move, people move.” University of Louisville Co-Immunity Project Dr. Aruni Bhatnagar, Director of The Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute at the University of Louisville presented the institute’s research findings on its community research for Phase II of the Co-immunity Project’s Community Study. Researchers sent out 32,000 letters looking for volunteers, for random sampling, throughout Louisville to get equal representation and to make a reasonable estimate on the rate of COVID-19 infection in the city and where it may be. Of the 32,000 letters, Dr. Bhatnagar said 1,500 people came forward to be tested. Researchers tested an additional 500-600 people across Jefferson County. From this random sampling, the Co-Immunity Project found that 4.4 percent of people tested have antibodies to COVID-19. Dr. Bhatnagar estimated from that 4.4 percent, in relation to Louisville, roughly 34,000 people may have been infected with COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. The data compiled did reveal vulnerabilities such as location and age distribution, according to Dr. Bhatnagar. “Young people are just as likely to get infected as older people, though they might have fewer adverse outcomes,” he said. Also, Dr. Bhatnagar said he could not pinpoint race or location as reasons for higher concentration of COVID-19 infections due to varying factors. “In neighborhoods that are denser with people living close to each other, it could result in more infection rates,” he said. “There are people who are professionals (essential workers) who need to be out in the community, so they’re more likely to be exposed resulting in greater rates of infection.” Dr. Bhatnagar also said in order to have better control of COVID-19 we need to reach out to people more efficiently and effectively through methods like robust testing and contact tracing.

COVID testing at Newburg Church of Christ twice a month

Louisville Metro Animal Services Purrtober adoption special

LMAS is celebrating Purrtober. Kitten adoptions are just a $25 donation! Adopt a pair and your fur babies will always have a buddy for company, when you’re away from home. Every adoption includes spay/neuter, microchip and vaccinations. Meet adoptable kittens at Animal House Adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road, open daily from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call 473-PETS.

October is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month. Adoption fees are waived for adult dogs, 40 pounds and up, and you’ll receive a free gift for your new, furry companion.

Adopt pretty lady Ava, an approximately two-year-old English/American Bulldog mix who weighs 60 pounds. Ava is a happy-go-lucky, very friendly and sweet dog who loves to be the center of attention. Ava appears to have some hearing loss, so we’re recommending a child-free forever home. Ava can be tested with other dogs or cats, by request at Animal House Adoption Center (3516 Newburg Road). She’s already spayed, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccination. Send questions about Ava by email. To meet Ava, visit Animal House, open daily from noon to 6 p.m. Walk-ins welcome!

District 10 events

Continuing its tradition of a fall site-specific production for Halloween, Kentucky Shakespeare returns to live theatre with an immersive new drive-in production of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Macbeth. The hour-long, seven-actor live theatre experience was created in direct response to COVID-19, with audience members viewing from the safety of their closed vehicle, listening to the production via short range FM radio transmission. The production runs October 7-31 in the former site of the Louisville Metro Recycling Center at 1297 Trevilian Way, in Joe Creason Park, across the street from the Louisville Zoo.

Set in a future dystopian society, the production is directed by Producing Artistic Director Matt Wallace and features a cast of Kentucky Shakespeare actors with Brian Hinds as Macbeth, Jennifer Pennington as Lady Macbeth, Dathan Hooper as Macduff, Jon Huffman as Duncan, Zachary Burrell as Banquo, Angelica Santiago as Lady Macduff, and Braden McCampbell as Malcolm. All actors also play other roles in this ensemble production. Donna Lawrence-Downs is the Costume Designer, Jesse AlFord is the Lighting Designer, Karl Anderson is the Scenic Designer, Laura Ellis is the Sound Designer, Eric Frantz is the Fight Choreographer, and Gregory Maupin is the Editor/Dramaturg. “It’s been a long road to get here, navigating challenges of this pandemic, but we’re delighted to be able return to live, in-person Shakespeare with this new experience,” says Matt Wallace, Producing Artistic Director. “It’s a pretty great feeling to create live theatre again, following the postponement of our in-person summer season. We’re ready to share this classic tragedy in a new, visceral way through imaginative storytelling and safe, in-person human connection.” Running Wednesdays through most Sundays, tickets are $25 (one ticket per vehicle, advance purchase required, not available at the door) Run-Time is 60 minutes without an intermission. Rating is PG-13   For tickets and information visit: kyshakespeare.com Vehicle must have working FM-radio to listen to production (tuning info provided upon arrival) SUVs/vans will be required to park in the third row for sight lines. Audience members are expected to remain inside their vehicle during the production, unless they need to use the portable restroom facility.

Louisville Nature Center

This fall: Night hikes and Owl Prowls Yes, you read that right: the Louisville Nature Center will soon be offering public programs again! After all these months, we can't wait to welcome you back! Here's a lineup of what we have planned for this fall: Night Hike - Saturday, October 10 - 8 to 9 p.m. Owl Prowl - Saturday, November 7 - 6 to 8:30 p.m. Night Hike - Saturday, November 21 - 7:30 to 8 p.m. Owl Prowl - Saturday, December 5 - 6 to 8:30 p.m. Owl Prowl - Saturday, December 19 - 6 to 8:30 p.m. Due to COVID-19, registration will be limited to a maximum of 10 people per event. Spots are expected to fill up quickly, so don't wait—register now before they're all gone! Registration is required for Hikes and Owl Prowls. To register, call 458-1328 or go to louisvillenaturecenter.org. Members, check your email for discount codes.

Boo at the Zoo!

New party, new name - a Louisville tradition for over 35 years, Halloween transforms your Zoo into a living storybook, complete with some of your favorite characters brought to life, fun music and a safe place for trick-or-treating for kids 11 and under. This year, we’re celebrating with a new party experience designed to give you all the kooky you love with none of the spooky.

Our reduced nightly capacity eliminates the scary traffic delays when arriving for the party. Parking is easy and convenient in the Zoo’s lot and FREE for party guests!

Boo at the Zoo will happen October 1 – 30, (Thursdays through Sundays). The party starts at 5 p.m., route closes at 10 p.m. Special Tickets are required for all guests ages three and up.

We have given away all our free tickets to Boo at the Zoo! Thanks to everyone who emailed.

Louisville Metro News

Metro announces COVID-19 Halloween safety guidelines

City announces grant funding opportunity for organizations serving system-involved youth

Mayor Greg Fischer, Louisville Metro Council and the Office of Youth Development on Tuesday announced grant funding to benefit system-involved youth in our community.

The Creating Support Structures for System-Involved Youth Grant program, totaling nearly $950,000, is aimed towards the development and implementation of strategies to address youth involved in the juvenile justice system, reentry, and foster care.

Non-profit organizations, including faith-based organizations, which operate relevant programs may apply for grant funds. Organizations must be registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) entity and in good standing with the IRS and Metro Revenue Commission, and are not otherwise barred from receiving federal funds.

"We know that Louisville’s youth are especially vulnerable during this difficult time,” Mayor Fischer said. "As we work with the community to address the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic downturn and the necessary changes for racial equity and justice, these grants will help build a comprehensive support system to provide better access to education and workforce opportunities to help underserved youth succeed in school, career, civic life, and to enjoy an overall full and productive life."

The Creating Structures of Support for System-Involved Youth funding opportunity was created to support youth and young adults, ages 16 to 24, who are experiencing disconnection — not in school and not working, and/or involved in the juvenile justice, child welfare system, or both systems, with a specific emphasis on youth who are incarcerated, in foster care, or youth exiting or having exited these systems.

The grants will support the work of eligible organizations that operate programs which address one or more of these structures:

• Centralization
• Client Centered Case Management
• Outreach
• Peer Support

The goal is to invest in projects that achieve the most effective and efficient results. Successful grantees will be required to report on their success in meeting goals and outcomes.

“The goal of this funding opportunity is to address the needs of system-involved young people between the ages of 16 and 24,” said Dr. Aishia Brown, director for Louisville Metro Office of Youth Development (OYD). ”While OYD is moving in the direction of taking a transformative approach to youth development, this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) will help to fund transactional approaches in order to coordinate vital services for this population of youth. We recognized the need for these approaches in this moment with the impact COVID-19 and the blatant systemic racism and injustices occurring in our city. We are truly excited about leading this work and working alongside youth serving agencies to address the needs of some of the most vulnerable youth in Louisville.”

Now through October 16 at 5 p.m., applications will be accepted from eligible organizations which will be reviewed by a panel composed of representatives from Metro Council, OYD, and a system-involved youth services expert.

These grants are administered locally by Louisville Metro Office of Youth Development, part of the Office of Resilience and Community Services.

“By addressing today’s disconnect and trauma in our youth population we have the opportunity to positively impact many of the long term challenges facing our community including health and safety,” said Louisville Metro Councilwoman Nicole George, District 21.  “I’m excited to see how our youth serving agencies will address gaps in the current service array through innovative and evidence-based strategies.”

To access the NOFA application, and for other  information including the eligibility requirements, application guidelines, and budget template, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-youth-development/creating-structures-support-system-involved-youth.

Please submit all questions/correspondences to: Dr. Billie Castle, Youth Development Systems Administrator, by email by clicking here.

November 21 - extended deadline to request an Economic Impact Payment for those who don't normally file taxes

The IRS has determined that there are thousands of individuals in Jefferson County who are eligible for the IRS Economic Impact Payment (stimulus payment) but who have not yet received this payment. The IRS has extended the deadline for non-filers to register for their Economic Impact “stimulus” Payments to November 21.

More information can also be found here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment

Any questions? Contact Legal Aid Society at 584-1254 or online at www.yourlegalaid.org. Their services are always free. 

Louisville Landbank video shows how it's done

MetroTV recently highlighted a few of the Louisville Landbank’s buyers in a ten-minute video. The video showcases different methods of purchasing houses from the Landbank with the goal of showing future Landbank buyers real-world project examples. Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPtkEuOm1Xg

The Office of Community Development’s website, www.louisvilleky.gov/vacant includes current Landbank properties (lots and houses) for sale.

JCPS encourages families to complete selection form

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is asking families to complete a selection form that will provide information about how families want their students to receive instruction when our school buildings reopen. This will help to prepare for potentially reopening school buildings in late October.  

“Our schools will only be reopened when it is safe to do so and when the number of COVID-19 cases in our community are on a downward trend,” said Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio. “No decision has been made about when our buildings will reopen, but we have to make sure all of the necessary resources are in place to support all learning options available to families.”

The selection form can be found on the JCPS website and provides details to families about the next phase of learning.  Families will have two options once the Jefferson County Board of Education approves a date to return to schools:

• In-Person Learning - Students would attend school and receive face-to-face instruction. 
• Virtual Learning – Students continue remote learning online. Students will continue to be enrolled at their current school.

The selection form contains preliminary information that will assist the District with planning and staffing needs at schools. Families can change their selection at a later time. 

To review the selection form and to read more about both options, click here. Families are encouraged to complete the selection form as soon as possible.   

JCPS meal sites and guidelines

Jefferson County Public Schools has served more than two million meals to children since schools were shuttered in March and will continue to provide meals for kids who are receiving online-only instruction from home or another location outside their school. There are now 131 meal sites, including the majority of JCPS schools, but the days, hours and eligibility requirements are different than JCPS’ Summer Feeding program per federal guidelines. Food sites are open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon. Federal guidelines require that: Children must be enrolled in Jefferson County Public Schools to receive meals. Parents or guardians should present the barcode they received for each student OR be prepared to provide the name, date of birth and the school each child is enrolled in. Only students eligible for free or reduced meals, including all students enrolled in schools where all students usually receive free meals, can receive free meals. More information is here.

COVID-19 information links

Low-interest loan program - The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration is offering a newer, low-interest loan program to help small businesses who have experienced negative impact from COVID-19. Applications are being accepted for the $2.8 million revolving loan program, which will be administered through METCO staff and Board. It is for businesses with less than $2.5 million in annual revenue who have suffered a negative impact from COVID. Go to https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/small-business-covid-19-relief-loan-program for more information on application requirements.

Financial Navigator Program - The Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE) has awarded Bank On Louisville/Louisville Metro Government, in partnership with LHOME, a local Certified Development Financial Institution (CDFI), with an $80,000 grant to support the creation of a Financial Navigator program. The program is designed to help residents deal with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, by receiving free, remote assistance in navigating critical financial issues and referrals to other social services and financial resources. Visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/bank-louisville or https://www.lhomeky.org/ for regular updates including how to apply for Financial Navigator assistance and other details.

Kentucky Equal Justice offers an app to help generate and send declarations needed for the CDC's new eviction protection order - Under the CDC's new order, struggling homerenters nationwide can be protected from eviction through December 31 if they send landlords a Declaration. The Kentucky Equal Justice Center built an app to help homerenters understand, generate, and send those Declarations. Go to https://community.lawyer/cl/kyequaljustice/cdc-eviction-declaration to start the process.

More information on child care facilities guidance is here: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/Pages/dcbscvres.aspx

A list of COVID-19 testing sites in Jefferson County is here.

COVID-19 Response: Community & Agency Actions Taken to Assist Our Most Vulnerable information page, which includes many links on topics from state and federal relief to utility bills to COVID-19 flyers in 14 different languages. Also includes updates on businesses providing time for shopping only for residents over 60 and those most vulnerable to COVID-19.

Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness page: https://louisvilleky.gov/news/what-you-need-know-about-coronavirus

The official Team Kentucky source for information concerning COVID-19: kycovid19.ky.gov

Kentucky Department for Public Health COVID-19 page: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/pages/covid19.aspx

Kentucky COVID-19 Hotline: 1-800-722-5725.

Centers for Disease Control site: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

If you believe you have been a target or victim of a scam or fraud, please report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov. Kentuckians wishing to report online scams and fraud can contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx

To file a price gouging complaint, visit ag.ky.gov/pricegouging or call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-432-9257.

Unemployment insurance: Go to kcc.ky.gov, call the UI Help line at 502-564-2900 or the Kentucky Career Center at 595-4003.

The Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grants program: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/small-business-covid-19-relief-grants.

Updates to small business resources are here.

Evictions: Details are here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/develop-louisville/eviction-prevention.

Legal Aid Society: call 584-1254 or 800-292-1862 or apply online. Specific information is available on your rights as a tenant, survivors of domestic violence needing a protective order, those with questions about unemployment insurance, and those with questions about stimulus payments.

Eligible households seeking assistance may apply for the One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund online and submit required documentation via a secure portal at louisvilleky.gov/oneloufund.

From KentuckianaWorks: You can see which companies are hiring right now in the Louisville area and how you can apply at our new online Job Board, created in partnership with Greater Louisville Inc. in response to COVID-19. Job listings are based on information submitted from employers and are updated daily. Learn more

Assistance

Low-income households may qualify for a ten-percent sewer bill discount under a new Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP) offered by MSD. For more information, click here, call 540-6000 or email.

Senior citizens age 65 or older with a gross annual household income of $35,000 or less and are both Louisville Water Company and MSD customers may request an application for a 30 percent discount on wastewater charges and the EPA Consent Decree Surcharge through MSD's website or by calling Customer Relations at 540-6000.

The Louisville Water Foundation works with community agencies to help customers keep their water turned on. Drops of Kindness offers residential and business customers help with resolving unpaid bills and reducing future financial obligations. For details, go to https://www.louisvillewater.com/DropsofKindness.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Cooling Program is designed to help offset the cost of higher electric bills due to rising temperatures, during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Applications will be accepted now through October 31, or until funds are depleted. Schedule an appointment at 991-8391 or online at  louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. Visit https://louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP for more details.

If you're 65 years old, own and occupy your primary residence, you may qualify to exempt the first $39,300 of your home value from property taxes through the The Homestead Exemption. In the Urban Services District, this equals $527 cash in your pocket annually and, once approved, you are not required to reapply unless you move. Complete this one-page form and mail it, along with a copy of your driver’s license (or ID), to the PVA. You’ll get a letter back that looks like this. You'll be notified by a postcard if you qualify. More information is here. Vets with service connected disabilities and totally/permanently disabled civilians may also qualify.

Recognizing that many senior citizens are homebound and unable to see their family and friends these days, AARP created a toll-free phone line so they can just hear a friendly voice. To request an AARP Friendly Voices call, click here or call 1-888-281-0145.

TreesLouisville and Arbor Day Foundation providing free trees to Louisville residents

TreesLouisville is partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation to provide 700 free trees to Louisville residents. This is the fourth round of a partnership that has delivered 2,975 trees in the past year at no cost to residents. These trees will have a significant impact on energy savings, carbon sequestration, and improved water quality for decades to come. This program estimates where a tree planted on your property will provide maximum benefits. Trees should arrive in late October or early November, just in time for the tree planting season. The following species are available: Tulip Poplar, Willow, Oak, Blackgum, Sycamore, American Beech, Sugar Maple, and Redbud. Community Canopy is one of the ways TreesLouisville confronts the estimated yearly loss of 54,000 trees in our city, mostly on residential properties. We continue to advocate for Louisvillians to plant trees as a proven strategy to combat the urban heat island effect and clean our water and air. Visit ​the Arbor Day website to reserve your tree today.

Louisville Metro events

October 22 - Know Waste Louisville Webinar: How to recycle right

Check out the upcoming Know Waste Webinar series! Virtual webinars will be Thursdays at 3 p.m. October 22 - November 19. Take note - the webinar on November 5 will be in Spanish! Sign up to attend at www.KnowWasteLouisville.org/Webinars.

Now through November 1 - Jack O'Lantern Spectacular drive-through

For 2020, the Jack O'Lantern Spectacular will be a drive-through experience in Iroquois Park, now through November 1. Purchase one ticket per vehicle. One ticket covers everyone inside the vehicle. Buy online here. Cars/SUVs/Minivans: $35       Passenger Vans/Limos/RVs: $50 For more information click here.

October 24 - Louisville Earth Walk Goes Citywide

The annual Louisville Earth Walk is going city-wide this year out of respect for everyone’s safety during the CV-19 crisis. So while we will not gather together in one place at one time on Saturday, October 24, everyone is invited to participate - from all across our city. Everyone is invited to join from wherever they are in support of a vision where every neighborhood has safe and clean water, air, and soil. 

This year there are two exciting registration options: The 5K Walk option invites participants to get in their walk anytime on October 24 on their own favorite paths and routes or wherever. The Free Form invites participants to celebrate however they like from wherever they are. You can register for either option or learn more at bit.ly/LEWReg2020

2020 Tentative interstate and state-maintained road mowing start dates

10/26 Litter/mowing on all interstate highways, with the exception of I-265, which will be delayed until after the first frost if that has not occurred by 10/26.  12/14 Last litter cycle on interstate highways Fine turf mowing along 1-65 and downtown bridge areas: 10/12.  All start dates are tentative and subject to change depending on the needs of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and weather conditions; official notifications will be sent out prior to the start of each cycle.

News you can use

District 10 NDF and CIF appropriations

Councilman Mulvihill-initiated D10 Neighborhood Development Funds (NDF) and Capital Improvement Funds (CIF) appropriations. Link to NDF information is here, CIF information here.

October 19  - Online public hearing regarding 1200 Hodel Road

Louisville Metro Planning and Design Services District 10 cases

Note: short term rental is the general term used to describe vacation rentals including AirBNB, VRBO, and Tripping. 

20-VARIANCE-0117 for 1016 Ash Street, a variance to allow a new entry deck and walkway to encroach into the side yard setback requirement.

20-DDP-0046 for 4200 Wallingford Lane, a revised district development plan to create 6 residential units on .38 acres in a R-6 zoning district.

20-WAIVER-0085 for 4200 Wallingford Lane, a landscape waiver request to allow building and pavement encroachment into the 15-foot landscape buffer area along the north property line on .38 acres in a R-6 zoning district.

19MINORPLAT1050 for 1990 Newburg Road. The applicant seeks to create three tracts from 1 on 9.514 acres in the R-5 zoning district for the Nazareth Literary and Benevolent Institution. 

19-MPLAT-0074, 4023 Poplar Level Road, former Kmart, a large format minor plat to create 4 tracts from 1 tract on 9.91 acres in the C1 zoning district.

19RECORDPLAT1007 for 3502 Grantswood Court, a major subdivision record plat for right-of-way dedication for Grantswood Court on 1.878 acres in the R-5 zoning district.

19CUP1095, 1038 Milton Street, A conditional use permit application for a proposed boarding house on 0.0908 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

19-DDP-0077, 4730 Champions Trace Lane, a revised district development plan for a medical office and dialysis center on 1.4 acres in the C2 zoning district. 

19-VARIANCE-0076, 4730 Champions Trace Lane, a variance from section 4.8.1 of the Land Development Code to allow the proposed pavement to encroach into the middle and outer 100ft stream buffer for a medical office on 1.4 acres in the C2 zoning district. 

19-DDP-0021, 3231 Poplar Level Road, a Detailed District Development Plan application for a 19,500 square foot proposed office building with associated parking on 4.5 acres in the OR1 and R5 zoning districts.

19-VARIANCE-0005, 3231 Poplar Level Road, variance requested for the building to exceed the 80' maximum front and streetside setback for Nightingale, Poplar Level and Quarry Hill Road. 

20-CAT2-0006, 4025 Poplar Level Road, a category 2b development plan for the construction of a new 2,998 SF Burger King Drive Thru on 9.914 acres in the C1 zoning district. 

19-CFR-0003, 4664 Jennings Lane, a community facility review application for the development of a 34,700 square foot, two story office building with parking on 14.36 acres in the M2/M3 zoning district. LG&E South Service Center. 

19-WAIVER-0016, 4500 Champions Trace Lane, a sidewalk waiver request for requirement along Champions Trace Lane. 

19-WAIVER-0095, 1008 E. Oak Street, a waiver of the required landscape buffer area along the east property line for Hinterhof Micro-Rosteri. 

19-WAIVER-0112, 2814 Newburg Road, a waiver for the sidewalk requirement along Newburg Road. 
19-WAIVER-0113, 2814 Newburg Road, a waiver to allow detached houses to abut a private street.  

Short term rental cases

18CUP1130 for 3762 Illinois Avenue, a conditional use permit for a Short Term Rental of a non-primary residence in the R-5 zoning district.

18CUP1176, 1125 Fischer Avenue, a conditional use permit for a non-primary residence short term rental in the R6 zoning district.

19CUP1017, 2606 Pindell Avenue, a conditional use permit for a short term rental on 0.1197 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

19CUP1042, 922 Keswick Boulevard, a conditional use permit for short term rental at a nonprimary residence on .11 acres in the R5 zoning district.

19-CUPPA-0241, 1622 Whippoorwill Road, a conditional use permit for a short term rental at a non-primary residence on 0.1334 acres in the R5 zoning district.

To check on Planning and Design Services cases, click here.

 Locate legal Short Term Rentals with new interactive map

Short term rental enforcement continues in large part to be complaint-driven, based on public reporting of alleged violations to administrators. A new interactive map tool contains all of the registered short term rentals in Louisville having an active permit to rent their property out to paying customers on STR websites like Airbnb. If you believe someone is using a property as a short term rental but it does not show up on this registry, or if the registry indicates a non-owner occupied property does not have a CUP, then please report the issue here (select “Zoning and Business Concerns,” “Zoning Concern,” “Short Term Rental,” complete the form and submit). Or contact our office.

Where to go for driver's license renewal, motor vehicle registration, Real ID and more

Visit these websites for more information: DriveJefferson.com for locations, services, hours, etc., and JeffersonKyCourtClerk.com for Office of the Circuit Court Clerk information.

Be informed about crimes with LMPD's crime mapping website

The Louisville Metro Police Department uses a Crime Mapping website to display crime on a map in Jefferson County. Zoom in to see crimes in an area, or put an address in the address bar at top left to search. You may sign up for auto email alerts for crime around an address. Reports are made available to the public after a process of internal review, often in the same day as the report taken. Due to the nature of some crimes, reports are made available to public upon the completion of a thorough investigation and will be made available as soon as practical. Or use the crime mapping iPhone app. If you see crime occurring, please contact the Louisville Metro Police Department. Call 911 for emergencies. Call 502-574-7111 for non-emergency related help or to find a towed vehicle. Call 574-LMPD to report crime tips. These LMPD divisions serve sections of District 10: Link to LMPD Fourth Division  Link to LMPD Fifth Division Link to LMPD Sixth Division LMPD working in District 10 have asked us to share this reminder: please call the LMPD non-emergency number, instead of sending an email, if you're seeing suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Sending emails to LMPD delays response, and officers need to be dispatched for the activity. These citations continue the nuisance abatement process. The LMPD non-emergency line is 574-7111 or 574-2111.

MetroSwap areas are here for your safety when buying or selling items

Are you looking for a public place to exchange items you've sold online? Do you share custody of a child and are looking for somewhere to exchange custody? The Louisville Metro Police Department is providing MetroSWAP Zones outside of some Division offices. There is 24 hour video surveillance. LMPD recommends: Agree to meet the person ONLY at a MetroSWAP station. Meet only during daylight hours. Tell someone you trust where you are meeting and at what time. Meet in the parking lot. There will be two designated parking spots at each location for use. Make this interaction brief and to the point. MetroSWAP Zones are at: 2nd Division - 3419 Bohne Avenue 3rd Division - 7219 Dixie Highway 7th Division - 7201 Outer Loop 8th Division - 200 Juneau Drive

Know the signs of human trafficking - you could save a life

Do you know the indicators of human trafficking? You could save a life. Click here for details.  If you believe you may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 or BeFree. Hint: Keep this hotline number in your cell phone.

Save up to $100 on a new electric powered mower from Lawn Care for Cleaner Air

From the Lawn Care for Cleaner Air program for the Air Pollution Control District: Take advantage of the Lawn Care for Cleaner Air program and save up to $100 on a new, air-friendly, electric-powered mower. You can get rebates on electric string trimmers, electric blowers, and reel mowers, too. Now is a great time to recycle that old, polluting equipment and save some cash on new gear that will make breathing a little easier for you and your community. Please see our website, louisvilleky.gov/lawncare, or call 574-6000 with questions.

Report litterers

Get directly involved in making Louisville a more litter-free community through the Report-A-Litterer program aimed at motorists who throw fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, soda bottles or any type of litter out their car window. Click here to report.

Get your reduced cost recycling cart before funds are depleted

Councilman Mulvihill is committed to providing carts to District 10 residents at a reduced cost. These recycle carts will be available on a first come first served basis until the funds are depleted.  The photos at left show the sizes: 64 gallon on the left, 95 gallon on the right.

The carts normally cost $53, but Councilman Mulvihill has made them available for residents of District 10 for a reduced cost of $28. Please call 574-1110 or email us for the form. This offer is available to urban service district residents.

What's the difference between a Recycling Bin and Recycling Cart? The District 10 Discount Cart Program only includes Recycling Carts in 65- or 95-gallon size. Please call 574-1110 or email us for the form. This offer is available to urban service district residents. Households with city waste services receive one garbage cart (all black) and one 18-gallon orange recycling bin for free. If you have just moved into a residence and either of these are missing, contact Metro311 online or call 311 or 574-5000 to make a request.

RecycleCoach app helps Louisville Metro customers with collection reminders, recycling information and more

Receive notifications about garbage, recycling, bulk waste, and yard waste collection services through the RecycleCoach app.  The app also has a “what goes where” feature to allow a person to input a certain item to get information on disposal or recycling. Download from the App Store or Google Play.

Streetlight out? Report it. 

Please report non-working streetlights to LG&E online here.

Property maintenance is the responsibility of the resident, from the middle of the street to the middle of the alley

In Louisville Metro, it is the responsibility of the person living in a home to keep the front and rear of the property clean. This area extends from the middle of the street out front to the middle of any alleyways to the rear or side of the property. This applies to litter as well as plants and trees that could impede the alleyway or street. Inspections, Permits and Licenses (IPL) could cite and possibly impose a fine if you've got a lot of debris and plant overgrowth. Thank you for adhering to the local property maintenance codes and keeping a clean neighborhood. 

Crisis line for veterans and their families

Some offices and VA hospitals offer a "Health Promotion Disease Prevention Program" that includes treatment methods including acupuncture, tai chi, and meditation instead of opioids, and they work with the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, Press 1) to provide support and treatment for PTSD and depression, the leading cause of suicide for veterans.

Additional references for VA material and assistance or 1-877-WAR-VETS. Lifestyle changes for better health, or sexual trauma.

From the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-TALK or go to https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ to live chat.

"Embrace the Journey" website for parents of LGBTQ+ children and adolescents

For LGBTQ+ children and adolescents,a parent’s support makes all the difference. The Embrace the Journey website is designed to educate the parents of LGBTQ+ children and adolescents about how to give children the emotional support they need.

Question or problem? Contact Metro311 one of several ways

If you wish to make a Metro311 request, please make a report online or use the mobile app. You'll receive a service request number that will help the District 10 office assist you. You can report online here, or download the free mobile 311 app from your app store. Or tweet @LouMetro311 or call 574-5000.  You can now look to see if an issue you want to report has already been reported. And you'll get notification of your issue along the way. Visit Metro311 to learn more:  Louisville Metro Government's Metro Business Portal, where you apply for permits, licensing and applications with Louisville Metro, is here.

Metro Emergency Repair Program

Eligibility criteria:    Must be owner occupied for at least one year.    Not available on rental property.    Must meet income guidelines (See intake staff)     May receive assistance once in a five year period.    Louisville-Jefferson County only Types of repairs: Furnace repair or replacement (October-April only) A/C unit- repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, available May-Sept. only) Electrical repairs/upgrades Water line repairs/replacement Sewer line repairs/replacement Water heater repair/replacement, gas line leaks For further information contact Jackie Wilson-Rudy at 574-5850.

Would you like to serve on one of Louisville Metro's Boards or Commissions? 

Interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards and Commissions? Serving on a board or commission, you will have a chance 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 board applications, please click here.

If you know of a community event you'd like to be considered for inclusion on the District 10 E-News, let us know. Click here to email our office. 

You are receiving this email because you have signed up for the E-News or have contacted my office for assistance. If you would like to be removed from this communication please email Sara Feltner with "REMOVE" in the subject line.