District 9 eNews - Thursday, December 3, 2020

 

 
D9 Masthead
Bill Hollander

Councilman Bill Hollander
601 W. Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1109
Email Bill

Kyle Ethridge

Kyle Ethridge
Legislative Assistant
(502) 574-3908
Email Kyle


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In this Issue...


Still in the Red Zone

Red Zone

Louisville – like most of the nation – continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases, with intensive care bed and ventilator use increasing.   Here are the key metrics released this week:

  • There were 3,627 new cases over the previous week.
  • Louisville’s rolling two-week average positivity rate is at 6.2 percent.
  • Hospitalization data:
    • 21.4% of patients currently hospitalized have COVID-19.
    • 94 patients in Intensive Care Units with COVID-19 as of December 1, an increase from 83 the week prior.
    • 58 COVID-19 patients on ventilators as of December 1, compared to 56 last week.
  • COVID-19 cases are in every ZIP code and each of them are in the red. “The virus doesn’t move. People move. This clearly shows that,” Louisville’s Chief Health Strategist, Dr. Sarah Moyer said.
  • Largest increase in cases are in 20-44-year-old demographic at 42.3%.
  • Given the high level of community spread, interactions with members outside the household put individuals at greater risk of bringing an infection home. Once one person is infected in a household, it is likely to spread to other members.

With the Thanksgiving holiday in the rearview, Dr, Moyer conveyed her fears that the city will see unprecedented spread as a result of residents who traveled, hosted parties and had meals with people outside of their immediate household.

Dr. Moyer urged residents to wear masks and remain socially distant to avoid creating a burden on our biggest health resources.

“Our hospitals and staff are already feeling the strain. Let’s do all we can to make sure that if any of us need emergency healthcare, whether for COVID or another number of health emergencies, there are doctors, nurses and technicians to help us and provide a bed for us,” Dr. Moyer said.

With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered  that all restaurants and bars be closed to indoor services.  The new rules are in effect until December 13.  

Carryout, delivery and outdoor seating service can continue, but the mask mandate and seating rules remain in effect.  

To see Louisville’s COVID-19 data dashboard, including total number of cases, deaths, testing locations and more, click HERE

 

Click here for the Red Zone Recommendations.


Free Financial Navigator Service to Help Louisville Residents Impacted by the Pandemic

Financial Navigator

In partnership with national nonprofit organization the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund), Louisville Metro Government announced the launch of a free Financial Navigators program to help residents navigate critical financial issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial Navigators is available remotely to provide guidance over the phone to help residents access available programs and services to manage income disruptions and other financial concerns.  These experts help residents one-on-one to triage personal financial issues, identify immediate action steps to manage expenses and maximize income, and make referrals to other relevant community resources such as the Eviction Prevention Program, LIHEAP, Healthy at Home, and others.  Louisville Metro Government and Bank On Louisville is offering these services in partnership with Louisville Housing and Opportunities Micro-Enterprise Community Development Loan Fund, Inc. (LHOME).

Residents can access these free, remote services by completing the online form here or calling (502) 657-6624 to sign up. The navigator will then send a short service agreement and call the client to begin their personal session. Organizations across Louisville can also refer clients directly to an expert.

Each session will last approximately 30 minutes. After the session, the Financial Navigator will send a follow-up email outlining next steps and referrals.

Financial Navigator Assistance

Civilian Oversight System Approved

LMPD

Metro Council overwhelmingly approved a new civilian oversight system for LMPD in a meeting on November 19.   The system includes a Civilian Review and Accountability Board and an Office of Inspector General. 

The new 11-member board will work with and oversee the Inspector General, who would investigate allegations of police misconduct; examine LMPD's patterns and practices; and review policies, operations and procedures. The board can also initiate investigations by the Inspector General into complaints about LMPD actions. 

It also will have the power to review the quality and adequacy of final reports and closed internal affairs investigations into police killings — advising the mayor, police chief and Metro Council.

The ordinance followed the work of a broad-based community work group on which I was honored to serve.  I was also one of three original sponsors of the Metro Council ordinance. 

As I told the Council before the vote, “my goal from the beginning has been that we have a robust, sustainable civilian oversight system, and I am absolutely convinced that we are getting that".

A Courier-Journal story on the vote is here.


Fair Housing Ordinance Approved

Fair Housing

Louisville’s Fair Housing Ordinance was improved on November 19, when Metro Council added legal sources of income, including disability payments and a range of housing vouchers, to the list of characteristics landlords cannot use to reject potential renters. The ordinance also added homeless and veteran status, as well as arrest history and some criminal convictions, excluding violent and sexual crimes, to the fair housing ordinance. 

I was one of three original sponsors of the ordinance, which we have been working on for more than a year.  The ordinance received 24 "yes" votes, with one member voting present and one abstaining.

As the Metropolitan Housing Coalition noted in support of the ordinance, “Access to housing is fundamental to our health and well being.  Without safe and stable housing, we experience greater physical and mental health problems, increased academic disruptions, fewer employment opportunities, and increased incidence of family separation.”  

More information about the ordinance is in this WFPL report, click here to read.


LDC Reform Workshop Sessions

Metro Seal

A broad review of Louisville’s Land Development Code (LDC) is underway, with the next round of public engagement sessions coming up. There will be four meetings from December 5th to December 15th in the form of workshops with presentations from national and local experts.  The public will also have the opportunity to ask questions, make comments and offer suggestions. 

Saturday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. Housing Workshop #1: National housing experts from the Urban Institute (Urban) will discuss a broad range of housing-related topics. The intention for this meeting is to address ‘big picture’ issues and trends in the housing market and discuss Plan 2040. Linkhttps://louisvilleky.webex.com/louisvilleky/j.php?MTID=e919c41507bad74b8f306ccc11dda8c5d Password: Housing1 Join By Phone: +1-415-655-0001 Access Code: 172 930 4185

Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m. Housing Workshop #2: Urban will give an overview of the Land Development Code Diagnosis findings and the Housing Needs Assessment and lead discussion about Missing Middle Housing. Linkhttps://louisvilleky.webex.com/louisvilleky/j.php?MTID=ec2099039b2307bd75c313b7752093bd5 Password: Housing2 Join by Phone: US Toll: +1-415-655-0001 Access Code: 172 376 1771

Saturday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m.  Environmental Justice Workshop: Urban, Develop Louisville, APCD and community representatives will present on and lead discussion around topics such as environmental justice issues in Louisville, Brownfields, and land use approaches to environmental justice. Linkhttps://louisvilleky.webex.com/louisvilleky/j.php?MTID=e6b6dfc9407b3b596cc338fface719783 Password: EJ1212 Join By Phone: +1-415-655-0001 Access Code: 172 740 5234

Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m. Process and Education Workshop: Meeting topics will range from general application procedures and processes, Land Development Code content, public noticing requirements, capital improvement plans, educational outreach programs, and more. Linkhttps://louisvilleky.webex.com/louisvilleky/j.php?MTID=eefdd235fcbc1de305334f303bd5fe10e Password: PE1215 Join By Phone: +1-415-655-0001 Access Code: 172 733 5253

For more information and to watch past sessions, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/ldcreform.


Mammogram Screenings – December 8

Mammogram Screening

There are still a few appointments available for the mobile mammography unit next 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.


Leaf Drop-Off through December 12

leaves

There’s still time to participate in Metro’s free leaf drop-off. Louisville Metro residents can dispose of leaves for free at one of three drop-off sites now through December 12. Only loose leaves will be accepted. Containers used to bring leaves to the drop-off sites must be disposed of off-site by residents.

Leaf drop off sites:

  • Public Works Yard, 10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane) Tuesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Public Works East District Operations Center, 595 North Hubbards Lane Tuesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue Tuesday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Violence Prevention Training – December 12

The Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods invites you to attend a Virtual Violence Prevention Training on Saturday, December 12 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. This is the last training of 2020, so there has never been a better time to participate!  Listen to experts as they cover a range of topics including Mental Health 101, Suicide Prevention, Community Organizing, Conflict Resolution, and the Public Health Approach to Violence.  If you have ever wanted to be informed on individual and collective efforts to reduce violence in Louisville, this is your chance! RSVP for free by clicking here, and spread the word to ensure citizens across our city are engaged in violence prevention efforts!

Violence Prevention Training

Landmarks Hearing Set for December 17

Rickhouse

On July 16, we reported on a demolition permit for a rickhouse located at the corner of Lexington Road and Payne Street, Case No. BLD-WRE-20-00194. More information about the demolition permit application is available here.  The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Irish Hill Neighborhood Association circulated a petition “requesting that the Louisville Metro Historic Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission conduct a study and hold a public hearing to determine if Nelson Distillery Warehouse (NDW), 100 Distillery Commons Dr. should be established as an Individual Local Landmark.”  That designation would require that the demolition of the building be additionally reviewed and approved by the Landmarks Commission in a public hearing. This review, as well as the Designation hearing, would include a review of potential economic hardship.  

On Thursday, December 17, 2020, the Historic Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission will hold a public hearing to review the petition proposing designation of the building as an Individual Landmark. 

The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until all cases are heard. The meeting is online and ways to access it are at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/upcoming-public-meetings. If you have questions, please contact the case manager at Cynthia.Johnson@louisvilleky.gov.  

BLD-WRE-20-00194

UCHM’s Annual Santa Sprint and Stroll

Santa Sprint and Stroll

Due to Social Distancing guidelines, the Santa Sprint and Stroll fundraiser will be totally virtual. This means that you can complete your run or walk from anywhere! You can choose to register for a 5k or a 1-mile run/walk. The Santa Sprint and Stroll will take place on December 19, 2020, but you can run and submit your time any day between December 18 and December 20.

Everyone who registers will receive a custom tech running neck gaiter/buff, a race bib, sponsor coupons and a 25th Anniversary commemorative Finisher Medal.

Register by midnight, December 9th and you will receive your race packet in the mail in time to wear your race buff and bib on your run! Proceeds will help UCHM continue to serve the community through financial and food assistance, youth programming, senior citizen nutrition program and activities, and more!

Click here for more information and to sign up. Cost is $25 for each participant.  


Light Up St. Matthews

Light Up St. Matthews

The 2020 Light Up St. Matthews will be limited to socially distanced light displays and décor. There will not be an in-person lighting ceremony, any attractions or in-person programming during the event. While visiting the light displays at Brown Park produced by the Chamber of St. Matthews and the City of St. Matthews, please follow all current State and County mandated protocols. The Chamber will be broadcasting the moment the lights switch on in Brown Park on December 5th live from the Facebook page.


What’s That Work at Seneca Park?

Seneca Park

Several constituents have contacted me about heavy construction work at Seneca Park. 

Louisville Water Company is adding four massive iron gate valves to a major 60-inch water main.  It is also connecting a 24-inch water main in the same area to the 60-inch main.  The projects are designed to isolate sections of the main in case of main breaks and continue reliable water service.

Pee Wee Reese Road is closed from Taylorsville Road up to the Seneca Park Golf clubhouse, and the closure has been extended while the work continues.  Louisville Water now expects to complete the work and reopen the road by December 11. 

More information is here.


LWC Update for Stilz & Frankfort Avenues

LWC

From the Louisville Water Company

In two to three weeks, Louisville Water will be inspecting the water mains along Stilz Avenue and Frankfort Avenue. The project is expected to last 2 to 3 days and will involve closing one southbound lane on Stilz Avenue and one westbound lane on Frankfort Avenue between Sacred Heart Lane and Crescent Court.

The work will be done between the hours of 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and will include digging small construction holes to complete the inspection. Flaggers will be used to assist with traffic on Stilz Avenue and Frankfort Avenue.

If you have questions you can email Andrew Williams at awilliams@lwcky.com or call (502) 569-3600, ext. 2219.


Beargrass Creek Survey

Beargrass Creek

Help shape the future for the Middle Fork of Beargrass Creek.  MSD is requesting your input for how you live, work and play within the Middle Fork Beargrass Creek watershed.

Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and help support the development of this plan.


St. MAM – Holiday Needs

St. MAM

Adopt a Child Program

Help a family purchase presents for their children by donating a $25 Target/Walmart gift card(s) to St. Matthews Area Ministries (St. MAM). This year, St. MAM donors won’t be shopping for kids due to the pandemic, but families are still in need. Drop off hours will be Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Learn more about St. MAM here.


UCHM – Holiday Needs

UCHM

Christmas Connection Program

The holidays are just around the corner and United Crescent Hill Ministries (UCHM) believes that it will be incredibly important to embrace the spirit of giving for this upcoming holiday season. UCHM is excited to kick off the Annual Christmas Connection program, a program dedicated to ensuring that the children in the area can have a cheerful and fulfilling holiday.

This year’s program will look a little different. UCHM is asking sponsors for donations in the form of cash or check. These donations will be used by UCHM staff and volunteers to purchase $100 gift cards to Target, Walmart, or Amazon and $25 Kroger gift cards, one for each child in a family. These gift cards will allow families to prioritize their needs, as well as give them the dignity of providing for their family in the best way that they see fit. Sponsoring a family for this program helps tremendously in taking the stress out of the Christmas season, and focusing on the joy.

If you are interested in donating or sponsoring a family, please click here or call 502-893-0346. If you have any additional questions, please contact Emily Purdy at epurdy@uchmlouky.org.

Learn more about UCHM here.


Shop Local this Holiday Season!

Shop Local this Holiday Season

The Holiday shopping season is underway.  It’s a very important time for local retailers. Stores along Frankfort Avenue, Chenoweth Lane, Shelbyville Road, Mellwood Avenue and everywhere else in D9 are all counting on a big season in this most difficult year – and they need your help to ensure our local economy stays strong and vibrant. Please help support our D9 businesses!

Many local businesses have either online or curbside service, or both, so you can shop locally while keeping you and your family safe. The Louisville Independent Business Alliance has created an online, multi-vendor eCommerce site at www.ShopLocalLou.com. Sign up to be notified when it goes live. 

Please check out our local businesses and help them out when you can. 


Just Creations Holiday Shopping Nights

Just Creations

Just Creations, 2722 Frankfort Avenue, has partnered with local not-for-profit organizations to host Holiday Shopping Nights (the COVID version of “night” is “week”). The program looks a little different this year, but the benefit is the same. Mention one of the groups below when you check out in person or for curbside, Just Creations will donate 15% of your purchase to the organization of your choice.

  • Week of Monday, Nov. 30 – Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10am-6pm
    • Broadway Baptist Church, Catholic Enrichment Center, Our Savior Lutheran School or Wellspring
  • Week of Monday, Dec. 7 – Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10am-6pm
    • Friends of Esquipulas, Louisville Nature Center, St. Lawrence Catholic Church Youth Ministry Program, St. Michael Youth Ministry or Survivors of Torture Services at Family Health Centers America
  • Week of Monday, Dec. 14 – Saturday, Dec. 19 from 10am-6pm
    • Assumption High School Environmental Concerns Committee, CrossRoads Ministry, Louisville Public Media or YouthBuild Louisville

Drop-Off Recycling Locations

recycling

If you do not have residential curbside recycling service or if you have too much for your bin/cart, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Works and the Louisville Waste Management District offer free recycling drop-off locations around the county for your convenience. Three of them are staffed and operate Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The other 14 locations are (mostly) open 24/7.  Two are located in D9 - the Mary T. Meager Aquatic Center, 201 Reservoir Ave, and Bowman Field Drivers License Branch, 3501 Roger E. Schupp Street.

Only drop off accepted items: 

  • Flattened cardboard
  • Paper containers and cups
  • Milk, juice and soup cartons
  • Newspapers/inserts, phone books, magazines, junk mail, office paper
  • Plastic bottles, cups, and containers
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Metal bottles and cans

Items should be loose, not in bags. (Staffed locations separate the recycling by material type and also accept used motor oil and filters, used anti-freeze, and used cooking oil.)

Never dump items on the ground.

Sometimes the dumpsters get full, but please do not place items on the ground. Collecting items by hand is a safety hazard for staff and only causes delays in emptying the dumpsters. You can report a full dumpster to Metro311.

Report illegal dumping.

If you witness someone dumping items illegally at the recycling locations or anywhere else, you can report and share photos/videos anonymously through this online form.

Here's an interactive map of all the waste drop-off locations.


Recycle Old Christmas Lights

old Christmas lights

Have you discovered broken string lights while getting out holiday decorations? You can recycle those lights and other electronics at the Louisville Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue. Click here for more information on what is accepted.


Proper disposal of fats, oil, and grease

dispose fats and oils

Whether you’re pan frying the morning bacon or deep frying the holiday bird, you always have leftover fat, oil or grease. The slippery mess should never be poured into a sink, toilet or storm drain where it can lead to plumbing or sewer problems and foul local waterways.

Fat and grease left over from routine pan frying can be disposed of with other residential garbage if handled properly. Just pour the grease into a container that has a lid, let it cool, and place it in the trash. That keeps it out of local waterways and sewers.

Recycle that cooking oil! Watch this video to learn how!

Louisville’s full-service recycling centers accept household cooking oil left over from deep frying. It’s free and easy for residents of Louisville and Jefferson County. Residents should first let the oil cool, then strain out food particles and pour the oil into a container that has a lid. Take it to the nearest full-service recycling center and hand it to a staff member.

The city has partnered with the private firm Oil Tech to collect the oil. The company recycles the used cooking oil for use in biodiesel fuel. To find a drop-off location near you, go to louisvilleky.gov/recycling


District 9 Calendar Events

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.

Friday, December 4: Early morning (indoor) yoga at Waterfront Botanical Gardens from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. at the Graeser Family Education Center, 1435 Frankfort Avenue. Cost is $15/$10 for WBG members. Please bring your own mat and follow social distancing protocol. To register, please click here.

Friday, December 4 - Saturday, December 19: Waterfront Botanical Gardens will host Gardens Aglimmer on Friday and Saturday evenings between 5:45 - 9:00 p.m. Cost is $7 per person. This event is a self-guided walking experience among the illuminated outdoor gardens. For more information and to make reservations, please click here.

Saturday, December 5: Mellwood Art Center Shop Small event from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at 1860 Mellwood Avenue. The greatest thing about this event is that makers, artists, retailers and booths will be spaced apart from each other socially distanced and ready to serve you. This is a time where you can come out enjoy the day and pick up great gifts and one of a kinds for the upcoming Holidays! Masks are required to attend. For more information, please visit the Facebook Page.

Saturday, December 5: Whitehall House & Gardens will host Tea for Two - to go! Curbside pickup available from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Whitehall's traditional Victorian Christmas Tea is going to look different this year: they are offering Tea for Two boxes to go! Each box will include a variety of sweet and savory treats, plus Bigelow tea bags. Boxes will also include two certificates to return and tour the mansion. To purchase Tea for Two boxes, call (502) 897-2944 or email at Whitehall@HistoricHomes.org.

Saturday, December 5 & Sunday, December 6: Just Creations will host Llamarama 2020 on Saturday from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Make an appointment with an Elf for special shopping time for kids. Call the store at 897-7319 or email to make a reservation.

Tuesday, December 8: 9th District Mammogram Screenings in partnership with U of L and Brown Cancer Center at the Peterson-Dumesnil House, 301 S. Peterson Avenue.  Must have an appointment through the 9th District office.  Please call 574-3908 to make an appointment today!

Thursday, December 10: Carmichael's Bookstore will host Alen Hamza, Makalani Bandele, and Kyle Coma-Thompson at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please click here.

Saturday, December 12 & Sunday, December 13: Just Creations will host Llamarama 2020 on Saturday from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Make an appointment with an Elf for special shopping time for kids. Call the store at 897-7319 or email to make a reservation.

Sunday, December 13: Waterfront Botanical Gardens will host Holiday Plants from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. at Graeser Family Education Center. Cost is $15 or $10 for WBG members. For more information and to register, please click here.

Sunday, December 13: Save the Date for the Peterson-Dumesnil House night at Le Moo Restaurant from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. Dine in or order carryout and the P-D House will receive a portion of the food and beverage sales. Just be sure to mention that you're dining out for the P-D House.


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