If you’re voting or dropping off your ballot on Election Day, November 3, TARC and TARC3 are offering Fare-Free service along regular routes, to help the community get to polling locations and vote. Passengers must adhere to COVID-19 guidelines by wearing masks and social distancing.
Fare-free service will be offered along all TARC routes—including TARC3, helping customers get to and from polling locations.
Click here to see the specific TARC routes serving voting locations in Jefferson (KY), Clark (IN), and Floyd (IN) counties.
TARC will also offer a dedicated shuttle from Union Station (1000 W. Broadway) every 30 minutes (beginning at 6 AM) to the Fair & Expo Center voting location.
How to Ride Fare-Free to the Polls on Election Day- Tuesday, November 3rd:
- TARC and TARC3 will operate its regular service on all routes on Election Day.
- Fare-Free service will be available to help you get to your polling location.
- You will be able to continue to your final destination on TARC and TARC3 Fare-Free.
Election Day Information:
- Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time. If you are in line at 6:00 PM, you will be allowed to vote.
Download TARC’s mobile app from your app store by searching “TARC”
Plan your best ride to Vote on Election Day, by entering your selected polling location as your destination.
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The tragic death of Breonna Taylor has increased calls for policy changes and for more oversight of LMPD. I have long thought that more meaningful civilian review of LMPD is needed and am proud to be a sponsor of an ordinance that would create a new civilian oversight system.
In May 2000, the Louisville Board of Alderman passed Ordinance 48, Series 2000, establishing a Louisville Civilian Review Authority, an eleven member body whose purpose was to review allegations of police misconduct including: use of excessive force, inappropriate language, harassment, discrimination, theft, and failure to provide adequate or timely police protection. All Louisville ordinances expired after merger occurred and the Louisville Metro Council never acted on meaningful civilian review, instead creating a “Citizen Commission on Police Accountability” which has generally been viewed as ineffective because of ordinance provisions.
In the last few months, a broad-based civilian work group has studied a variety of issues regarding civilian oversight systems. The ordinance filed this week creates a Civilian Review and Accountability Board and an Officer of Inspector General, to support the work of the board and to conduct its own, independent investigations. I was one of four Metro Council members serving on the work group, which was chaired by Councilwoman Paula McCraney and Deputy Mayor Ellen Hesen.
Civilian oversight can help hold police accountable and that can help develop trust with local residents. That should be the goal of everyone, including the police officers who are on our streets doing a very difficult job every day.
Anticipating prompt approval of a civilian oversight system, Metro Council funded it in the budget we passed in June, appropriating over $750,000 to the effort. Work group materials and more information is here. The ordinance draft is here.
Metro Council’s review of a new contract for LMPD police officers and sergeants, called for by Metro ordinance, was supposed to continue with answers to a series of questions, a hearing on November 2 at 3:00 p.m., and ultimately a Metro Council vote. Many of you have contacted me with your thoughts on the contract and the need for reform. The business community has also stressed the importance of the issue, with GLI President and CEO Sarah Davasher-Wisdom writing that “we recognize the need to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the community”, which “must involve … a robust discussion around the city’s collective bargaining agreement with law enforcement”. (The full article is here).
The contract was negotiated by the administration and the River City Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #614 and presented to Metro Council for approval earlier this month. Unfortunately, this week the FOP took the position that state law prohibits Metro Council involvement in the contract process, that the contract signed by the Mayor’s representative is binding and effective, and that Metro Council approval is “not necessary, or even appropriate.”
What that does to the Metro Council review has not been determined at this time.
I fully support the pay increases in the contract, to fairly compensate officers, help recruitment efforts and stem losses of experienced officers, but remain very disappointed that the contract continues to include many provisions which make it harder to hold police accountable and provide transparency in police operations.
Criminal justice scholars have long argued that police departments’ internal disciplinary procedures, often established through the collective bargaining process, can serve as barriers to officer accountability. A Duke Law Journal article made that point three years ago, citing research more than eight years old. Louisville is one of the few cities in the country in which the police union contract includes provisions in all six categories which police reform activists and experts who study contracts find problematic (https://www.checkthepolice.org/#review). None of those provisions have been removed in the new contract. WDRB recently reported on the contract and my concerns. Click here for the story.
The Metro Council resolution and the proposed contract can be found here.
Although the new contract is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2021, it will likely remain in effect long after that, because Metro labor agreements are routinely extended. Without “a robust discussion around the city’s collective bargaining agreement with law enforcement”, it will be difficult to rebuild the trust upon which effective law enforcement depends.
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Hillard Heintze, the Chicago-based company conducting the top-to-bottom review of the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), is seeking input through two anonymous surveys aimed at gathering perspectives from community members and LMPD employees.
The two web-based surveys are accessible through Tuesday, October 27 at 11:45 p.m., EDT. The community survey is open to all Louisville residents, seeking to understand the broader community’s perspective on the role of police personnel, police management and community relations in Louisville. The survey continues the community feedback portion of the Hillard Heintze review, which has also included open sessions to inform community members about the review process and ongoing conversations with representatives of various community groups and organizations.
A separate survey of LMPD employees measures the employees’ attitudes, opinions and experiences. Consultants at Hillard Heintze will manage the intake and analysis of all survey data. The city will not collect, view or retain any of the survey data.
The community can participate in the survey by visiting: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LMPDcommunitysurvey. You can also call (312) 869-8500 to be assigned a representative who will schedule a time for the interview.
Residents who have questions or want to weigh in further about the ongoing review of LMPD can email Hillard Heintze at LMKY@hillardheintze.com.
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Your feedback and suggestions are needed as Louisville Metro conducts a full-scale review of the Land Development Code (LDC) to identify and correct inequitable land use regulations and policies within the code.
The LDC is a set of rules that regulates development and what can be done with private property. Many elements within the LDC have not been revised since the early 1960s and continue to incorporate discriminatory policies first introduced in 1931.
The community meetings will be held:
- Saturday, October 24 at 10 a.m.
- Monday, October 26 at 10 a.m.
- Tuesday, October 27 at 6 p.m.
Residents can watch and submit comments or questions via Facebook Live on the Develop Louisville page, or via WebEx online or by phone. For details about how to attend the different meetings, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/ldcreform. Those who cannot attend one of the three meetings can ask questions or submit comments by emailing LDCreform@louisvilleky.gov or calling the LDC reform hotline at (502) 574-4737.
The review is the continuation of a process that started with the adoption of our 20-year comprehensive plan, Plan 2040, in 2018 and the release of the Housing Needs Assessment and Advancing Equity Report in early 2019. These documents laid the groundwork by identifying deficiencies, potential actions and what we want Louisville to be.
Metro Council passed a resolution on August 20 requesting the LDC review and the drafting of recommendations for more equitable and inclusive development. Louisville Metro Planning and Design Services staff is leading the review effort.
Following the meetings, Planning and Design Services staff will draft a list of recommended policy changes and amendments to the LDC, which will be reviewed by the Planning Commission, Metro Council and other legislative bodies that have zoning authority in Jefferson County. Before any recommendations are adopted, the Planning Commission will host a public hearing for residents to provide additional comments.
While some recommendations may go before the Planning Commission for consideration within a few months, the process will continue well beyond that with additional recommendations possibly being made over the next couple of years.
For more information about efforts to reform the Land Development Code, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/ldcreform.
Clifton resident Cathy Hinko has been advancing the cause of fair and affordable housing in Louisville for thirty-seven years. After serving the last sixteen years with the Metropolitan Housing Coalition, Cathy is retiring as its Executive Director. It was my honor to recognize Cathy at our October 8 Metro Council meeting.
I’ll miss Cathy’s research and counsel, and everyone who needs fairer and more affordable housing in Louisville will miss her advocacy.
The new Executive Director of MHC is Dr. Cathy Kuhn. More about the organization is here.
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Last Sunday, I spotted two gentlemen walking along Frankfort Avenue. They were in the street because there is no sidewalk between River Road and Story Avenue.
Work to change that is underway.
Several years ago, money was allocated for a sidewalk plan. This week, construction began. The sidewalk will run along the northeast side of Frankfort Avenue to provide safe pedestrian access along this very busy road.
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The project is a partnership between Louisville Metro Government and Waterfront Botanical Gardens, with the Gardens paying for the sidewalk portion in front of its property and Louisville Metro paying for all the other sidewalk sections.
Frankfort Avenue between River Road and Story Avenue will be closed to through traffic during construction, which may last until December 19. Access to local businesses will continue. Drive carefully in the area!
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The annual Louisville Earth Walk is going city-wide this year out of respect for everyone’s safety during the COVID-19 crisis. So, while local environmentalists won’t gather together in one place at one time on Saturday, October 24, everyone is invited to participate - from all across our city. You can join from wherever you are in support of a vision where every neighborhood has safe and clean water, air, and soil.
This year there are two 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 online by clicking here.
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Pop-Up Drop-Offs are free recycling and large item disposal events for residents of Jefferson County. These events will pop up around the county once per month, from March through November. Use the Recycle Coach app to receive notifications about future events or view them on the app calendar. (Download the app in the Apple Store or Google Play.) Or check the Pop-Up Drop-Off website for updates.
Saturday, October 24, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Metro Fleet Services, 3515 Newburg Road
COVID-19 POLICIES
- Staff will wear personal protective equipment, including face coverings, and will stay at least 6 feet away from citizens.
- Citizens should remain in their vehicle if possible and must wear a face covering if exiting their vehicle.
This year, the Louisville Sustainability Council’s 2020 Annual Sustainability Summit will focus on equity, inclusion, and education. The theme of the Summit is “Climate Crossroads: Exploring the intersection of Climate Change and Social Justice.” This will be a virtual event to stay safe & healthy.
The summit will highlight the deep roots of climate change and race, health, gender, and equity, providing a platform for local, regional, and national speakers with diverse backgrounds and expertise; specifically highlighting women and experts of color. This will be a space for unpacking and understanding through productive, progressive conversation followed by action steps you can take today.
Sign up online by clicking here.
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Check out the upcoming Know Waste Webinar series! Virtual webinars will be Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. October 22 - November 19. Take note - the webinar on November 5 will be in Spanish! Sign up to attend at KnowWasteLouisville.org/webinars.
For basic details for all of below case/s, please visit https://aca-louisville.accela.com/LJCMG/Welcome.aspx?. Click on the “Planning” tab. Then enter either the case number in the “record number” box or the address.
You can also click on the notice below to go to the application page.
For specific case information, please call or email the listed case manager. If you have any questions, please contact Planning & Design directly at 574-6230.
Below please find an Alcoholic Beverage License memo and Courier Journal Legal announcement for a NQ Retail Malt Beverage by the Package and NQ4 Retail Malt Beverage by the Drink license(s) being applied for, located at 1860 Mellwood Ave., Unit 236, (Butchertown Brewing at the Mellwood Arts Center). The ad ran in The Courier Journal Friday, October 9, 2020.
The Olmsted Parks Conservancy is working to create a new Master Plan for Bingham Park, which will inform future improvements to the park so that it better serves the community. Olmsted’s team installed additional story boards illustrating possible design concepts (click here to view) in Bingham Park recently, with a direct text line (502-513-6279) for folks to provide input.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Stop by the park to check out these boards and use the number to tell Olmsted what you think! (If you prefer, you can review the documents at home).
- You can also help shape the future of Bingham Park by sharing how you use the park and suggestions for improvements in a quick survey by visiting the website: olmstedparks.org/our-parks/bingham-park
- Register and join in the Olmsted Parks October Challenge - complete one or more virtual challenges in the Olmsted Parks from October 11-25 and be entered to win special prizes! Here’s the facebook invite.
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For the past several years, the D9 office has sponsored Shakespeare in the Parks to bring a free production to D9 residents. This year was a little different, so Kentucky Shakespeare created a virtual production of Hamlet. Please enjoy this virtual performance by clicking here. This link will be available until the end of the year.
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Halloween will look different this year, as we all stay safe during a global pandemic. Most residents on D9's Hillcrest Avenue have agreed not to have the large yard displays that promote so much foot traffic. Many residents will not be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters because it will be difficult to socially distance. The Courier-Journal wrote about Hillcrest's decision. Click here to read.
The decisions are in keeping with Kentucky's Halloween Guidelines, which discourage traditional trick-or-treating. That is especially important now, as COVID-19 cases are rising and Jefferson County has again entered the “red”, “critical” category. The graphic below has some better ideas to celebrate the holiday while remaining safe.
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Load up your kids and prepare for a Halloween in Brown Park like you have never experienced before. Due to COVID-19 precautions, Halloween in Brown Park will not be held in Brown Park this year and it will look a little different.
The event will be held Saturday, October 24 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Mall St. Matthews. Enter off Bowling Blvd. onto Sherburn Lane and St. Matthews Police Department and event volunteers will guide attendees through the lot to the event.
This will be a fully touchless drive-thru experience for the attendees. At the beginning of the line volunteers will attach padded hooks (high weight capacity) over the car windows on the driver’s side to hold bags for kids trick-or-treating from the vehicle. Bags will be provided by title sponsor Baptist Health.
Vendors will put pre-packaged candy or non-food items into the bags using gloved hands from booth to booth as the car drives by. In order to limit contacts, attendees must always stay inside the car, and only the window where the candy bags will be hung should be partially open.
The Chamber of St. Matthews is limiting the event to one car per family and it is strongly recommended per the CDC and State guidelines that those inside the car are all from the same household. They will be offering Teal Pumpkin items for any child with an allergy. This project is designed to offer non-food treats for trick-or-treaters who may suffer from a food allergy. All those participating in the project will have a Teal Pumpkin displayed in their booth in some fashion.
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The Peterson-Dumesnil House will host local author and historian Steve Wiser for an evening of tales about Louisville's historic and haunted homes on Tuesday, October 27th at 6:30 p.m. The free, 45-minute virtual event will be streamed live on the organization's Facebook page and will include an interactive Q&A session with Steve, as well as Halloween-themed giveaways for viewers.
During the presentation, Steve will visit different parts of the house and grounds as he shares ghostly tales from around Louisville. The program will highlight the legend of "The Lady in White," who has been observed for decades looking after and caring for the Peterson-Dumesnil House. An ethereal photograph of the house taken by Tim Miller graces the cover of Steve's book, Haunted Houses of Louisville.
Steve Wiser is a lifelong Louisville resident, historian, architect, and author. He has been involved with the Louisville Historical League since 1980, serving as President for several terms, and he is also a tour guide of Cave Hill Cemetery.
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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. That includes 620 tax “non-filers” in 40206 and 553 in 40207. The deadline for tax “non-filers” to apply for the payment is Saturday, November 21. More information can be found here.
For questions, please contact the Legal Aid Society at (502) 584-1254 or online at www.yourlegalaid.org.
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On Tuesday, December 8, the 9th District office, in partnership with U of L Hospital and the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, will offer mammograms at the Peterson-Dumesnil House, 301 S. Peterson Avenue. To make an appointment, please contact my office at 574-3908. Mammograms are for women age 40 and over. There is no cost to eligible women without insurance. Women with insurance will need to bring their card so a claim may be filed.
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Below are some Ninth District calendar events! To view a full listing of events, please visit the District 9 Blog at http://district9news.wordpress.com/. If you would like to submit events to be considered for the blog calendar please email Kyle Ethridge or call 574-1109.
Thursday, October 22: SWMS will host Know Waste Webinar Series. Virtual webinars will be on Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. through November 19. Sign up to attend online at https://www.louisvillewastedistrict.org/webinars. The topic on October 22 is How to Recycle Right.
Thursday, October 22: Louisville Grows will be hosting a Citizen Forester 101 Virtual Training from 6:00-7:30 pm. Attendees will learn how to properly plant a tree and lead a volunteer group during tree plantings to help restore Louisville's urban tree canopy. Participants are encouraged to gain hands-on experience at upcoming tree plantings. The training cost is $10.00, however, scholarships are available upon request. To request a scholarship, contact Lisa at programs@louisvillegrows.org. For more information or to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/CFOct2020.
Saturday, October 24: SWMS will host a Pop-Up Drop-Off event from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Louisville Metro Fleet Services, 3515 Newburg Road. This is a free event to recycle and dispose of large items for Jefferson County residents. For a list of what is accepted, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/public-works/pop-drop-waste-disposal-events.
Saturday, October 24: Halloween in Brown Park is on the move! Drive-through Trick-or-Treating at Mall St. Matthews from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. This is an allergy friendly event. For more information, please visit https://www.stmatthewschamber.com/.
Saturday, October 24: The annual Louisville Earth Walk is going city-wide this year out of respect for everyone’s safety during the Covid-19 crisis. 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 by clicking here.
Tuesday, October 27: Air Pollution Control District will host a Clearing the Air Workshop at 6:00 p.m. on Odor: Smell something? Here's what to do next. Click here to register.
Tuesday, October 27: The Peterson-Dumesnil House is excited to host a very special (virtual) event at 6:30 p.m. with local author and historian, Steve Wiser. Join in for an evening of stories about Louisville's haunted and historic homes, an interactive Q&A session with Steve, and Halloween-themed giveaways for viewers. The 45-minute event will be streamed live on the P-D House Facebook page.
Tuesday, October 27: Carmichael's Bookstore will host October Community Bookclub at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Join in for a free virtual discussion of Whit Teeth by Zadie Smith. As always, you will receive a 20% discount when you buy the book from Carmichael's. Click here for the event link, and here to buy the book.
Wednesday, October 28: Whitehall House & Gardens will host a Pumpkin Florals Workshop at 6:00 p.m. Cost is $65 per student. Create your own fall bouquet in a pumpkin. Learn the art of floral arranging in a unique, seasonal container that will be a great addition to your fall decor. The workshop will be led by Maureen Stites, owner of 64 Yellow Roses. You can register for the workshop here.
Thursday, October 29: SWMS will host Know Waste Webinar Series. Virtual webinars will be on Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. through November 19. Sign up to attend online at https://www.louisvillewastedistrict.org/webinars. The topic on October 29 is Love 'Em and Leave 'Em.
Thursday, October 29: Carmichael's Bookstore will host a virtual event with Christopher Kimball at 6:00 p.m. This online event includes a special virtual cooking demonstration featuring two recipes from Kimball’s new cookbook, followed by a live question and answer session. The event will take place virtually on Zoom. To attend, purchase Milk Street: Cookish ($35) on Carmichael's website or at your nearest Carmichael’s bookstore location and you will be e-mailed a link with instructions a few days before the event. Your copy will include a signed bookplate.
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