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Hello Neighbors and Friends,
I hope to see you Saturday morning for the community meeting to learn more about the VA Medical Center coming to District 7 in 2026. Work has already begun on the site. Come one, come all - and bring a neighbor - to hear about the construction plans and timeline. This meeting is designed with YOU in mind. It will be filled with news you can use.
SEE YOU THERE!
I have been working in partnership with the VA and the US Army Corps of Engineers to ensure District 7 constituents have up-to-date information on construction activities at the new VA site. The US Army Corps of Engineers has created an email address specifically for citizens with questions about construction activities.
For construction-related inquiries, send e-mails to this address: LOUVAMCconstruction@usace.army.mil
Additionally, the VA hosts a webpage dedicated to this project that will be routinely updated with construction-related information. This webpage is a resource to help answer common questions about the project. CLICK HERE TO ACCESS: webpage
I am appropriating funds to install five streetlights to be placed on the frontage of 2501 Rudy Lane. On this portion of the sidewalk there are currently no streetlights, making it very dark after sundown. A constituent contacted me and was concerned that the area might be dangerous for pedestrians using the sidewalk after dark, and I agree. Look for construction to begin in the next couple of months (weather permitting).
The streetlights would not encroach on the residential lots nearby. When you have concerns around your neighborhood, please reach out to me and I will investigate promptly. Projects often start just like this, with a concerned citizen speaking up.
Other projects are in the works that I am very excited about that will make District 7 safer and more walkable. Be on the lookout for updates!
Note: When legislation is passed out of Committee, it goes to full Council, where it may be discussed further. Legislation becomes law after the full Council passes it and the Mayor signs it. Here's what happened in Committee meetings this week:
Note: This story mentions suicide. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one or would like emotional support, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
This week in the Public Safety Committee, Metro Corrections Director Dwayne Clark spoke and answered questions after the deaths of three people in custody at the jail over the span of a week. Chairwoman Green asked what happened, why it happened and what can be done moving forward.
Director Clark said that two of the deaths were from medical issues, and one of the deaths was a suicide. The question was asked if proper staffing could have prevented the deaths. Officials have said staffing levels at the jail are short by about 15-20%. Director Clark did not want to speculate, but said the jail is conducting an investigation into the deaths, and LMPD's Public Integrity Unit is looking into the deaths. He said he asked the FBI to perform an investigation as well. The FBI's Louisville Field Office representative declined to confirm or deny an investigation.
Metro Corrections Union President Daniel Johnson said he believed adequate staffing could have prevented the suicide.
Chairwoman Green asked Director Clark to send a request to Council if he believes Council can help to prevent future deaths.
Click here for a WFPL story on the meeting.
Click here to watch the meeting.
Mayor Fischer also announced that the Metro Corrections Union and the Mayor's Office reached an agreement to give officers an 8% raise to retain staff and promote recruitment. The agreement needs to be approved by Union members.
Click here for a story on the pay increase.
The Labor & Economic Development Committee approved a two-year contract for LMPD officers & sergeants. The contract offers a 6% raise in 2023. Staffing shortages have been a problem for LMPD this year, and at a Muffins with McCraney event a few months ago, an LMPD officer spoke to the staffing issues and the pressure they have placed on him and fellow officers.
I am a proud sponsor of this collective bargaining agreement, and in a press release distributed this week, I made the following statement:
"I am a sponsor of this latest contract agreement because it gets us closer to being able to recruit, reclaim, and retain good police officers. I invite the community to join me in supporting LMPD and holding them accountable for impeccable conduct, careful protection of all citizens' rights, and high levels of integrity and transparency. We are owed a great return on our investment and therefore expect there to be no question or suspicion regarding LMPD ethics. These expectations are non-negotiable because we all [citizens AND officers] deserve the very best."
Click here for a WDRB story on the contract.
Click here to watch the meeting.
Click here to watch the public comments meeting.
In this week's Equity & Inclusion meeting, I thanked all committee members for their work over the past 11 months. I also recapped several topics discussed this year:
- The 14th Amendment
- The Bill of Rights
- Broadband access
- Equal pay for equal work
- Equity in job postings
- Equity in contracting and procurement
- Artificial Intelligence
- Critical Race Theory
- Equity in our justice system
- The racial wealth gap
- Equity in elections
Topics such as ageism, the generation gap, microaggressions, racism as a public health crisis and women's equality were not discussed due to legislation that was debated at several meetings, prohibiting us from scheduling a special discussion on those equity topics.
It has been an honor to Chair the Committee on Equity & Inclusion and I look forward to supporting the Committee's work ahead.
Click here to watch the meeting.
In the coming weeks, LG&E crews and contract partners will begin their initial phase of relocating an existing natural gas line and related facilities from along U.S. 42 to a new Interstate 264 crossing adjacent to Southview Drive where it will tie into existing natural gas facilities. This relocation work is being done in preparation for the upcoming Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) project to improve the interchange at the Watterson Expressway. The work will take place on KYTC’s existing rights of way and along Merrifield Road. In order to access the site, crews must enter and exit the area from Rudy Lane at Merrifield Road.
What to expect while traveling in the area (per LG&E):
- Weather permitting, we expect to have this work completed over the next several months.
- Customers’ natural gas service will not be affected during this initial portion of the work. Crews will return at a later date when temperatures warm up to work with customers along the project path to switch their natural gas service to the new line.
- We’ll make every effort to complete this work in the most efficient manner and to minimize any inconvenience to residents and others traveling through this area.
- All excavation work will take place on KYTC’s existing rights of way and along Merrifield Road.
- Most of this work will be performed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, to help mitigate traffic and neighborhood impacts.
- After crews complete the work, areas where the ground has been disturbed will be covered and seeded with grass.
- We don’t anticipate this type of work causing any noise issues for nearby residents.
- Our number one priority during any project is the safety of everyone in the area. We ask drivers to please be mindful of our crews’ presence and appreciate everyone’s patience while entering and exiting the neighborhood.
Click the picture below to make it bigger.
Click here for the letter sent to property owners in the area.
Jefferson County Public Schools is offering free drive-thru COVID testing for JCPS students, staff and families. The testing runs from 3-7 pm every Sunday-Thursday at most locations. I have received questions about where in District 7 these services are provided.
District 7 Locations:
Ballard High School, 6000 Brownsboro Rd. (3:00-7:00)
Kammerer Middle School, 7315 Wesboro Rd. (3:00-7:00)
Westport Middle School, 8100 Westport Rd. (3:00-7:00)
Thanks to those who have reached out to me seeking testing information. Simple things like this help to keep all of us safe.
Click here for more information.
As cold weather arrives, it is important to know how to take care of your home's pipes. As temperatures dip, you can take simple steps to prevent freezing water that could lead to burst pipes, which can be expensive and inconvenient fix-up projects.
Luckily, the Louisville Water Company has launched a new video series entitled, "Ginny on the Job" explaining ways to winterize your pipes, detect leaks, and many more handy water tips. Ginny Adwell has more than 20 years of experience in Louisville Water Company's metering department and explains simple steps you can take to protect your pipes and home.
Click here for tips on winterizing your home.
Click here for more videos from Ginny on the Job.
Pop-Up Drop-Offs are free recycling and large item disposal events for residents of Jefferson County.
Click here for more information.
St. Matthews Library, 3940 Grandview Avenue
On Friday, December 17th, from 1:00-5:00 pm the St. Matthews Friends of the Library are having a booksale. Drop by to check out some fantastic bargains in our wide selection of gently used books. All proceeds benefit the St. Matthews Friends of the Library. Cash only and exact change is appreciated.
Click here for more information.
Click here for more upcoming events at the St. Matthews Library.
Let your fur kids and grand pups join in on the holiday fun with photos with Santa! Get the family together to strike a pose with the Big Guy to capture paw-fect holiday moments!
Reservations are encouraged.
This event is Mondays through December 20th.
Click here for more information.
E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park and USA Pickleball Ambassadors Present Louisville's first GLOW PICKLEBALL! Enjoy the sport of Pickleball like never before, in the DARK! Wear your brightest neon and white and glow the gym up under the black lights!
Limited participation for each session, pre-registration required.
Click here for more information.
Christmas Tree Lane is open, continuing the tradition of Christmas trees and holiday greenery at Waterfront Park. Local vendor, Book’s Christmas Trees, carries a wide variety of trees, wreaths, and other holiday greenery. Christmas Tree Lane is easily accessible and convenient for patrons.
Christmas Tree Lane will be open 8:00am – 8:00pm seven days a week.
Trees will be available until they run out.
Christmas Tree Lane is located near E. Witherspoon St. across from the Great Lawn.
Click here for more information.
Answers at the bottom of the newsletter!
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.
LMPD 8th Division Crime Map
No crime reported!
Subscribe to Louisville Metro's Covid-19 e-newsletter for the latest news!
NOTICE: All Metro Council meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 and U-verse Channel 99.
Proceedings are live streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
OR access prior or current meetings here:
http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2.
TO ACCESS MEETINGS THROUGH FACEBOOK: CLICK HERE
Agendas for these meetings can be viewed using the following link:
http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc
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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