Metro Council approves ordinance requiring Council approval for long-term road closures in city parks

The Metro Council will have more control over road closures in city parks as a result of an ordinance passed last night.  The ordinance requires Louisville Parks and Recreation to get Council approval before closing any park road more than 60 days. Exceptions would be made for repair and maintenance closures.

Lane closures on Watterson Expressway continue

Lane closures are possible between mile markers 8 (Dixie Highway) and 13 (I-65) for concrete repair. On weeknights (Monday through Thursday), lane closures are possible between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. On weekends, crews will be performing extensive concrete repair, lane closures are possible on Friday from 8 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m.

COVID-19 status back in Accelerated range

Mayor Fischer and Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness leaders ask residents who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 to speak with their doctor or pharmacist. City leaders note that Louisville has returned to the “orange” alert status, and vaccination remains the best tool as the highly contagious Delta variant takes hold in the city. Learn more about vaccines at louisvilleky.gov/covid19.

Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced new COVID-19 precautions based on updated guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Governor said his first priority is to ensure safe, in-person instruction in our schools for the maximum number of days. His second priority is to continue the commonwealth’s unprecedented economic progress.

Gov. Beshear and state officials expect that, without mitigation efforts, the delta variant will spread through unvaccinated workplaces and classrooms, disrupting education and slowing economic growth through loss of productivity and frequent quarantines. Therefore, he announced:

K-12 Return to School Guidance Updated to Reflect CDC Guidance: Gov. Beshear said school districts should require universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time, in-person learning in the fall with layered strategies in place to prevent COVID-19 infection and transmission.

Masks Required in State Office Buildings: The Governor said masks will now be required at all state office buildings, regardless of vaccination status.

COVID-19 Update Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, said from March 1 to July 28, 2021, 94.5 percent of COVID-19 cases, 91.8 percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations and 88.8 percent of COVID-19 deaths were among partially vaccinated or unvaccinated Kentuckians.

“We have changed in the blink of an eye from a quiet, calm state to a horribly inflamed state,” said Dr. Stack. “We all know what we need to do, and that’s to get vaccinated. I’m not begging folks. I’m wondering why folks wouldn’t want to be protected. The vaccines are at no additional costs to you, and they protect you from all of these harms. It’s puzzling why folks wouldn’t do it.”

Masks again required in city buildings for all

In response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases driven by the highly contagious Delta variant, effective Monday August 2, Louisville Metro Government will require masks to be worn in city buildings and vehicles when another person is present. The new policy applies to every person regardless of vaccination status.

COVID-19 vaccines are available at more than 100 sites across Louisville. If you have questions or concerns about getting vaccinated, talk with your primary care physician or pharmacist.

Individuals who need assistance scheduling a vaccine appointment or finding a vaccine site can:

• Call the LOU Health Helpline at 912-8598.
• Visit vaccines.gov to find vaccine providers in your area
• Text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) to immediately receive addresses of nearby vaccination centers. 

LouVax-Mobile needs volunteers. To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to sign up CLICK HERE.

City leaders announce four-phase plan to transition unsheltered from streets to sustainable housing

Louisville Metro Government (LMG) leaders on Wednesday provided updates on plans to help transition residents who are unsheltered from the streets and into stable housing, potentially by leveraging American Rescue Plan funds.

The sessions with advocates for residents who are unsheltered and business leaders, led by LMG Chief of Community Building Vincent James and facilitated by the Office for Performance Improvement, focused on the city’s development of a four-phase plan to address chronic street homelessness through immediate, intermediate, and long-term solutions:

• A pilot initiative to establish and manage an area that would provide a Safe Outdoor Space, including supportive wrap-around services designed to help people experiencing homelessness to find more sustainable housing.
• A transitional housing effort, potentially in a hotel/motel setting, offering a quick transition to indoor housing within a safe, supportive, and client-centered environment. 
• More permanent supportive housing options, developed in partnership with service providers.
• Increased funding for affordable housing.

James said the city’s plan is a holistic, integrated approach based on research and best practices implemented in other communities.

“Our intention anytime we encounter a person experiencing homelessness is to get them off the street, into a shelter and on a path to permanent, supportive housing. But there is no one-size-fits-all solution,” James said. “Instead, we will continue working with partners, including the Coalition for the Homeless, on a multi-step strategy to provide shelter and services designed to lead to stabilization and self-sufficiency.”

Mayor Fischer expressed his gratitude to advocates and other community partners, and noted that a number of people who’ve weighed in on how the city’s ARP funds should be used have cited addressing homelessness and affordable housing as top priorities.

21-day notices resume

Also during today’s sessions, city officials shared that, as work continues to implement the Safe Outdoor Space initiative, the city will start assessing encampments, using a standardized risk assessment tool this week. The risk assessments will measure a comprehensive array of factors used to drive decision-making related with the intensity of service provision offered and postings of 21-day notices. Decisions involving any 21-day notice posting will be based on risk involving health and safety concerns.

During the 21-day period following the notice, the city will accelerate its ongoing coordination with advocates and social services organizations to offer shelter and provide outreach services to the affected unsheltered residents. The 21-day notices are a requirement under the city's Homeless Protection Ordinance, which aims to give those who are unsheltered an opportunity to work with community partners for relocation options and housing solutions. The 21-day notices only apply to encampments located on public property.

During the height of the COVID pandemic, the city observed shelter-in-place guidelines – cleaning but not clearing, in order to mitigate the spread of the virus and to help facilitate the distribution of vaccines. Since then, conditions at several camps have deteriorated, creating health and safety concerns. Such concerns – many of which come from the public through  Metro311 – are forwarded to the Louisville Metro Core Assessment team, made up of representatives of the Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS), Public Health and Wellness, Public Works, and LMPD. This team, along with non-profit and volunteer outreach groups, then provide targeted outreach to camp residents to connect them with supportive services, such as available emergency shelter beds, behavioral and mental health counseling, direct medical care treatment, drug and alcohol recovery centers, and/or housing navigation resources and case management options.

The update complements other work that LMG has initiated in recent years to address street homelessness – including its Homelessness Task Force, the Louisville Metro-funded Unsheltered Homeless Initiatives, and just recently, addition of a Homeless Services Division with RCS, which provides administrative support.

For more information about unsheltered homeless initiatives and the new Homeless Services Division, visit louisvilleky.gov/RCS.

Louisville Water Main Replacement and Rehabilitation Program in Audubon Parkway Area

Louisville Water is working in the Audubon Parkway area on a water Main Replacement and Rehabilitation Program:  Hess Lane from Oriole Drive to between Widgeon Avenue and Meade Avenue Osprey Road Bobolink Road between Hess Lane and Audubon Parkway Eagle Pass between Audubon Parkway and Nightingale Road Union Street Get updates at www.louisvillewater.com/where-were-working.

Recycling cart update

From Public Works: Yes, we are still working on the second round of recycling cart deliveries! If you’re still waiting, here’s what you need to know: If you have not already filled out the Recycling Cart Request Form, do that as soon as possible. If you HAVE filled out the form, please do not fill it out again. As of July 28 we are working on addresses with Tuesday recycling collection. We have not started Wednesday, Thursday or Friday route addresses. If you fill out the form AFTER we give the delivery crew their list, you will have to wait until the third round. While you wait for your new cart, you may continue to use your old recycling bin(s) as well as additional container(s) or cardboard boxes for recycling overflow. You may also utilize one of our recycling drop-off dumpsters.  We appreciate your patience! The new every other week recycling schedule is in effect. This week (July 26 to 30) is recycling collection week. Keep up with the schedule by downloading the Recycle Coach app. Learn more about this recycling cart project at Louisvilleky.gov/RecycleMore.  Garbage and yard waste is still collected on a weekly basis.

Monthly Food Pantry at St Agnes Parish in partnership with Dare to Care

Did you know that there is a monthly Food Pantry at St. Agnes Parish In partnership with Dare to Care? They currently distribute food to approximately 150 guest families the fourth Saturday of each month. The pantry operates from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and is open to all Louisville residents. Due to Covid-19, guests are served via a drive-through format and all Pantry volunteers are prescreened and wear masks as per CDC guidelines.

Louisville Metro Animal Services

BOGO Kitten adoptions

If you’re looking to adopt a kitten, we’ve got the purrfect deal for you. Kitten adoptions are now BOGO – adopt any two kittens for a $100 donation which includes spay/neuter, microchip, and vaccinations. It’s always better to adopt a pair because they’ll always have a play and grooming buddy. There isn’t much difference in the cost of owning two cats instead of one and plus, your older cat will thank you! Meet all adoptable cats available at LMAS when you visit Animal House Adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road, open from noon to 6 p.m. daily. To view adoptable cats or for more information about the adoption process, click here. Questions? Call 473-PETS.

Dog of the Week: Alaskan Pipeline There’s never a dull moment when you’re around Alaskan Pipeline. The active and fun-loving one-year-old is very friendly and gets along great with other dogs! While at the shelter, he’s been enjoying daily play sessions with other adoptable dogs. Alaskan Pipeline’s adoption fee is waived for an approved adopter, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. He’s already neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. He weighs 70 pounds. Alaskan Pipeline can be tested with kids, other dogs, or cats by request. Send questions about Alaskan Pipeline here. To meet Alaskan Pipeline, visit Animal House adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road, from noon to 6 p.m. daily. Walk-ins are welcome!

Redemption fees are waived through July 31. Owners can claim their impounded pet from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays at the LMAS Animal Shelter at 3528 Newburg Road.

• Redemption fees will only be waived for pet owners with no previous violations, and cover microchipping, licensing and vaccination fees.
• Court fees will not be waived.
• LMAS will not keep a pet impounded due to its owner’s inability to pay and will work with owners who have outstanding balances and want to reclaim their pet.

District 10 events

Tomorrow - Zanzabar Neighborhood Cleanup 

August 28 - Brew fundraiser is back at the Zoo with a new style for 2021

Join the Friends of the Louisville Zoo for Back to Brew 2021, a modified version of Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too!, an annual fundraiser benefiting the Louisville Zoo.  The event format may look and feel different this year to accommodate continually evolving COVID-19 guidelines; however, the adventure and opportunities for everyone to have fun with friends and other Zoo-loving adults while supporting wildlife conservation will be as memorable as ever!   Zoo fans, beer and wine lovers can attend this exclusive event on Saturday, August 28 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy tastings from craft breweries and wineries, accompanied by local restaurant samples and live music. New for 2021 are catered heavy appetizers and specialty pours throughout the night, which will provide the traditional VIP event perks and more to ALL ticket purchasers. Each ticket includes access to all event areas throughout the Zoo, food samples and catered appetizers, a Back to Brew swag bag, non-alcoholic beverages and up to 40 ounces of beer and wine tastings with the option to purchase beverage tickets on-site for additional pours.  Back to Brew tickets are $125 (plus processing fees) and includes a raffle ticket valid for the chance to win one of three amazing prizes: an animal encounter or one of two family four-packs that include parking and carousel passes.* All guests must be age 21 or older. Funds raised from Back to Brew will benefit Friends of the Louisville Zoo and their mission to support animal care and special projects for the Zoo.

Dino Quest continues at the Louisville Zoo

Dino Quest presented by Great Clips runs through Sept. 19 and invites guests to travel back 65 to 210 million years in time to visit 21 life-sized robotic dinosaurs. This exhibit is the world’s largest, most lifelike robotic dinosaur exhibit. Dino Don, Inc. makes the biggest and most accurate dinosaur robots in the world. Don Lessem advised Steven Spielberg on the original “Jurassic Park” film and for Universal and Disney theme parks. He has written 40 books for children including encyclopedias for National Geographic, Random House and Scholastic. Lessem has also hosted NOVA documentaries and written documentaries for Discovery Channel. In addition to raising $3 million for dinosaur research, Lessem has excavated and assembled the largest dinosaurs in the world: the 110-foot-long, plant-eating Argentinosaurus and the 45-foot-long, meat-eating Giganotosaurus.  Louisville Zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (enjoy until 6 p.m.) through September 19. To learn more about Dino Quest presented by Great Clips or the dinosaurs featured, visit LouisvilleZoo.org/dino.

Louisville Nature Center activities include hikes, birding, turtles

Explore nature nearby. Garden and trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. Upcoming events include:  Totally Turtles, July 31, August 7,  August 14  Plant ID Hike, August 7 Night Hike, August 7 All Skill Levels Birding, August 14 Registration is required. Sign up here or call 458-1328. Summer camp is sold out. LNC is currently enrolling for Swallowtail Forest School. See the LNC website for more information!

Louisville Metro news

Louisville Metro Government awarded $10,000 AARP Community Challenge Grant to educate about ADUs

Louisville Metro Government will receive a $10,000 grant from AARP to educate the community on the benefits of accessory dwelling units for residents of all ages and to create greater awareness of new and existing requirements associated with them. District 21 Councilwoman Nicole George applied for the AARP Community Challenge Grant on behalf of the city. An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is a smaller, secondary dwelling located on the same property as a main home. In June, as part of the ongoing equity review of the Land Development Code (LDC), Metro Council approved a regulation change that will open the door for more property owners to build ADUs on their land for family to use or to rent out, creating greater housing diversity in Louisville. Fewer than four ADUs applications have been submitted Metro-wide each year for the last 10 years. Meanwhile, research shows that ADUs are an affordable housing option for renters, generate rental income for homeowners, allow seniors to remain in their homes and age in place, can house people at all stages of their life, use less energy, and require fewer resources to build and maintain than full-sized homes. “Thank you to Councilwoman Nicole George and her staff for taking the initiative to apply for this grant on behalf of Louisville Metro Government and to AARP for funding it,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “As we move forward with additional reforms to the Land Development Code aimed at rectifying the historical inequities built into cities’ land use policies, it is important that we hear from residents every step of the way.” 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. Metro Council voted in June to allow the Office of Planning and Design Services staff to review applications to build ADUs, including accessory apartments, rather than requiring them to go through the lengthier conditional use permit process if one of the units is owner occupied. “I want to thank Director Emily Liu from Planning and Design Services for being willing to innovate! This grant was selected from amongst 3,560 Challenge applications nationwide. It gives us as Metro Government the opportunity to be intentional with our communications in order to promote the benefits ADUs and the process for having one,” said Councilwoman George. “My hope is that this method will become a model for sharing with the public land use changes within our city.” Planning & Design Services will use the grant funds to hire a contractor to produce a marketing strategy plan for spreading community awareness of current ADU policies and reform efforts. The plan will include social media outreach, a community sentiment survey, the production of educational materials, and the gathering of community member experiences related to ADUs. Louisville Metro Council and the Planning Commission announced the full-scale equity review of the Land Development Code in July 2020. Following months of community input and research, Planning & Design Services staff released its first set of recommended LDC reforms in February, and in June, Metro Council approved the change to the ADU application process, as well as the following: Requiring notices be mailed to residents, as well as property owners, so residents, including renters, are better informed about potential development that could impact them; and Revising current zoning requirements to reduce obstacles to creating market gardens, community gardens and similar uses. For more information about efforts to reform the Land Development Code, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/ldcreform.

AT&T Hiring

AT&T is now hiring in Louisville, for retail store personnel and for service technicians as well!

• Retail – there will be an in-person AT&T retail store hiring event on Tuesday, August 10, at our 3014 Bardstown Road location, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Technicians – this is an online application process, visit www.att.jobs and search for positions in Louisville. .

August 28 - Pop-Up Drop-Off at Fern Creek High School

Jefferson Circuit Court is hiring

Contact Lisa L. Dorsey, Director of Human Resources, at 595-3052 or lisad@kycourts.net.

Back to school events continue this weekend

Project Warm - find out if you qualify/sign up to volunteer

Project Warm's mission is to provide energy conservation services and education to promote energy-saving practices in the community. As a 501(c)3 non-profit, Project Warm delivers free weatherization services to low-income households, seniors, and people with disabilities living in Jefferson County. The benefits of our services include lower energy usage, reduced climate pollution, affordable housing, improved health, increased safety, and neighborhood stability. Please call 636-9276 or email courtney@projectwarm.org if you are interested in volunteering or becoming a participant.

LIHEAP summer cooling assistance enrollment open

Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) is now accepting applications for the 2021 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Cooling Program. This federally-funded program is designed to help offset the cost of higher electric bills due to rising temperatures. Applications will be accepted now through October 31, or until funds are depleted. Schedule an appointment by phone at 991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.  LIHEAP required documentation, along with the downloadable LIHEAP Family Profile form and the LIHEAP Application are at louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP or available at Drop Boxes. For drop box locations, income eligibility and other instructions, call the automated LIHEAP information line at 991-8391 or visit www.louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. Residents may also visit https://louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP for more details.

Census Bureau jobs

Visit the Census Bureau site for more information. 

Neighborhood Institute call for leaders: Apply by August 2

Artists - ArtsHeal application deadline is today

ArtsHeal increases access to the arts in Greater Louisville by activating two public spaces with art installations and installing artworks on billboards along the Broadway corridor. This call is for images of work. This call is not a commission for specific artwork or new artwork; however, in response to this call, you may submit images of new or existing work. Submitted artwork must address the theme of “healing through the arts.” Selected images will be printed on vinyl material and installed on billboards of various rectangular sizes. Images may also be shown on digital billboards. The deadline to apply is July 30.

Louisville Water Company to replace water meters

Applications now open for Down Payment Assistance, Home Repair programs

City allocated additional $2 million for down payment assistance in FY 22 budget

Louisville Metro’s Office of Housing is now accepting applications for its Down Payment Assistance and Home Repair programs, all aim to help low- to moderate-income individuals access and retain homeownership and build generational wealth.

Households must be at or below 80 percent area median income (AMI) to be eligible for the Down Payment Assistance and Home Repair programs. That is $61,500 or less a year for a family of four.

Applications for both may be submitted at https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/louisvilleky/participant, and paper copies are available at the Metro Development Center, 444 S. 5th Street. Those with questions about the application process and the programs can call the Office of Housing at 574-5850.

Learn more about the Down Payment Assistance Program at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/housing/down-payment-assistance-program.

Learn more about the Home Repair programs at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/housing/home-repair-programs.

Changes to SNAP and KTAP qualification

 Fifty and older? Please participate in a survey on your quality of life

To participate, please scan the code above or click here. 

Update on driver licensing

JCPS continues offering meals to youth over the summer - anyone 18 and younger can pick up free meals at sites throughout the city

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) continues to offer free, nutritious meals throughout the summer to anyone 18 years old and younger. In addition, the district will offer food at every summer learning and enrichment site this year to support students in in nearly 80 camps and programs. Children do not need to be JCPS students to receive the meals. Families can pick up ‘bulk meals’ – multiple breakfasts, lunches and snacks to last for several days – at more than 40 school curbside locations from 10 a.m. to 1 pm. on Thursdays throughout the summer. They can also get bulk meals at more than 20 mobile sites on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and grab a lunch daily at 11 parks and pools throughout the city. For a complete list of sites and schedules, click here.

Eviction Prevention Program update

There’s still time to read and win with the Library’s Summer Reading Program

From LFPL: It's hard to believe, but we are already more than halfway through this year's Summer Reading Program. If you haven't completed Summer Reading yet, don't worry. There's still plenty of time to read and win this summer! Everyone who completes Summer Reading will receive a Camp LFPL fanny pack; passes to area attractions including a Racing Louisville soccer game, the Kentucky Science Center, Squire Boone Caverns, Frazier History Museum, Historic Locust Grove, and Hwang's Martial Arts; and coupons for sweet treats from Ehrler’s Ice Cream, participating McDonald’s, and Fazoli’s. 

As an added incentive this year, all youth who complete Summer Reading by August 7 will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of these Grand Prizes:

• Kids: $100 gift card to Cabela's (one winner per branch)
• Teens: Apple AirPods (one winner per branch)
• Kids & Teens: a $600 Kentucky State Park Gift Card good for a family adventure at any of our fabulous state parks!

Learn more at www.LFPL.org/SummerReading or call 574-1620.

The 2021 Cultural Pass offers families in Greater Louisville with children ages 0-21 access to participate in arts and cultural activities provided by 51 venues, free of charge, through August 8. Visit the Louisville Free Public Library’s website, https://www.lfpl.org/summerreading/,and follow the link to sign up for the 2021 Cultural Pass and the Summer Reading Program.

For more information, visit https://fundforthearts.org/culturalpass/.

Louisville Youth Network offers connections with resources

How to sign up to receive Planning and Design notices

Click on the above image to see a PDF with directions to sign up to receive Planning and Design development proposal notices as well as an optional PDS weekly agenda. Signing up for gov delivery is a great way to stay informed of development proposals in your area.

Charter Spectrum announces Emergency Broadband Benefit

Charter Spectrum is participating in the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), which provides a $50 per month voucher for broadband service to eligible recipients. EBB applicants must first confirm eligibility with the FCC here: https://www.spectrum.com/cp/emergency-broadband-get-qualified?p1=1-866-388-6050

Sign up now for New Roots shares of fresh produce

New Roots is a local nonprofit organization connecting families to affordable, fresh food through their biweekly Fresh Stop Markets. June through October, interested families can come to their neighborhood Fresh Stop Market (or nearby) and pick up a big bag of nine varieties of seasonal produce every other week. All families must pre-order and pay one week ahead of each biweekly market, using automatic recurring payments of SNAP or Debit/Credit.  Bags/shares are $6 for families paying with SNAP Benefits/P-EBT cards and $12 for those with limited resources paying with credit/debit cards. Everyone gets the same bag of nine varieties of fresh, seasonal, organic and chemical-free produce, no matter what they pay, for $40 worth of fresh goodies. There are opportunities for the entire family to volunteer as well. Sign up in advance. You can download the New Roots Fresh Stop Market app on your smartphone. Please contact New Roots at 509-6770 and/or email  info@newroots.org for more information or if you run into challenges with the mobile app. There is more information on our website: www.newroots.org including a FAQ section.

Three ways to report potholes

1. Click here to use the easy online form.
2. Use Twitter by including the hashtag #502pothole and the location of the hole in any tweet.
3. Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues. You may also email Metro311.

Youth - Register for SummerWorks jobs now

SummerWorks develops Louisville’s young talent by helping prepare and connect youth to summer jobs, career opportunities, and supportive networks. More information is here.

Free tax help

Free federal and state income tax preparation is now available for eligible residents. The Louisville Asset Building Coalition’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, and AARP Tax Aide programs provide trained, IRS-certified volunteers to offer free tax services via online or at select drop-off sites. The service is available to individuals and families who earned less than $66,000 in 2020. Learn more.

TreesLouisville's Residential Shade Tree Rebate Program continues

Thanks to a generous grant from the Louisville Metro Department of Parks & Recreation, TreesLouisville is excited to announce another round of its Residential Shade Tree Rebate Program! Since nearly 70 percent of available planting space in Jefferson County is privately owned, planting a tree at home is one of the best and easiest ways you can help expand our community tree canopy and grow a greener, healthier neighborhood. To participate, purchase and plant an eligible shade tree on your residential property and apply to receive $30 back on up to three trees. This program is open to residents of Jefferson County, KY on a first-come, first-serve basis until all funds have been claimed. For full eligibility requirements or to apply, visit treeslouisville.org/rebate or find a brochure at your local garden center.

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.

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.

AARP created a toll-free phone line so senior citizens can just hear a friendly voice. To request an AARP Friendly Voices call, click here or call 1-888-281-0145.

Louisville Metro events

This evening - Back to School Bash and Youth Business Pop-Up Shop

This evening, July 30, the Louisville Youth Network joins with multiple community partners to host a Back to School Bash and Youth Business Pop-Up Shop. The free, family event will feature live music and entertainment, vendors and artisans, school supply and backpack giveaways, a movie showing, and food and games.

The indoor event will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center, 3029 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. 

One special highlight at 6 p.m. is the free moving showing of Disney's Pixar's “Soul”, an animated comedy-drama film for all ages. The story follows a middle school music teacher named Joe Gardner who seeks to reunite his soul and his body after they are accidentally separated, just before his big break as a jazz musician.

Another special feature at the event is the Youth Business Pop-up Shop showcasing 30-plus local vendors ages 10-24 from different industries such as clothing, skin treatment jewelry, homemade desserts and treats, and homemade art. Examples of vendors include Beeing2gether, Leah Made It, Savannah’s Sweet Spa, Faith Custom Bracelets, and more.

For more information about the event, visit  https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-youth-development-0. 

August 3 - LMPD 3rd and 4th Division National Night Out at Iroquois Park - updated hours

August 3 - LMPD 6th and 7th Division National Night Out at Jefferson Mall

August 14 - next Understanding Vacant and Abandoned Properties virtual Learning Series

Neighborhoods in west Louisville have an estimated 5,000 vacant and abandoned properties and lots. Addressing this issue is critical for our community.

The Metropolitan Housing Coalition will be offering a bi-monthly forum focusing on vacant and abandoned properties in Louisville. This is a free, bi-monthly forum focused on finding solutions in Louisville presented by the Louisville Vacant Properties Campaign.

Previous session videos are here. 

• Session 4 – August 14 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
• Session 5 – October 19 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
• Session 6 – December 21 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Through August 15 - Shakespeare Festival in Central Park 

Nightly Schedule: Food Trucks at 6 p.m., Kids’ Globe free interactive youth activities, Will’s Gift Shop, and Will’s Tavern at 7 p.m., Performance at 8 p.m. The full calendar is here. 

September 13 - Dick Barrett Memorial Recovery Classic Golf Scramble to benefit Beacon House

On behalf of all the residents, staff and Board of the Beacon House would like to invite you and your organization to participate in our 1st Annual Dick Barrett Memorial Recovery Classic.

Our goal is to raise over $100,000 to help cover the operating and programmatic expenses of the Beacon House in the upcoming fiscal year. Title sponsors for our 2020 Golf Classic will be named on entrance banners, fairway signage, and on social media. Title sponsors are also invited to a golf foursome and lunch.

Our mission at the Beacon House is to light the way home for men in recovery by providing a positive, safe and accountable environment, so they can overcome the disease of alcohol and drug addiction, and begin to lead a productive life in long-term recovery. Your generous sponsorship will help us achieve our mission.

Register your team and donate here. 

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.

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. 

New cases as of July 28: 

21-VARIANCE-0105, 1136 Mulberry Street, a Variance from section 5.2.2 of the Land Development Code to allow for a reduction in the side yard setback from two feet to one inch on 0.06 acres in the R5 zoning district.

August 11 - Neighbor meeting regarding 951 Eastern Parkway

August 16 - Public Hearing regarding 2246 Landan Drive

August 16 - Public Hearing regarding 4025 Franklin Avenue

20-CAT2-0006, 4025 Poplar Level Road, a Category 2b Development Plan for the construction of a new 2,998-square-foot Burger King Drive Thru on 9.914 acres in the C1 zoning district. 

21-CUPPA-0081, 951 Eastern Parkway, a Conditional Use Permit for a short term rental on 0.14 acres in the R-5 zoning district.

21-CUP-0110, 1000 E. Burnett Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit for a community service facility on 1.65 acres. OVEC - St. Elizabeth. 

21-CUP-0075, 1050 Wagner Street, a Conditional Use Permit for an Accessory Apartment on 0.09 acres in the R5 zoning district.

21-DDP-0049, 2355 Poplar Level Road, a District Development Plan for oxygen tanks and accessory structures as well as enclosure of 2,350-square-foot learning center for Norton Audubon Hospital.

21-DDP-0017, for 3451 Newburg Road/4501 Champions Trace Lane, a Detailed District Development Plan to construct a 5,000-square-foot athletic facility with a turf field, bleachers, field house and parking on 10.07 acres in a C-2 zoning district for the Louisville Collegiate School Athletic Facility. 

4819 Poplar Level Road: 

21-DDP-0073, 4819 Poplar Level Road, a revised District Development Plan to construct an office/warehouse on 1.41 acres in the CM Zoning District. Louisville Countertop. 

21-MCUP-0004, 4819  Poplar Level Road, a Modified Conditional Use Permit for a contractor's yard/outdoor storage area on 1.41 acres in the CM Zoning District. 

4730 Champions Trace Lane:

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 100-foot stream buffer for a medical office on 1.4 acres in the C2 zoning district. 

21-EXTENSION-0014, 1600 Newburg Road, an Extension of a Modified Conditional Use Permit (19CUP1124) for the addition of an access road and parking lot and modification of an existing building at Calvary Cemetery. 

920 Dandridge Avenue

21-LANDSCAPE-0105, 920 Dandridge Avenue, a Landscape Plan for mixed use development. Charles Street/ Dandridge Avenue Housing and Development Office.

21-VARIANCE-0069, 920 Dandridge Avenue, Charles Street/Dandridge Avenue Housing and Office Development, a variance from section 5.2.2 and 5.4.1.D.3 to allow the principal structures to encroach two feet into the required side yard setbacks and for the private yard area to be reduced to 14 percent of the proposed lot area at 902 and 904 Charles Street.

21-WAIVER-0067, 920 Dandridge Avenue, Charles Street/Dandridge Avenue Housing and Office Development, a Landscape Waiver to reduce required tree plantings and screen requirements along the property line between 904 and 906 Charles Street and reduce the required eight-foot screen to six feet. 

21-LANDSCAPE-0084, 4501 Champions Trace Lane, a Landscape Plan for a 14,180-square-foot athletic facility on 10.07 acres in the C2 zoning district. Louisville Collegiate School Athletic Facility. 

21-LANDSCAPE-0057, for 1427 Reservoir Avenue, a Landscape Plan for 0.39 acres in the M1 zoning district. 

21-MPLAT-0109, 4200 Wallingford Lane, a Minor Plat to dedicate the right-of-way on .3803 acres in the R-6 zoning district. Wallingford Lane Townhomes.

21-MPLAT-0108, 1471 S. Shelby Street, a Minor Subdivision Plat to create two lots from one on .915 acres in the C1 zoning district.

21-MPLAT-0011, for 3901 Atkinson Square Drive, a Minor Plat Application to create two lots from one lot on 9.59 acres in the C2 zoning district. 

20-MPLAT-0174, 6000 Six Mile Lane, a Minor Subdivision Plat Application to create two lots from one on .46 acres in a R-5 zoning district.

19-MPLAT-0074, 4023 Poplar Level Road, former Kmart, a Large Format Minor Plat to create four tracts from one tract on 9.91 acres in the C1 zoning district.

21-NONCONFORM-0021, for 4025 Franklin Avenue, a Nonconforming Rights Application for two homes in a single family zoning district. 

21-VARIANCE-0067, 3730 Bishop Lane, a variance from section 5.3.4.d.3.a to allow existing buildings to encroach into the 25' setback of the proposed access easement.

21-VARIANCE-0042, for 1138 Mulberry Street, a variance of section 5.2.2 in the Land Development Code to encroach into the side yard setbacks when adding 2 bedrooms to existing building by adding second floor to rear of building. 

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. 

2814 Newburg Road

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.  

20-WAIVER-0136, for 6000 Six Mile Lane, a waiver to allow a residential driveway onto a collector roadway on 0.462 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

20-ZONEPA-0124, for 2041 Bashford Manor Lane, a Change in Zoning Pre Application from R5 to OR1 to use an existing structure as an office on 0.19 acres. 

21-ZONEPA-0009, for 1004 E. Oak Street, a Change in Zoning Pre Application from R-6 to C-2 to allow for the expansion of a nonconforming bar on .1 acres.

Short term rental cases

21-CUP-0102, for 4025 Franklin Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit for a Short Term Rental in a second unit. 

21-CUP-0098, 4027 Franklin Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit application for a Short Term Rental on .16 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

20-CUPPA-0158, for 1121 Reutlinger Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit pre application for a short term rental on 0.06 acres in the R6 zoning district. 

20-CUP-0147 for 1500 Lincoln Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit for a short term rental at a non primary residence on 0.18 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.

19CUP1017, 2606 Pindell Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit for a short term rental on 0.1197 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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