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In the face of evil — some people question what to THINK, some people question what to SAY, and some people question what to DO. I choose to DO and ask that you join me. As soon as I was alerted about LMPD's violence against Mr. Denorver "Dee" Garrett, I notified Police Chief Erika Shields and inquired with the Louisville Community Bail Fund about freeing Dee. Since then, an internal investigation has started and Dee has been released on his own recognizance. I spent time with Dee this afternoon at Injustice Square Park, learning about his dreams of opening a barbershop and gym in the West End. He elaborated on everything we saw in the video of his attack but also shared how LMPD has been stalking him for months. An alleged traffic violation was a lame excuse to arrest him. As you can see in this video posted by USA Today National Political Correspondent, Phillip M. Bailey, what Dee was doing was no different than a little league team standing in the street to raise money for new uniforms. The internal investigation needs to result in suspensions and terminations. To help hold LMPD accountable, I've been reading through policies, identifying what was broken, to share directly with Police Chief Erika Shields. LMPD broke federal, state, and local laws, but also their own procedures. If you want to help with this analysis please review the open email linked below and send me any additions. You have 48 hours to respond. An email with the analysis will be forwarded to Police Chief Erika Shields on Wednesday, April 21st, at 10:30 PM. Thank you for fighting this fight.
AN OPEN EMAIL TO POLICE CHIEF ERIKA SHIELDS REGARDING THE ATTACK ON MR. DENORVER "DEE" GARRETT BY LMPD
1062 Louisville residents have been lost due to COVID. Please be sure to wear a mask in public and practice social distancing.
A new website has launched to offer the family and friends of Kentuckians lost to COVID an opportunity to memorialize their loved ones by writing and sharing stories. To view the virtual memorial click here.
For information about COVID facts, testing, vaccines and more click here.
For in depth updates on COVID in Louisville, including total deaths and confirmed cases click here.
For assistance in relation to hardships due to COVID click here.
Legislation
- Today we filed a new safety zone ordinance. It will be heard in the Community Affairs Committee next week. You can read the ordinance here.
- This Saturday, the Smoketown Neighborhood Association is hosting a Historically Black Neighborhood Assembly. Some details regarding our anti-gentrification ordinance will be shared. You can RSVP here.
- This Thursday, Louisville Metro Council has the chance to pass an ordinance paying for legal representation for families with children who are at risk of being evicted. You can read the ordinance here.
Upcoming Council Meeting
There is a Metro Council Meeting this Thursday at 6 PM. As always, you can watch the meetings on Facebook, Metro TV, or Spectrum Cable Channel 184, AT&T U-Verse Channel 9. To view the agenda click here.
ICYMI Committees
In case you missed last week's committee meetings you can view them on Facebook here or Metro TV here.
We want everyone in District 4 to be connected through civic engagement:
- make sure your neighbors are signed up for our newsletter
- invite someone to our next town hall
- identify which accountability group you want to join — economy, housing, safety, health, or inclusion
Shoutouts
Beargrass Thunder
Beargrass Thunder was recently featured in LEO for their work helping Beargrass Creek neighborhoods with urban agriculture work. So far their Louisville Seedbank project has helped over 42 families in Russell, Smoketown and Shelby Park. To read the article click here.
Louisville Free Public Library announces plans for new Children’s Bookmobile
When furnished, this new mobile library will visit daycares, YMCA programs, community centers, and faith-based organizations, as well as parks, block parties, and more—delivering not only books, but also library storytimes, sensory experiences, and innovative programming to under-resourced communities. The vehicle will also be equipped with computers and free, accessible Wi-Fi. For more information click here.
Downtown Revitalization Team
The Downtown Revitalization Team is a group formed to determine new ways to bring people and businesses back downtown following declines in business heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you want to join meetings or review past ones click here.
Street Closures for Kentucky Derby | April 28 - May 1
The following streets will be closed April 28 - May 1 from 7 am to 11 pm
- Central Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Floyd Street
- Ninth Street from Central Avenue to Heywood Avenue
- Homeview Drive from Taylor Boulevard to Churchill Downs entrance
- Warren Avenue from Thornberry Avenue to Homeview Drive
- Homeview Drive from Taylor Boulevard to Churchill Downs entrance
- Racine Avenue from Taylor Boulevard to Churchill Downs entrance
- Wizard Avenue from Longfield Avenue to Queen Avenue
- Fourth Street from Heywood Avenue to Oakdale Avenue
Inspection Work Complete for Sherman Minton Bridge
Bridge inspections were completed on April 15 as part of the Sherman Minton Renewal project. The inspection work will verify bridge repairs planned for construction which is scheduled to start in June of this year. The ramp improvements, scheduled to begin May 17 and lasting approximately two weeks, will require shoulder restrictions. The timeline is subject to change due to potential weather delays.
The ramp movements and interstate lanes that will be affected by the construction are:
I-65 / I-265 Interchange
I-265 east to I-65 south ramp
I-65 south reduced to 2 lanes at I-265 overpass
I-64 / I-265 Interchange
I-265 to I-64 west ramp
I-64 east to I-265 ramp
I-64 westbound reduced to 2 lanes at Captain Frank Road
Historically Black Neighborhood Assembly - Hosted by SNA, B&B, & Councilman Arthur
Black Neighborhood leaders are fighting back to protect their neighbors---not just their neighborhoods! The HBN Assembly is an orientation and discussion-based virtual event aimed at bringing Black Louisvillians together to develop policies and other strategies that work to preserve and stabilize Black communities (#freedomcolonies) against the violence of gentrification. This will be live on zoom and Facebook Saturday April 24th from 10-12 PM. For more information and to register for the zoom meeting click here. To watch the Facebook live click here.
Earth Day Tree Planting | Shelby Park
Join Louisville Parks and Recreation Division of Community Forestry for an Earth Day tree planting on Saturday, April 24th. Volunteers will be planting about 80 trees along the public right-of-way in the Shelby Park Neighborhood and we need your help! No experience necessary; tools and guidance provided. For more information and to sign up click here.
Alcoholic Beverage Control
An Alcoholic Beverage License is being applied for, located at 642 Baxter Ave. Ste. 106. For more information click here.
Board of Zoning Adjustment
You are invited to attend a review of a Conditional Use Permit to allow a rehabilitation home (My Brother's Keeper) located at 220 South 23rd Street in a R-6 zoning district. For more information click here.
You are invited to attend a review of a a NULU Review Overlay District and BOZA public hearing officer review of an Overlay Permit for the construction of a new hotel and a height variance to exceed the maximum allowed height by 30 feet. For more information click here.
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