A (Somewhat) New 26th District
Dear Neighbor,
Every ten years, as required by our U.S. Constitution, we count every person in America. Or we try to, at least. The Census, which dates back to 1790, is one of the most powerful symbols of our commitment to democracy in this country. After all, how could we possibly know the basic state of a representative government without knowing how many citizens that government represented?
That process starts with a general survey of every block and tract of land, and then that information is compiled and analyzed. A few months after the counting is done, we learn important information about who we are as a country. This starts at the national level with answers to questions like "how many people live in the USA?," and works its way down to similar answers for each whole state, county, city, and even census tract and block.
Once that information is available, each representative body in the country is charged with or affected by some kind of reckoning with the fact that people - particularly Americans - don't stay the same for a decade. We move, we have families, our kids grow up and move away (or don't), and our loved ones move on.
For the Louisville Metro Council, we are charged with redrawing our own lines based on these changes as to who is living in our city-county government and where they are living. We have 26 districts. Some grew in population, some declined, but all of them had to change in some way because the population increased in our community, and it increased in uneven ways.
We've talked about the redistricting process in this newsletter before, and you should know that - last night - the Council passed the generally accepted redistricting plan for our city. These new district lines will last until the next Census is required in 2030. This plan will take effect upon the Mayor's signature, which will likely be next week.
As you might expect, a number of our neighbors will no longer be in District 26. Some will go to Districts 7, 8, 9, or 10. We will miss many of you we have come to know over the years, but know you will be in good hands with one of my colleagues. District 26 will be gaining new residents from Districts 11, 18, and 22.Our Metro Council Districts are not very logically numbered, so please look at the whole map to find out if you have a new representative.
Once the map takes effect, we will begin serving the new district immediately. That being said, Jeff, Michael, or I will do what we can to help you with any information or requests during the transition. That may mean directing your questions and concerns to your new Council Member or sharing information that we can. Please know we value every neighbor of our 26th Council District. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you and your family.
Have a good weekend,
 Brent T. Ackerson
26th District Councilman
Like nearly all the council districts, we tended to move south and east from the 2010 borders. What follows is a summary of the changes by district:
NEIGHBORHOODS LEAVING DISTRICT 26
From District 26 to District 7
- The Mall and most of the Fairmeade subdivision.
From District 26 to District 8:
- The City of Wellington
- Farmington area
- Gardiner Lane
- Bowman Field area
- JCC/Shalom Tower
- Big Spring Gardens
- Brookfield Manor
- Bon Air Estates
From District 26 to District 9:
- Broadfields
- Williamsburg Estates (part)
- The City of St. Matthews (part)
From District 26 to District 10:
- Canaan Christian Church area
- St. Martha Catholic Church
- Midlane Estates
- Klondike Acres
- Breckenridge Estates (west of Breckenridge Lane)
NEIGHBORHOODS JOINING DISTRICT 26
From District 11 to District 26
- Breckenridge Estates (east of Breckenridge Lane)
- Hunsinger Estates
- Bradford Grove
- Hill Creek Park
- Watterson Heights
- Ridgehurst Place
- Hurstbourne Woods
- Greenhurst
- Westwood Farms
- Brookhollow
- Bristol Oaks
- the City of Houston Acres
- the City of Jeffersontown (parts)
- Stony Farm
- Spring Lake Farm
- Watterson Acres
- Park Laureate
- Arbor Pointe
From District 18 to District 26:
- the City of Cambridge west of McMahan Boulevard
- the City of Lincolnshire.
From District 22 to District 26
- Governour’s Square
- Fern Hill
- Hurstbrook
Please share this with those people and organizations you know in the neighborhoods and areas mentioned above.
Maj. Robinson has asked us to relay the following warnings to all neighbors in our District:
Please be very careful when starting your car in the morning or leaving it running at any time during the day. Far too many car thefts happen because citizens have left the car running as they warm it up before work or run into a store for "just a minute".
There is no "safe" time to leave an automobile unattended. Always lock your car or truck when you leave it. Never leave the motor running with the keys inside.
-LMPD Sixth Division
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Louisville Metro Council and the city’s Commission on Public Art (COPA) are searching for new artwork to proudly display in City Hall as part of the fourth annual Art in City Hall exhibition.
The annual program, which is administered by Louisville Forward, invites artists to submit original, two-dimensional works of art through an online application process by November 12. The submissions will be reviewed by a Selection Committee comprised of Metro Council and COPA representatives.
Up to six artists will be selected for the exhibition. The chosen artwork will be on display for one year in City Hall’s entrance lobby, hallways, and public spaces.
Each artist selected to participate in the exhibition will receive a $500 honorarium.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/arts-culture/art-city-hall-call-artists
SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Submission is consistent with eligibility and specifications, which can be found online.
- Artwork does not pose a health or safety hazard.
- Artwork does not advertise a business, organization, political party, or person holding or seeking office in government.
- Artwork is not interpretable as advocating hate, violence, racism, sexism, bigotry, or obscenity.
- Artist/Artwork seeks to positively influence and expand the cultural fabric of Louisville.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/arts-culture/art-city-hall-call-artists
beginning at 9:00 am
The Louisville Nature Center will have 450 trees to give away! Trees will be first-come, first-served. Limit 3 trees per household. This is for Jefferson County, KY residents only; proof of address will be required.
Tree species include: Red Maple, Tulip poplar, White pine, Yellow buckeye, Allegheny serviceberry, Pagoda dogwood, Willow oak, River birch, Spicebush, Persimmon, Pawpaw, Cucumber magnolia, and Bigleaf magnolia.
Louisville Nature Center
3745 Illinois Avenue
Louisville, KY 40213
Pop-Up Drop-Offs are free recycling and large item disposal events for residents of Jefferson County. These events will pop up around the county once per month, from March through November. Use the Recycle Coach app to receive notifications about future events or view them on the app calendar. (Download the app in the Apple Store or Google Play.) Or check the Pop-Up Drop-Off website for updates.
Saturday, November 20, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at UofL Shelby Campus, 440 N. Whittington Parkway.
ACCEPTED ITEMS
- Electronics (up to 3 items) - recycled
- Metal & appliances (no refrigerators or any items containing coolant) - recycled
- Passenger tires (up to 4) - recycled
- Household recyclables (follow curbside rules) - recycled
- Yard waste (follow curbside rules) - composted
- Large household items - landfill
- Paper shredding - recycled
- Prescription medication - disposed properly
NOT ACCEPTED
- Garbage, loose debris
- Concrete, bricks, rocks
- Construction materials
- Refrigerators or items containing coolant
- Paint
- Batteries
- Tree trunks
- Light bulbs
- Boats
- Hot tubs
- Household hazardous waste
- Items from businesses
- Items on trailers greater than 10 feet in length
COVID-19 POLICIES
- Staff will wear personal protective equipment, including face coverings, and will stay at least 6 feet away from citizens.
- Citizens should remain in their vehicle if possible and must wear a face covering if exiting their vehicle.
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There are multiple ways for people to dispose of leaves this fall. Mowing over leaves to mulch them back into your lawn is a great option for reducing waste. Mulching not only returns vital nutrients to the soil, but experts say that it can help your grass grow even better the following year! Never blow leaves into the street!
In the Urban Services District, the following items are accepted in yard waste collection:
- Leaves, twigs, straw, pine needles
- Shrubbery trimmings
- Branches and tree trimmings - must be less than 2 inches in diameter and less than 4 feet long
- Wood ash
- Seasonal items: Pumpkins and gourds free of decoration other than coloring, Christmas trees
Acceptable items may be tied into bundles or placed in durable metal or plastic containers, with 30-40 gallon capacity and handles, or paper yard waste bags, none weighing more than 60 pounds. Yard waste in plastic bags is not permitted and will not be collected.
Leaf Drop-Off Sites
The Metro Public Works free leaf drop-off sites will be open Tuesday-Saturdays, now through December 11. Drop-off will not be available on November 25 and 26 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Only loose leaves will be accepted. Containers used to bring leaves to the drop-off sites must be taken back by residents.
Locations and hours:
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Public Works East District Operations Center, 595 North Hubbards Lane, Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
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Public Works Yard, 10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane), Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
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Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue, Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services is accepting appointments for the annual Fall Subsidy Component of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) now through December 10, 2021, or until funds are depleted.
During LIHEAP Subsidy, individuals or families in Jefferson County at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines who are responsible for home energy cost, whether directly or as an undesignated portion of rent, are eligible for assistance. Residents can apply regardless of the status of their utility bills.
The Subsidy component provides households a one-time benefit based on income levels and housing category. Payments are be made directly to the heating vendor (i.e. LG&E).
Appointments are required in advance to apply.
For more descriptions about the drop box locations, income eligibility and other instructions, call the automated LIHEAP information line at 991-8391 or visit louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. Residents may also visit louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP for more details.
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The Louisville Zoo’s Kroger Wild Winter Days run now through February 28, 2022, with discounted winter admission and a Dare to Care food drive.
The Zoo is proud to team up with Kroger and Dare to Care again to help struggling families in our community. Guests who bring at least one canned food item per person may purchase tickets at the Zoo windows for $9.50 per adult and $6.50 per child/senior ticket.
To date, the Zoo has collected nearly 25,000 pounds of food thanks to the generosity of its guests. That is the weight of two African elephants like Mikki.
The discount is available at the gate only, not valid for online purchases. The offer is not valid for special fee-based programs, for prepaid groups, field trips or with other discounts. No refunds will be provided for tickets prepaid in advanced or purchase online. Multiple cans are appreciated but only one discount per admission; additional cans do not provide additional discounts.
Some of Dare to Care Food Bank’s most needed items are canned meats like tuna, as well as canned fruit, beans, peanut butter, soup, rice, cereal, fruit juice, pasta and canned vegetables. Please avoid glass containers. More details are available at www.louisvillezoo.org/wildwinterdays.
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Fall/winter hours continue through March 20, 2022, 10 a.m. ─ 4 p.m. (stay until 5 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
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Staring this month, LFPL will no longer charge fined for overdue items. Louisville officially joins library systems across the country who recognize that fines do not ensure the return of borrowed materials but merely create a barrier to library services that disproportionately affects people who need access the most.
Click here for more information.
We are having in-person meetings of Louisville Metro Council and with individuals and groups in our office. We are still exercising an abundance of caution and following all CDC and Louisville Metro Health Department guidelines. Please call the office or email any requests. Thank you for your cooperation. |
