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Hello Neighbors and Friends,
Great news! The animal abuse ordinance I previously mentioned to you that I sponsored with my colleague Marilyn Parker passed unanimously during the Metro Council meeting last evening. This ordinance addresses the undeniable link between the abuse of animals and violence against children or adults in the home. This finding is in line with other research showing that violence toward pets both correlates with domestic violence toward humans, and is also a tool of domestic abuse — violent members of the household will threaten to hurt or actually hurt a companion animal as a method of control and a form of emotional violence. Indeed, more than half of women in domestic violence shelters report that they delayed their escape out of fear for their animals.
Click here to read more about the link among animal abuse, child abuse, and domestic violence: The Link Among Animal Abuse, Child Abuse, and Domestic Violence | Animal Legal & Historical Center (animallaw.info)
Earlier this year, the community witnessed the horrifying story unfold of 10-year-old Kyan Higgins Jr. (K. J.), who was killed and put into a trunk of a car in the Taylor Berry neighborhood [by his mother]. It became clear during the investigation that neighbors were suspicious something was going on inside the home. Records show that Louisville Metro Animal Services cited the boy’s mother for animal neglect in the past.
The data:
- In a 2017 study of animal abuse court cases, 82% of the defendants had committed other crimes. The list in order of frequency: intimate partner abuse, assault, child or elder abuse, drugs, weapons, gambling, and gang-related crimes.
- Of 53 families who met the legal criteria for child abuse and neglect, 60% of these families abused or neglected companion animals. In 88% of the families where there was physical abuse of the children, there was animal abuse.
- A study of women seeking shelter at a safe house showed that 71% of those having pets affirmed that their partner had threatened, hurt, or killed their companion animals.
- In a groundbreaking 2018 study, the FBI Behavioral Science Unit found that in 59.9% of the animal cruelty cases, the offenders engaged in interpersonal violence before, during and after the animal cruelty.
- 89% of women who had companion animals during an abusive relationship reported their animals were threatened, harmed, or killed by their abuser.
- Up to 56% of battered women have delayed their escape out of fear for their animals
Click here to access the ordinance and learn how it requires training about the “link” for LMPD and the Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS). Additionally, the ordinance details the obligation of LMAS to house animals of abused victims.
To view the news coverage regarding the ordinance, click below:
WAVE3 story
WLKY story
WDRB story
WHAS story
https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/8XpjCpYoBMiP68DAFPamWP?domain=whas11.com
Come one, come all! No pre-registration is required.
Constituents have been contacting me regarding the new VA Hospital to be built at 4906 Brownsboro Road, along the Watterson Expressway. Below are some frequently asked questions, along with their answers using the latest available information.
Q: What does the construction contract for the Louisville VA Medical Center project include?
A: The new VAMC campus in Louisville includes a new 973,148 square foot medical center, two parking structures, a regional laundry facility, central utility plant, and roadways, sidewalks, perimeter fencing, landscaping, and other site improvements.
Q: What is the current project schedule?
A: Groundbreaking on the project is scheduled for November 11th. Construction will take approximately five years. Construction is anticipated to be complete in 2025.
Q: Will the construction activities be disruptive to the adjacent neighbors? What considerations are in place to reduce construction impacts?
A: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and contractors make every effort to ensure that construction-related activities will not impact the adjacent neighbors or local community. Per the contract, and consistent with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)/Record of Decision (ROD), the construction activities associated with the project shall be performed in accordance with the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government noise ordinance and shall generally occur between 7:00 am and 9:00 pm daily.
Q: Are there any adjacent neighborhood roads that will connect to the new facility?
A: This remains unclear, as plans are ongoing. Once more information is available an update will be posted in the newsletter.
More information available here.
Hello Windhurst Acres neighbors! Here is the latest information on a troubled property on Carlimar Lane:
1. For three years I have been working to get answers on this property. This week I called a meeting with the heads of Codes & Regulations and Develop Louisville, as well as some Windhurst Acres residents, to get a comprehensive update on what will be done moving forward.
2. Louisville Codes & Regulations has an active case on the property, and has issued numerous notices of violation, citations, and fees throughout the years. Codes & Regulations referred the property to Develop Louisville early this year, and a foreclosure case on the property has been filed.
3. The property grounds will be kept clean by the Vacant/Abandoned Lots team of Codes & Regulations during the foreclosure process. The structural issues of the building are not under the purview of the Vacant Lots team, but the grass will be cut and tree branches and debris will be hauled away. I will be notified of updates on the property, and those updates will be posted in this newsletter.
4. Neighbors have agreed to stay away from the property and discontinue their neighborly acts of kindness of cutting the grass and inspecting the grounds and conditions of the house. We will leave that up to Codes and Regulations.
5. Code Enforcement staff cleaned the property yesterday as promised! Their support and cooperation cannot be denied. We are in good hands while this issue is being resolved.
Thank you to the department leaders and supporting staff who participated in this meeting. It was a great chance for neighbors to understand that all proper processes are being followed, and all appropriate departments are apprised of the issue. It is not every day that department heads and a member of Metro Council sit down and discuss solutions to a problem, so please know I am (and have been) taking this matter seriously.
St. Matthews Community Park
It is the end of the month, which means it is time for another installment of "7's Heavens." This month, we are highlighting St. Matthews Community Park!
This park is home to both St. Matthews baseball and softball leagues. Fall ball leagues are in full swing, and you can find kids out running and playing on the beautiful fields. Baseball and softball leagues like this allow our children to learn what it means to be a good teammate, understand how to win and how to lose, and have fun while playing a game and making friends. There are lots of life lessons kids learn from Little League. As Hall of Fame baseball player Tony Gwynn said, "Remember these two things: play hard and have fun."
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The park also has a basketball court and a playground for kids! You can find pickup games being played on this court all the time, as well as families playing on the playground. If you are not big on sports, there are also hiking trails on the 45 acres of property.
District 7 is very lucky to have this wonderful place for people to gather, play sports and spend time with loved ones.
Stay tuned for next month's installment of 7's Heavens. Please write in with your own ideas of what can be featured in 7's Heavens. I'd love to hear from you!
A neighborhood meeting regarding building an activity center for the Islamic School of Louisville at 8215 Old Westport Road will be held on November 16th at 6:00 pm.
For specific details please click here.
For basic details of the case please click here.
The meeting will be held via Zoom at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4748500964?pwd=RGk5YXZXL2dlQ1lHeUh1MjJXWmw0Zz09
This year, the federal government approved the American Rescue Plan Act. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) was passed in order to help the country recover from COVID-19. It does many things, including providing resources for cities and counties. Louisville Metro received $388 million.
A proposed ordinance to spend $262.9 million of federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds was filed this week. The priority areas for the total sum of $388 million in ARP funds were outlined and contextualized in my August 21st newsletter, which you can find here. The priority areas remain:
1) Homelessness and Affordable Housing
2) Workforce Development
3) Healthy Louisville/Healthy Neighborhoods
4) Public Safety
5) Premium Pay
6) Public Health Contingencies
7) Eligible Infrastructure
Outlined in the ordinance is funding for public safety, an investment in preventing homelessness and allowing pathways to affordable housing, premium pay for certain Metro employees, among other initiatives. Here are some specifics of the proposed ordinance:
- Homelessness & Affordable Housing: $100 Million (including HOME ARP funds)
- Public Safety: $78 Million
- Premium Pay for Essential Public Employees: $28.3 Million
- Public Health: $27.6 Million
The ordinance will be heard and considered by the Budget Committee on November 4th. If it passes out of Committee, it will head to the full Council.
For more details click here.
Changes to the Childcare Regulations
In an effort to provide greater and more equitable access to childcare, the Office of Planning and Design Services (PDS) is reviewing local zoning regulations that limit where childcare providers can be located, as well as the related rules that affect their operations including the maximum occupancy of children. For example, a childcare provider with 8 or more children is currently restricted to commercial and office zones.
Here is a link containing information that may be of interest or some use to you:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/planning-design/changes-childcare-regulations
The preliminary recommendations are not final and are subject to change. Written comments will be accepted until the date of the public hearing. Members of the public may also verbally provide comments to the Planning Commission at the public hearing. The staff report will be published prior to the meeting date. Following the Planning Commission's review and recommendation, amendments are reviewed by Metro Council and other cities with zoning authority that choose to take up the matter.
- Planning Committee: Wednesday, November 3, 2021, beginning at 10:00 AM
- Planning Commission: Thursday, November 18, 2021, beginning at 1:00 PM
- Metro Council: To be determined
At the bottom of the link is a form for public comment. There is also a contact, Joel Dock, (502)574-5860 or joel.dock@louisvilleky.gov for any questions or comments at this stage.
Louisville Data
Last week Louisville had 1,459 total confirmed cases of COVID-19. The incidence rate right now in the city is 27.2 cases per 100,000 people. This means that Louisville is still considered to have a "high" incidence rate. Keep taking precautions like practicing good hygiene, masking up in public places and getting vaccinated.
District 7 Vaccination Rates
40222: 63.53% fully vaccinated
40207: 67.78% fully vaccinated
40242: 59.88% fully vaccinated
40223: 66% fully vaccinated
How to Get Vaccinated
Anyone 12 and older can easily get vaccinated virtually any day. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent. Please note that a you do NOT need a drivers license, social security card, or passport to receive a vaccination. You will need to provide your name and birthdate only. If you have insurance, please bring your insurance card but it is NOT required in order to be vaccinated.
The best way to access vaccines is at the website https://www.vaccines.gov/. Enter your zip code and vaccine sites near you will appear. You’ll find links to click and numbers to call. For residents who don’t have access to technology or have difficulty using an online process, the staff at Louisville Metro’s COVID-19 Helpline, 912-8598, can assist with scheduling an appointment.
The vaccines do not grant people full immunity, but they certainly help keep people from becoming as ill as they would be if they were unvaccinated.
What's the Deal on Booster Shots?
From the CDC:
For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:
For the nearly 15 million people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.
Testing Information
Who Should Get Tested?
- Anyone who is unvaccinated should get tested weekly, especially if they are going in to work, traveling, attending gatherings or indoor events where you don’t know whether or not everyone else is vaccinated.
- Anyone vaccinated or unvaccinated who has symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea, sore throat, congestion or runny nose. Contact your healthcare provider about scheduling a test.
- If you test positive, please call the LOU Health COVID-19 Helpline at 502-912-8598. Medical professionals can give you guidance on what to do and can help you.
How To Get Tested
- Currently all Louisville hospitals and health systems are offering testing for their patients. If your doctor is affiliated with one of these health systems or healthcare providers, they can test you if you need it.
- Need help finding a test? Call the LOU Health COVID-19 Helpline at 502-912-8598. Someone is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Click here for more information on testing and what to do if you've been exposed.
Click here for Louisville's COVID-19 Resource Center.
Louisville Metro Health announced this week that we are currently in an emergency blood and platelet shortage due to the pandemic. Donor turnout has been incredibly low as people have been sheltering for so long, and are now getting busier as they return to work and school. Blood donors are still needed, and now more than ever! If you are able, please consider being a donor to help ease the strain on our healthcare system. This is a small way we can chip in. This is something you can do to save someone's life.
Click here to schedule an appointment.
KIPDA is seeking public comment from October 23rd through November 6th for:
- Proposed Amendment 5 to the Connecting Kentuckiana 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan; and
- Proposed Amendment 5 to the FY 2020-2025 Transportation Improvement Program.
Review all information and provide your input here:
https://kipdatransportation.org/amendment-5/
Join the virtual public meeting, November 1st, from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81444521912?pwd=KzBXRUZIV3l4UXlMNHk0cTRKUzluZz09
Passcode: KIPDA
If you have any questions, please contact Community and Committee Engagement Specialist Greg Burress by phone at 502-266-6144 ext 123, or via email at greg.burress@kipda.org.
We look forward to your input!
Halloween is a perfect time to teach children and teens (and adults too!) the importance of not littering. It's hard to resist the candy while you're still trick-or-treating, but should the wrapper be dropped on theground? No! Put the wrapper in a pocket or back in your treat bag until you're near a waste container.
Should candy wrappers go in the trash or recycling bin? Plastic candy wrappers should go in the trash. Paper and foil wrappers are ok to recycle, but they’re so small they might not get recovered.
What about candy bags? The bags most candy comes in should also go in the trash, but try opening them on the short end and reusing them as trash bags! Plastic packaging that is stretchy, like a bread bag, can be recycled at participating stores with your plastic shopping bags. Happy Halloween!
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According to MSD:
Beginning on Monday, November 1st, the road in front of 4513 Rudy Lane, around the bridge, will be closed for a pipe replacement project. This work shall require the road to be closed for the entire month of November.
We will keep you updated.
Thank you
Step aboard the historic steamer Belle of Louisville for a Hull-o-ween Family Cruise full of fun for the entire family! Guests will have the opportunity to explore the 107-year-old vessel with their very own Ghost Guide, stopping along their journey to hear terrible tales inspired by the antique steamboat’s own history and the murky depths of the Ohio River. But it’s not all spooks and scares! Halloween-themed crafts, activities and music will also be featured, followed by a trick-or-treating event at the end of the cruise. Costumes are encouraged for this Halloween cruise, but not required.
This event will take place on Saturday, October 30 from 1- 3 pm.
Click here for more information.
Day of the Dead, the 3,000-year-old holiday, most popularly observed by Mexico and Latin America, offers an opportunity to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed on with music, art, altars, gifts, and celebration. This year, let's celebrate on Oct. 30th from 2:00-5:30PM at Fourth Street Live! Food, drinks and activities for the whole family will be available.
There will be live performances by outstanding Latin artists from 2:00-3:00, followed by short films and the movie Coco from 3:00-5:00, and finish up the celebration with the Blessing of the Ofrenda.
This event is free and open to the public.
Click here for more information.
It’s Halloween Eve, and we’ve been preparing for a day of chills and thrills—but mostly thrills! Activities for Spooky Saturday include:
- Spooky Scavenger Hunt
- Creepy Artifacts Tour
- Live performance of The Raven
- The History of Jack O’Lanterns craft
- Storytime: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Stop by the Frazier Museum this Saturday, October 30th from 11 am to 3 pm.
Click here for more information.
Dash over and join us for the 28th annual Throo the Zoo 5K run/walk. Enjoy the wildest 5K in town as you race “Throo” the Zoo alongside some of your favorite Zoo residents like giraffes, rhinos, flamingos, bears and more! All participants receive a free cotton t-shirt (with the opportunity to upgrade to a tech shirt for an additional fee), commemorative finisher’s medal and a ticket to the Zoo so you can return and enjoy your visit at a much slower pace. The race will take place on Saturday, November 13th at 8 am at the Louisville Zoo!
Click here to register.
Click here for more information.
Candy Corn was originally called Chicken Feed
Though many would argue that candy corn tastes like chicken feed, that's not how it got its original name. Created in the 1880s by George Renninger, it was sold to the masses by Goelitz Confectionery Company (now Jelly Belly Co.) at the turn of the century.
Because corn is what was used to feed chickens, the creation was called "Chicken Feed" and the box was marked with a colorful rooster.
The White House is (reportedly) haunted
The United States' most famous address has had several reports of ghostly appearances and eerie sounds! The most common ghost sighting is of Abraham Lincoln who has been spotted by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and Sir Winston Churchill. Other paranormal guests include Andrew Jackson, David Burns and Abigail Adams.
A pumpkin is a fruit
Yes, a pumpkin is a fruit. You may be asking why? How? When? Well, the answer has to do with science. Think about the fruits you know and love: strawberries, apples, cantaloupe. In the growing process, they all have one thing in common. They are a product of the flowering plant, the ovaries, and they have seeds inside. Cut open any fruit, pumpkin included, and you will see the seeds. If you want your mind blown a little more, cucumbers, peppers, olives, tomatoes and avocados also fall into this category.
Metro Louisville now has an interactive map that will allow you to see what is happening in your neighborhood as well as others across the city. The map updates daily and if you choose you can receive alerts for your area by subscribing using the red receive alerts button on the page. Click here to try it out: Interactive Map to Track Crime.
No crime reported!
Subscribe to Louisville Metro's Covid-19 e-newsletter for the latest news!
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Proceedings are live streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
OR access prior or current meetings here:
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http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2
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Click here for more info.
*District 7 Disclaimer: By taking part in District 7 events, you grant Councilwoman Paula McCraney full rights to use the images resulting from photograph/video filming. Councilwoman McCraney will have the right to any reproductions or adaptations of the images for inclusion in her e-Newsletter or other Council publications. This might include, but is not limited to, the right to use them in printed and online materials, social media and news releases.
If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform logan.fogle@louisvilleky.gov prior to event attendance.
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