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State legislators are busy in Frankfort, debating and passing bills that will impact our lives for years to come. One such bill being considered would allow communities in Louisville to become independent cities. (Click here to read the bill.)
This bill would be a pivot away from the precedent established in the year 2000 when Jefferson County voters approved combining Jefferson County and the city of Louisville into one entity - Louisville Metro. (Click here to read about the 2000 ballot measure on MERGER.) The merger allowed some suburban cities to stay intact, but new ones can't be created under current law (KRS 67C.111).
The bottom line is this, the people of Louisville and Jefferson County exercised their right to vote in 2000 on a ballot measure about MERGER. The voters approved the merger referendum 54 percent to 46 percent, ending decades of debate on the issue. Merger proposals failed in 1956, 1982, and 1983. When the merger passed, it was expected that the new Louisville Metro would surpass Charlotte, N.C., Washington, D.C., Portland, Oregon, Cleveland, Denver, Nashville, Tennessee, and Cincinnati in population.
KRS 67C.111 is amended to read as follows: With the approval of the consolidated local government's legislative council, residents of the consolidated local government may establish new cities within the consolidated local government pursuant to KRS 81.050 and 81.060. This territory shall not be within any urban services boundary of the consolidated local government, nor shall it include any territory currently incorporated within any existing city. The approval of the desire to form shall be in the form of a resolution by the consolidated local government's legislative council.
This bill would establish a process where a "consolidated local government," like Louisville, would be required to approve the creation of a small city as long as 75% or more of residents in the area agree.
Currently, there are over 80 Independent cities within Jefferson County with their own taxing authority and, in some cases, have police forces, fire departments, and trash pickup services. The bill's sponsor, Representative Kevin Bratcher, was quoted as saying, "People who live far away from downtown feel like the city doesn't respond to their needs." He expressed in part that it's not fair to the unincorporated parts of Jefferson County that they don't have the option, if they so choose, to secede from Louisville Metro. Representative Bratcher said citizens should be able to vote to create their own public service departments.
On the surface, I agree with the sentiments of Representative Bratcher. Citizens should be able to vote to create their own public service departments. However, it is my firm belief that if a merger was agreed upon by the entire community of Louisville and Jefferson County, then Louisville Metro as a whole should be allowed to vote to change the law to allow secession. In my humble opinion, the vote to secede should not be in the hands of just 75% or more of residents in the area. In other words, this bill gives, for example, an area with a population of 4,000 the ability to secure at least 3,000 votes to withdraw from Louisville Metro. This secession would remove that population's tax revenue obligation from the city of Louisville - a city with a population of roughly 616,000 - based on the voice of 3,000. What's fair about that?
I was interviewed by WHAS11 this week about HB 314, and stated that if people feel neglected by their city government, they should demand better. A call to the Mayor's Office or your Metro Council representative should get you the attention and services you deserve.
Below is a link to the WHAS11 interview. Check out the story from a resident's perspective. I understand his frustration and am ashamed of local government for failing him. He and his neighbors deserve better. But, also, hear what I am saying. Changing the law from what was established in 2000 by the people of Louisville/Jefferson County, as comprehensive and inclusive as it was, should not be left to the politicians in Frankfort - most of whom are far removed from Louisville Metro and our needs. Instead, if the will of the majority of people is overturned, the majority of people should be the ones to overturn it if it's their will. That's all.
Click here to watch the WHAS video and read the story.
Metro Council is in full swing now that the first Committee meetings of 2022 have taken place. While the agenda was light for most of the Committees, some legislation was passed and important topics were discussed. Here's a summary of some of the Committee work that took place this week:
A resolution allowing Louisville Metro to accept $100,000 from Everytown For Gun Safety to hire a gun violence data fellow in the Office for Safe & Healthy Neighborhoods was discussed in Committee this week. The fellow will collect, organize, analyze and interpret data related to gun violence in Louisville. The resolution passed Committee and is headed to full Council. Click here to review resolution.
Another resolution that passed in this Committee was one that authorizes Louisville Metro Police to accept $699,632 from the Office of Justice Programs for the Local Law Enforcement Gun Crime Intelligence Center Integration Initiative to combat firearm violence in Louisville. This resolution will direct funding to several areas of LMPD such as training teams, the purchase of improved ballistics equipment, overtime for forensics supervisors and the firearms intelligence squad. This funding will also allow officers to better address the increased volume of gun violence in Louisville Metro. Click here for access to the resolution.
Watch the full meeting here.
The Committee on Equity & Inclusion held a special discussion with Michael Meeks, Metro Government's Chief of Equity, and other community leaders, to give an overview of the annual Equity Report. Speakers discussed different programs around the city that promote equity, such as Lean Into Louisville's discussion on January 16th that covered the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
Watch the full meeting here.
A resolution was passed in Committee regarding the approval of a $100 million Industrial Revenue Bond for the Boyd Company (formerly Wayne Supply) located at 1400 Cecil Avenue in West Louisville. The Boyd Company proposes to acquire, construct, equip, and install four or more new buildings. These construction plans also entail diverting industrial traffic away from Cecil Avenue, which is a residential street. Metro is not liable for Industrial Revenue Bonds, nor do they affect Metro’s credit rating. Click here to review the resolution.
Watch the full meeting here.
Dr. Sarah Moyer of Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness reviewed the information provided on the COVID-19 Dashboard. Metro Health is encouraging people to call their helpline (912-8598) to be set up with transportation to get individuals to their testing locations as well as vaccine appointments.
Watch the full meeting here.
The following resolutions passed out of this Committee this week:
1. A resolution approving a contract with Mr. Holden Huntzinger to help the Policy and Planning Section complete plans, identify mobile sites, and improve our existing processes.
2. A resolution granting local incentives to Chewy, Inc. to invest $4.5 million and create 150 jobs earning an average hourly wage with benefits of $33.41.
3. A resolution granting local incentives to HB Molding, Inc. to investment $1.45 million and employ twenty people earning an average hourly wage with benefits of $26.50.
4. A resolution approving a contract with Medical Priority Consultants, Inc./Priority Dispatch Group for $510,000 to support MetroSafe's emergency response efforts.
Watch the full meeting here.
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.
Residents have written in to my office inquiring about AT&T Fiber installation. Namely, concerns have revolved around wires that can create a trip hazard, and handhole boxes with missing or lids left unsecured.
This is a summary of the latest update I received from AT&T:
"AT&T wires running to homes are the result of residents ordering AT&T Fiber for their homes.
Because many District 7 properties feature buried utilities, all existing utility lines must be marked by Kentucky 811 “before you dig” personnel before AT&T Fiber can be installed in a home. This is why additional yard flags are appearing as needed. We are reminding our technicians to please remove the yard flags when the flags are no longer needed at an installation site.
Other notes on AT&T Fiber installation:
- AT&T requires our contractor (and any sub-contractors) to restore any ground they disturb back to at least its original condition.
- No work will be done on private property, and no drop wires will be run to individual homes, unless or until an AT&T Fiber order is placed by the property owner.
- The entire installation will be flush-mount to ground level in any individual AT&T Fiber subscriber’s yard. The only above-ground installations are the fiber cabinets serving the neighborhood as a whole.
- Fiber drop wires will be buried by a separate crew from the technicians who install fiber service orders. The buried wire crew usually follows about one or two weeks behind the installation crew, based on work volume, weather conditions and ground conditions.
- Any damages caused by or during AT&T Fiber installation (including, but not limited to, sprinkler systems and invisible fences) will be repaired to at least original condition. Should damages occur or be suspected, the property owner should contact AT&T for dialogue on their individual situation.
As a courtesy to homeowners, we are providing a direct AT&T local engineering contact for any questions related to AT&T Fiber construction or restoration. Homeowners with questions can call Tim Phillips at 502-468-7631 for assistance. AT&T Fiber service orders should be placed at www.att.com/getfiber or by visiting any AT&T retail store in the community."
Click here to access the full file.
Click here to access the Zoom link.
Contact Metro Planning & Design:
Jay Luckett: (502) 574-5159 / Jay.Luckett@louisvilleky.gov
Louisville Metro Office of Planning & Design Services advises the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustment, Historic Landmarks & Preservation Districts Commission, and Design Overlay Committees on decisions affecting the built environment, among having other responsibilities. Planning & Design staff coordinate over 20 public hearings and meetings per month.
When I post public meeting notices in this newsletter, those are overseen by Planning & Design Services. Due to COVID-19, the way these public meetings are conducted has changed. One major change that has been implemented is the shift to conducting these meetings from in-person to virtual until an all-clear announcement is made.
Planning & Design Services released a guide to help Louisvillians understand these changes, and how to navigate the virtual meetings. This guide tells citizens how to access the meetings, how to make a comment and how to sign up for notifications of these meetings. The guide contains a section specifically explaining how citizens can access and utilize these public meetings so they can participate.
Click here to access the Virtual Meetings Guide.
On December 11, 2021, The Wedding Studio had its grand opening in District 7's Westport Village. Please join me in welcoming them to the neighborhood!
From The Wedding Studio:
At The Wedding Studio, we believe shopping for the perfect wedding dress should be a fun and memorable experience.
Owner, Adrienne Love purchased the Carmel location in 2015, quickly expanded, and opened a second location only two years later.
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Love, yes, her last name really is Love; bought this business with the intention of making every single bride that walked through the doors feel loved, cared for, and supported. Fast forward to today, we have expanded to Louisville with our fourth location! We are thrilled to bring the heartbeat of our business model of simply being kind, providing a memorable experience, and having gorgeous gowns to the city of Louisville. It is our mission to ensure each and every bride feels comfortable and confident when they say “ YES!” to their dream dress!
We opened on December 11 of 2021 and have been welcomed by the city and all of our customers so warmly. We are excited to provide the The Wedding Studio experience to Louisville brides for many years to come. We are located in Westport Village across from Wild Eggs and next to Comfy Cow. Come stop in and say hello - we would love to show you around our new store!
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Click here to access this notice as a file.
Email
These notices are sent out weekly by the VA. If you would like to directly receive these notices, email LOUVAMCconstruction@usace.army.mil saying, "I would like to subscribe for weekly updates." You can also email this same address with general construction questions.
Website
https://www.va.gov/louisville-health-care/programs/new-robley-rex-va-medical-center/
Presentation
Click here to access the presentation from the VA Forum in December.
Many constituents have been writing in to my office inquiring about signs that say "Blasting Zone Ahead." I met with members of the Corps of Engineers who are overseeing the VA construction and they apologized for the lack of communication and failure to notify the affected residents in advance.
The blasting is underground and should not negatively impact any of the homes in District 7. In fact, I have been assured that residents will not feel the effects of the blast.
From the USACE:
Blasting work will tentatively begin on the construction site of the new Louisville VA Medical Center Friday, Feb. 4. It’s expected to occur daily between 2 and 2:30 p.m., and continue through April 2022.
Area residents will receive the following signals:
- A five-minute warning signal - a series of long audible signals five minutes prior to the blast.
- A one-minute to blast signal - a series of short audible signals one minute to the blast,
- An all-clear signal - a prolonged audible signal following the inspection of a blast area.
Public safety is our number one priority and stringent safety protocols are in place. Out of an abundance of caution, area residents directly adjacent to the site are encouraged to stay in their homes or cars until the blasting is complete each day if possible. As a service to our neighbors in the area, contractors may also make rounds through the local neighborhood to remind residents of safety precautions.
Prior to and throughout the end of the blasting period in April, contractors, wearing yellow gear, may contact some area residents who have had a pre-blast survey done to install a seismic monitor in yards that are next to the construction site. Currently, plans are to install them in eight yards. The purpose of these monitors is to record ground seismic data from each daily blast.
Rest assured, the monitors will be installed in a neat manner and pose no harm to homeowners or animals. The monitors installed will be near a house or structure and will be buried in the yard approximately 10”-12” deep and left until blasting operations end in April.
We want to be good neighbors, so we encourage homeowners to contact the USACE Public Affairs Office with any questions or comments by emailing LOUVAMCconstruction@usace.army.mil
This past week saw a decline in COVID cases in Louisville. Currently, Louisville has 265.3 cases per 100,000 citizens. In past weeks, we have had over 300 cases per 100,000. According to a WFPL article published this week, "Louisville Metro officials say if the recent drop in COVID-19 cases continues, it could signal the end of the current omicron surge."
While this is welcome news, we still need to continue to monitor for symptoms, get tested if we experience symptoms, get vaccinated if we haven't yet, and follow protocols if we have been exposed.
IF YOU NEED A COVID VACCINE OR BOOSTER, VISIT: https://govstatus.egov.com/ky-covid-vaccine.
If you need assistance with scheduling an appointment, please call 855-598-2246.
Text your zip code to GETVAX - 438829 to receive three vaccine locations near you. Text VACUNA - 822862 for Spanish.
IF YOU NEED A COVID TEST, VISIT: https://govstatus.egov.com/ky-covid-testing
The websites above will direct you to the nearest testing/vaccine provider based upon your ZIP code. The vaccine site also offers transportation assistance for those needing help getting to their nearest vaccine provider.
Click Here for More Details: KYCOVID19.KY.gov
Café Louie has released its 2022 Meet Your Legislators schedule. I am signed up for February 26th, March 12th and March 26th. As the dates come closer, I will post a reminder in the newsletter. I would love to see District 7 constituents there and talk about your ideas and concerns!
Click here for more information.
On January 12th, leaders from throughout the Louisville community, including representatives of Metro Government, Metro Council, the criminal justice system, businesses, and the non-profit and faith communities, held a Group Violence Intervention (GVI) “call-in” meeting. This meeting was with members of groups in the city known to be driving the increase in violent crime here.
The message was simple: The city has been and still is offering the tools necessary to live a better life. Accept this offer and stop the violence, or you and your group will feel the full weight of the criminal justice system.
Louisville launched GVI in the fall of 2020. The approach, which leverages an intentional collaboration among law enforcement, social service providers and community members, was first implemented in Boston in 1996-97. It resulted in a 63% drop in youth homicides, which became known as the “Boston Miracle.” The GVI approach has since been used successfully in cities large and small with positive results: a 42% decrease in gun homicide in Stockton, Calif., a 44% reduction in gun assaults in Lowell, Mass., and a 41% decrease in group-involved homicides in Cincinnati.
Click here to read the full report.
In December of 2021, the Search Warrant Task Force announced the release of the Task Force’s final report. The Task Force is chaired by Attorney General Cameron, comprised of 18 members, including citizen members, representatives from the law enforcement community, legislators, judges, prosecutors, the Kentucky League of Cities, the Kentucky Association of Counties, the NAACP and the public advocate
The report provides eight recommendations, which the members approved by consensus. These recommendations reflect hours of deliberation and debate among the Task Force’s diverse membership.
This report explores the national homicide clearance rate of 2020. For homicide detectives, 2020 brought good news and bad news. On the one hand, police across the nation solved more murders — in absolute numbers — than in any year since 1997, according to data reported to the FBI. On the other hand, because new homicides increased sharply, the reported rate at which killings were solved, known as the “clearance rate,” declined to a little below 50%.
Click here to learn more about the homicide clearance rate and it's ramifications.
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Instructor George Taylor is offering three different classes at several of our Community Centers now through March. These classes are open and welcome to artists of all levels! If you're looking to acquire or refine a particular artistic skill, the Metro Arts Center has a fun, affordable class for you.
Registration is required for all classes and begin immediately from 9:00am to 6:00pm at one of our 5 sites; Beechmont, Joe Creason, Southwick, Sun Valley, and Mary T. Meagher.
Click here for more information or to sign-up for a class today.
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On Monday, January 31st, there will be a blood drive at the Mall St. Matthews from 12:00-6:00 PM. It will be near Women's Dillards.
Click here for more information.
NOTE: Many in-person library programs are cancelled for the time being due to COVID levels. Please call ahead to the library branch to confirm that an event is still going to happen.
St. Matthews Branch, 3940 Grandview Avenue
Phone: 574-1771
On Tuesday, February 8th, at 2:00 PM, When You See Me by Lisa Gardener will be discussed.
Click here for more information.
On Thursday, February 10th, at 2:00 PM, The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett will be discussed.
Click here for more information.
Northeast Regional Library, 15 Bellevoir Circle
Phone: 394-0379
On Saturday, February 5th, at 2:00 PM, the Northeast Regional Library will host "A Very Fly Storytime" with author Brittany J. Thurman. This interactive program will include an author talk discussing how she developed her debut picture book, Fly, from idea to a book. This will be followed by a storytime reading of the picture book, and a felt board retelling of the story. There will be Q&A, a jump rope contest, and a giveaway!
Click here for more information.
The Louisville Zoo invites kids of all ages to participate in Trashformation, an opportunity to communicate the importance of recycling and sustainability through art. Using only recyclable items, submissions should express or interpret "Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle." This contest is open to all public, private, parochial, and homeschool students from preschool through 12th grade. Projects can be done individually or in groups. Registration is appreciated by Saturday, February 19.
Click here to register or 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.
8th Division Crime Map
(1) Theft of Auto was reported on 1/20/2022 at 2522 HERMITAGE WAY. No suspects listed.
Message from the LMPD 8th Division
The cold weather has greatly increased auto thefts. Please make note of the below tips to help make sure it doesn't happen to you.
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices and even loose change.
- Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.
- Always lock your vehicle doors.
- Remove garage door openers from vehicles when parked outside.
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle, this includes key-fobs.
- Do not leave the windows of your vehicle open, or partially open.
- Try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
- Immediately report any suspicious person, or vehicle to (502) 574-7111.
Subscribe to Louisville Metro's Covid-19 e-newsletter for the latest news!
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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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