District 7 E-Newsletter

Councilwoman Paula McCraney 601 W. Jefferson Street (502) 574-1107
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Councilwoman 

Paula McCraney
601 W. Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1107

 

Click Here to

Email Councilwoman McCraney

 


Visit the District 7 Website


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Ben Otten

Legislative Assistant

Contact Ben:

(502) 574-3454



Phone Numbers
of Interest

Air Pollution: 574-6000

Animal Services: 363-6609
or 361-1318

Anonymous Tipline:
574-LMPD (5673)

Brightside: 574-2613

Jefferson County Clerk's Office: 574-5700

Legal Aid: 584-1254

Metro Call: 311 or 574-5000

Metro Parks: 574-7275

Metro Police: (Non Emergency) 574-7111 or 574-2111

Metro Safe: 572-3460
or 574-7111

MSD: 587-0603

PARC: 569-6222

Poison Control: 589-8222

Public Works: 574-5810

Solid Waste Management (SWMS): 574-3571

TARC: 585-1234

Veteran's Affairs: 595-4447

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In this Issue...



Message From McCraney

Hello Neighbors and Friends,

I read a Facebook post the other day that said 2021 is the cousin to 2020. I took it to mean that to date - 31 days into 2021, nothing much has changed. With over 440,000 deaths due to COVID-19, and the threat of another highly infectious variant of the disease invading the U.S., it appears that 2021 is simply a continuation of 2020.    

There is one difference between the two years. People are now getting vaccinated. Kentucky has administered 409,797 COVID-19 vaccines doses. Of that number, 351,050 doses have been administered statewide, and another 58,747 doses were administered by the Long Term Care Facilities Program.

Through its LouVax site, the Louisville Department of Public Health and Wellness has given 16,482 doses to date. Citywide 66,284 total doses have been given out between the LouVax site and the healthcare system community partners, Norton Healthcare, UofL Health and Baptist Health. Of the 66,284 individuals, 56,580 doses administered were first shot doses and 9,704 individuals received their second shot completing their COVID-19 vaccine series. 

Anyone who is 70 or older may sign up to be placed on the vaccine waitlist.  It is also critical that this information is shared with qualifying family, friends, and neighbors who may not be aware that they are eligible, or that action is required of them.  By clicking here or calling 502-912-8598, you can sign up for the waitlist today. Louisville Metro is distributing that list to healthcare systems so that people on the list can be contacted and appointments can be made when more vaccine is available. Beware, though, the interest list does not constitute a confirmed appointment.

Late last week, major hospitals in Louisville opened vaccine appointments to people 70 and older, but quickly had to stop because demand exceeded vaccine supply. You can also check these websites for appointments in the future:

To be directed to a website that monitors the vaccine usage in Kentucky Click here. It gives a daily accounting of how many doses the state has, and how many have been given. It also details the vaccine distribution plan. 

The distribution process has been frustrating to government officials as well as citizens who are interested in getting vaccinated.  It's my understanding that the federal government has ordered more vaccine, another company is seeking approval for its vaccine, and states will soon be supplied enough vaccine to meet the demand.  

For the record, I have not been vaccinated. All Metro Council members were offered the opportunity to be vaccinated so that we may be able to encourage others to sign up to be vaccinated.  When I noticed the interest within the community and heard of the supply shortage, I made the decision to wait my turn in line according to the CDC recommendation. As a person over 60 years of age, I can get vaccinated in Phase 1C. It has not yet been determined when Phase 1C is eligible to sign up, but until that time, I urge you to sign up if you fall in the categories of Phase 1A and 1B.

As we wait for Kentucky to receive the necessary vaccines to get everyone taken care of, please know that soon and very soon we will begin to see some semblance of normalcy throughout our community and the U.S.  Be encouraged!


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LET’S TALK | BRIDGING THE DIVIDE - January

Rachel Platt Talks With Councilwoman McCraney

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Click Here to Watch Interview:  https://youtu.be/wwa_VNX2YiY

The Frazier’s Bridging the Divide conversations continue, as we evolve and create additional ways to engage in meaningful conversations, especially now during a pandemic and racial unrest. The Frazier’s Director of Community Engagement Rachel Platt began these conversations last year on topics impacting our community, which are often issues surrounding the Ninth Street Divide, on which the Frazier is situated. Those conversations take on added significance as we look for the way forward with healing and justice for all after the recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor. These interviews engage community and civic leaders, artists, activists, educators, law enforcement, clergy members, and more about where we go from here, with each one weighing in on the next steps to move us forward.


LET’S TALK | Bridging the Divide - February

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Louisville’s Reckoning With Race

Thursday, February 4, 2021 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Louisville’s Reckoning With Race

Louisville recently declared racism a public health crisis, the University of Louisville pledged to build the premier anti-racist university, are these steps to real change as we deal with inequities in what is still a segregated city? Join us as we tackle the tough topic of race, if we’re truly making progress, and how each of us plays a role for lasting change.

Panelists

Mayor Greg Fischer

Dr. Neeli Bendepudi, President, University of Louisville
Dr. Ricky Jones, Graduate Director & Chair, Pan-African Studies Department, University of Louisville
Senator Gerald Neal  (D), District 33
Lamont Collins, President & CEO, Roots 101
Keturah Herron, Policy Strategist, ACLU

Co-Moderators

Rachel Platt, Director of Community Engagement, Frazier History Museum
Renee Shaw, KET

Question Facilitator

Ron Jones, Community Relations Manager, 104.7 FM WLOU/1240 AM WLLV


Happy Hour with the Arts

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Join us on February 4th at 5:30 p.m. for Happy Hour with the Arts, featuring cocktail making with Old Forester.

Learn how to make the Fund for the Arts signature cocktail and help us celebrate the kick-off of our 2021 Campaign!


UofL Film Series

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City-Wide Book Club

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Join us for a panel discussion with the following guest speakers:

Dr. Gerald Smith, Professor of History, African-American & Africana Studies, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

Rev. Erica Whitaker, Senior Pastor, Buechel Park Baptist Church, Louisville, KY

Dr. Lewis Brogdon, Moderator and Professor, Simmons College of KY & Baptist Seminary of KY, Louisville, KY

The book is available for purchase at Carmichael and Amazon.

This event will be streamed on Simmons Facebook and YouTube pages.  Please invite others to join us for this virtual event.



Vaccine Priority Groups

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1A Long term care facilities, assisted living facilities, health care personnel
1B First responders, anyone age 70 or older, K-12 school personnel
1C Anyone age 60 or older, anyone age 16 or older with CDC highest risk C19 risk conditions, all essential workers
2 Anyone age 40 or older.
3 Anyone age 16 or older.
4 Children under the age of 16 if the vaccine is approved for this age group (est. 18% of KY population)


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On Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the state’s positivity rate has declined to 8.75%.

“Our declining positivity rate shows that Kentuckians are continuing to make those small sacrifices we’ve been talking about all year in order to protect each other until we get enough vaccines for everyone who wants one,” said Gov. Beshear. “Wearing masks around people from different households, social distancing, washing their hands, staying home when they can and getting tested regularly. It’s the simple things you’re probably sick of hearing about by now that can make the biggest difference as we near the finish line.”

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 2,608
New deaths today: 57
Positivity rate: 8.75%
Total deaths: 3,668
Currently hospitalized: 1,505
Currently in ICU: 355
Currently on ventilator: 199

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Kenton, Daviess and Boone. Each of these counties reported 95 or more new cases; Jefferson County alone reported 360.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.  



Notice of Public Hearing - Monday, February 1st

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Board of Zoning Adjustment (BOZA)

The Board will hold its annual meeting on Monday, February 1, 2021 at 12:00 PM. This meeting will be held online via Cisco Webex Video Teleconferencing. You may join the online meeting using a computer, laptop, or mobile device by following the link below:

The Board will be meeting on Monday, February 1, 2021 at 1:00 PM. This meeting will be held online via Cisco Webex Video Teleconferencing. You may join the online meeting using a computer, laptop, or mobile device by following the link below:

If you cannot participate online via Cisco Webex, you may also participate by phone by calling (415)655-0001 (use the above Event Number as your access code) or by viewing the meeting at 444 S 5th Street. Social distancing requirements must be observed by anyone who opts to view the online meeting from 444 S 5th Street.

If you wish to submit comments for any of the agenda items please submit them in writing by 5:00 P.M. on the Friday before the meeting. Comments may be submitted to the case manager listed on the agenda or by filling out the online form. If you have questions, please contact the case manager at 502-574-6230.

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Click Here for Online Public Hearing Meeting:

https://louisvilleky.gov/government/upcoming-public-meetings



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Louisville Metro COVID Relief

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Utility Assistance

City Launches $10 million COVID-19

Utility Relief Program

Mayor Greg Fischer joined Louisville Metro Council members and utility partners in announcing the start of the city’s $10 million COVID-19 utility assistance program, designed to help residents who have fallen behind on LG&E, Louisville Water and Louisville MSD bills as a result of COVID-19.

The Metro COVID-19 Utility Relief Funds are designed for residents with an active LG&E, Louisville Water Company/MSD account with a past due amount.  The outstanding balance must have occurred between March 16, 2020 through December 31, 2020.  Customers will need to attest that they have had a financial hardship during the pandemic.

Customers with outstanding balances on their utility bills could receive a one-time credit for up to $500 each on LG&E and Water/MSD bills.

Get Louisville Metro COVID-19 Relief Assistance by contacting one of the following:  

  • 1) Call your local Community Ministry at www.louisvilleministries.org or call Metro United Way's 2-1-1 to locate the ministry nearest you, or
  • 2) Schedule an appointment in advance with Neighborhood Place by calling 502-977-6636 or visit online at LGEHelp.itfrontdesk.com
Utility help

LYNDON CHRISTIAN CHURCH FOOD PANTRY

8125 LAGRANGE RD.

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Our goal is to provide families with quality, nutritious food. We offer everything from meat to non-perishables food. We provide healthy food for you and your family to make meals that are good and easy to make. We also have necessary items such as laundry detergent, bath soap, toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning supplies.

Our hours of operation are from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., on the first Tuesday of each month and the third Friday of the month. However, residents are welcome to call 502-432-9456, if you wish to schedule an appointment for assistance on a different day.

Our mission is to make sure no one goes hungry. Everyone is welcome, and if you know someone who needs help, please don’t hesitate to bring them along with you. We are looking forward to seeing you and meeting your needs.  


Breast Cancer Screening Van Schedule

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Louisville Food Co-op

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BECOME AN OWNER AND SPREAD THE WORD!


Friends of the Library Annual Meeting

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Please join us for our Annual Membership Meeting on Saturday, February 6th at 10:00 a.m. The Friends Annual Meeting will be a virtual event in 2021.

Please join us via Zoom: Click here to join the Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86447626127?pwd=czhNQmxObHRlVGpOWkErYmRialhaUT09

Meeting ID: 864 4762 6127 Passcode: 766461 The meeting main speakers and topics will be:

  • Update on LFPL 2020 and the future by Lee Burchfield - Library Director
  • Library Foundation Update by Chandra Gordon – Executive Director    
  • Advocacy in 2021: The Budget and its Impact on the Library by Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey and Councilman Anthony Piagentini                                                                                                             
  • State Friends Update by Wayne Onkst

RSVP your attendance to lfplfriends@gmail.com or 502-574-1648 so that we may plan accordingly. When you RSVP please indicate your branch, email address, and phone number.


Know Waster Webinar Series

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Register for the upcoming Know Waste Webinars at www.KnowWasteLouisville.org/webinars


The Metro Snow Team

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As of 8:00 p.m. Sunday night:

Temperatures are currently 36 degrees and will be dropping to freezing around 3:00am. The current rain will be changing to snow showers around midnight. The snow forecast ranges from 0.5 inches to 1.0 inch.

The Metro Snow Team will be reporting in at 12:00am and begin treating roadways with salt (no calcium chloride). This will allow us to complete all snow routes before Monday morning traffic and mitigate slick spots on bridges and overpasses.

To stay informed on the Snow Team’s progress, click here to see the METRO SNOW MAP.


How to look up Large Item Set-Out dates

Watch this short tutorial on how to use the Recycle Coach app to find out when your next Large Item Set Out dates are. This applies to residents within the Urban Services District with city waste collection services. Residents with private waste haulers can see waste events on the calendar and use the search tool, but should check with their private waste hauler for information about large item collection. 

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Driver's License Updates

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At this time, these five Driver’s License branches are now open and operating Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

  • Middletown (11700 Main St., 40243) 
  • Outer Loop-Highview (7509 Outer Loop, 40228)
  • Southwest (4919 Dixie Highway, Suite A, 40216)
  • West Louisville (2900 W. Broadway, 40211)
  • Bowman Field (3501 Roger E. Schupp, 40205)

Please note:

  • Social distancing will be required.
  • Mask or face covering will be required.
  • At our high-volume branches, a reservation system may be utilized.
  • From 8 to 9 a.m. each day at each branch, Seniors and those with health issues will be served first (reservations not needed)
  • We highly recommend taking advantage of the Mail-in Renewal Option if you meet the applicable criteria. For details and the form, click here -- https://www.drivejefferson.com/mail-in-renewal/

(Our sixth branch, at 514 West Liberty, is closed to the public due to COVID-19 and is only processing main-in renewals at this time.)



LMPD - Division 5 Crime Report

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Do you see two faces of elder people, or do you see a woman and a man with headpieces on (one of the individuals is playing a guitar)?



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Update from the Governor

capitol

To view the Governor’s recent executive orders, click here:    https://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=GovernorBeshear&prId=475


COVID-19 Information

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Metro 311

Have an Issue Government Should Solve?

3-1-1

LENS Alert

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In August 2016 Louisville Metro Emergency Services teamed up with Bullitt County, Oldham County, and Washington County to create a regional emergency notification system – Louisville Emergency Notification System (LENSAlert).  Its enhanced capabilities include using all communications modes to send alerts – mobile phones, landlines, email, text, social media, IPAWS-OPEN.  Take another step in being prepared for disasters and sign up for LENSAlert today.


SMART 911.com

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In addition to receiving notifications, individuals can create a Safety Profile for themselves and their household that can include any information they want 9-1-1 and first responders to have in the event of an emergency. When individuals make an emergency call, their Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker, allowing them to send the right responders to the right location with the right information. Information about medical history, allergies to medication, number of residents in a home and even a picture of the family dog can all be added to a Safety Profile.

Click Here for Frequently Asked Questions About Smart911


Dial 2-1-1 for Assistance with Food

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Buying and Selling Safety Zones

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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 at two designate areas of each location.
  • Make the interaction brief and to the point.

MetroSWAP Zones are at:


Sign Up to Receive Crime Alerts

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Visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroPolice/Patrol+Divisions/ to sign up to receive the LMPD’s new crime alert update for your neighborhood. Simply select your LMPD division number and click "Subscribe to Crime Alerts by Beat" to begin receiving the update.

  • Division 5, please call dispatch at 502-574-7111
  • Division 8, please call dispatch at 502-574-2111

Fifth Division - This division covers the area including the Highlands, Clifton and Cherokee and Seneca Parks.

Eighth Division - This division covers the area including Middletown, Lyndon, Oxmoor and the Ford Truck Plant.

Interactive Crime Mapping

You can now map crime in Louisville using the interactive mapping tool


Lock Your Car!

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Tune in to View Metro Council Meetings

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NOTICE: All Metro Council meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 and  U-verse Channel 99.

The meetings are also available online at the Metro Council home page at http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk. (Click here and click on the “Watch Meetings Online” button.)  

OR access prior or current meetings here:

http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2.

TO ACCESS MEETINGS THROUGH FACEBOOK: CLICK HERE

Agendas for these meetings can be viewed using the following link:

http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2


State Government Website Information

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Click Here for State Government Website

Click Here to:  View All Agencies


Kentucky General Assembly

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Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc

Click here for more info.