Metro seeks vendor for community grocery

Center for Neighborhoods celebrates 50th Anniversary 

Organization marks 50 years of strengthening Louisville neighborhoods 

Founded initially as the Louisville Community Design Center in 1972, the Center for Neighborhoods is one of the longest-lasting Community Design Centers in the country. In a recent blog post, Center for Neighborhoods Executive Director Mellone Long explains how community design centers in the 1970s were a tool to combat racial injustice: 

Community Design Centers were developed to respond to obstacles that deterred community development and, most importantly, the redevelopment of Black neighborhoods. Redlining and urban renewal were two of the worst offenders. Redlining made it next to impossible for minorities to get financing to buy homes, and it left minorities in neighborhoods that were decimated by urban renewal. Community Design Centers helped residents get professional design ideas and plans. This was a way to address a few of the problems residents faced experiencing poor housing stock, which contributed to the blight in Louisville neighborhoods.

The organization has evolved from a Design Center doing mainly architecture work to a community organization focused on education and engagement with our neighbors. The organization offers training programs and services to improve leadership skills for residents: 

• the Neighborhood Institute
• the Neighborhood Summit
• Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) training

Additional neighborhood-based improvement programs include:

• PAINT - Producing Art In Neighborhoods Together 
• Better Block - re-imagines a neighborhood block using low cost interventions designed by the community
• Neighborhood Planning - The neighborhood planning process allows residents to document a clear vision for their neighborhood with goals, objectives, and strategies

“We are so proud of the work we’ve done to bring neighbors together and empower them to lead in their own communities for the past 50 years,” Long said. “We will continue to put authentic engagement with neighbors at the heart of everything we do, because we know that is the way to build strong neighborhoods.” 

An anniversary celebration will be held this summer with details forthcoming. 

Important voting information

Solar Over Louisville 

Louisville Metro Government has partnered with the Louisville Sustainability Council to launch the Solar Over Louisville solarize campaign to give households in the greater Louisville region the opportunity to go solar together and support the city’s 100 percent clean energy goals. The campaign will give residents bulk-purchasing power to obtain discounted wholesale rates for solar installation. Going solar will help you reduce your energy bills, potentially increase your property’s value, support local solar jobs, and help Louisville meet its goal of using 100 percent clean energy communitywide by 2040! Solar Over Louisville makes investing in solar easy by connecting participants with a vetted solar installer, providing a step-by-step walk-through of the solar installation process, and helping participants access discounted rates on solar. Currently, our selected solar installation partner, Solar Energy Solutions is offering a 12-19 percent discount. To learn more about the program and sign up, please visit: www.100PercentLou.com/2040.  Register for one of our upcoming Solar Over Louisville Workshops by clicking the links below. At these workshops, you can hear directly from the installer, learn more about the process, and ask questions! Monday, March 14 at 7:00 PM EST(Virtual) Saturday, April 2 at 1:00 PM EST(Virtual or In-Person – To Be Determined. Please register using the link and if this event is in-person, all registrants will be notified of the location closer to the event date)

Give A Day 2022 announcement

Partner agencies creating a multitude of volunteer opportunities through April Mayor Greg Fischer on Wednesday joined representatives from Metro United Way, Jefferson County Public Schools, GE Appliances, Brown-Forman, YouthBuild Louisville and a variety of volunteers and nonprofit organizations to announce the 2022 Mayor’s Give A Day, a Celebration of Service with support from Metro United Way. This year’s Give A Day is a full month of giving in April. "Today is a little bittersweet,” Mayor Fischer said, noting that it’s his last year announcing plans for the annual celebration of service, but how proud he is leading a city that embraces compassion as an action word. “When I took office in 2011 and described compassion as one of our core city values, some folks were doubtful,” the Mayor said. “But over the past 11 years, Louisvillians have stepped up and today, this city-wide celebration of service, which humbly began as a single day of service, is now a month-long event. My hope is that we’ve inspired our community to ensure the success of Give A Day will continue long into the future.” Give A Day started as a one-day service opportunity in 2011, and then grew to a week, and in 2019, it spanned 10 days, setting records each year for volunteers and acts of compassion – a total of 235,000 in 2019. Since 2011, Give a Day has amassed 1.3 million acts of compassion. With support from Metro United Way and community organizations throughout the city, hundreds of volunteer opportunities will be available for this year’s Give A Day. Group and individual projects will be offered; some may be virtual, while others will be in-person.   Metro United Way supports the volunteer engagement platform for the Mayor’s Give A Day by connecting those who need help with those who want to help. "Metro United Way is proud to once again serve as the backbone of Mayor’s Give A Day, a Celebration of Service by connecting volunteers to meaningful opportunities in creating a stronger, more equitable community," said Adria Johnson, President and CEO of Metro United Way. "No matter how much or little time you have to give, there is a way for you to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors." A sampling of this year’s projects and initiatives include: Thousands of volunteers will come together throughout April to pick up litter and beautify the city through the Brightside Community-Wide Cleanup, one of the largest Give A Day service projects. All cleanup group participants will receive Brightside litter bags and gloves. Residents also can organize their own clean-ups on streets and in neighborhoods with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Brightside has rallied more than 103,000 volunteers during the Mayor’s Give a Day celebrations. The 10th Annual WE Day Kentucky Celebration will take place April 20. This event has, in the past, drawn some 2,400 students and teachers to The Kentucky Center for a celebration of students' commitment to service, and over 4,000 for the WE Walk for Compassion. This year's celebration be a virtual/in person hybrid event at Paristown Point, with 150 students onsite and a livestream reaching 10,000 students throughout Kentucky. This year’s Call To Action will focus on the well-being of youth affected by the devasting tornado earlier this year in Western Kentucky. Louisville Pride Foundation, which is opening the first LGBTQ+ Center in the Louisville area, will have several projects involving painting, landscaping, and other renovation and beautification work. Love the Hungry will host a food packaging event with 100+ participants assembling 20,000 meal kits for children and families assisted through Operation Ukraine in Poland. For the past 10 years, Love the Hungry has hosted more than 40,000 volunteers of all ages who have helped create 7.5 million fortified meals shared with families vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition across the world. This includes 600,000 meals packaged during the Mayor's Give A Day celebrations. Habitat for Humanity will host a “spring cleaning” in the Russell community, and Molo Village will host a clean-up at the St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at 1225 W. Jefferson in preparation of a renovation project. Young Authors Greenhouse will plant a Poetry Garden in celebration of Poetry Month. Volunteers will distribute yard signs of poetry written by Greenhouse authors for “planting” at locations across Louisville. The Salvation Army will host a "Block Party," where people experiencing homelessness can pick up free socks, underwear, toiletries, and non-perishable food items. There also will be grilled hotdogs, smores, music, and a variety of outside games at the event. The Building Industry Association of Greater Louisville (BIA) will build a house in one day that will be delivered to a family affected by the deadly tornado in Western Kentucky earlier this year. St. Bernadette Diaper Bank and the city’s Office for Women will have a diaper supply drive. Nearly 1 in 3 families lack resources for diapers, a challenge that disproportionately impacts women, who, because they cannot afford diapers, may be unable to send their kids to daycare, suffer higher rates of postpartum depression or lack of attachment with their child. St. Bernadette Catholic Church offers the only diaper bank in Kentucky, located in a donated warehouse space on Poplar Level Road. They distribute diapers to 13 agencies, amounting to about 100,000 diapers a year. The American Red Cross blood supply remains vulnerable. You can help by scheduling a blood or platelet donation to help ensure patients receive the care they need. Make an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Companies and organizations of all sizes will have employee teams in action during Give A Day, including GE Appliances and Brown-Forman. “Give A Day is really a community-wide effort and that absolutely includes our private-sector, which provides so many of the volunteers that make these projects a reality that improve the lives of people in our city,” said the Mayor.   Another critical component of Give A Day is the involvement of Louisville youth. Since the start, Jefferson County Public Schools students and teachers have joined thousands of private and Catholic school students for service projects during Give A Day. “We are grateful that each year, JCPS schools and thousands of students benefit from the selflessness of Louisvillians who step up to volunteer as part of the Mayor’s Give A Day initiative,” said JCPS Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio. “It’s also a great opportunity for our students and staff to show their appreciation by giving back to the community that so often steps up and supports them.” The Mayor also recognized Kentucky Derby Festival (KDF) for its work galvanizing Louisville’s community spirit and attracting and organizing great volunteers. This year, KDF will offer an opportunity for one volunteer to win a special Festival gift package, including a framed 2022 Derby Festival Official Poster and a $100 gift card for Derby Festival merchandise. Individuals must register at mygiveaday.com to volunteer for a project by March 25 to be eligible to win. Individuals or groups wanting to find a project should visit mygiveaday.com, where projects and needs submitted by local non-profit agencies and other groups are listed. The Mayor urged individuals and companies to also use the website to report their own community service. 2021 Give A Day — Notable Numbers: 27,958 total volunteer hours given to projects during Give A Day Week 2021. 2,806 Brightside volunteers cleaned up neighborhoods and parks in Louisville. 1,500 individuals donated blood at Red Cross blood drives. 1,110 pounds of shoes donated to local non-profit WaterStep from MSD and Louisville Metro Government. 118 volunteers devoted 332 hours to planting trees around the community.

Participate in the Preston Corridor Transit Survey

As Louisville Metro Government explores enhanced transit options on the Preston Corridor, we invite input from the community to help us understand how people would use new transportation options. Share your feedback through Preston Corridor Plan Community Input for Enhanced Transit Survey. You can learn more about the Preston Corridor planning project at: www.prestoncorridorplan.org.

Interested in purchasing the Buechel Train Depot? respond to Solicitation of Interest through April 21

The Louisville and Jefferson County Landbank has accepted a donation of the Buechel Train Depot parcel at 2230 Buechel Avenue.  A solicitation of interest (SOI) is now available for the Buechel Train Depot. Interested buyers can find the SOI at this link, which includes information on how to submit proposals: https://louisvilleky.gov/community-development/document/soi-4129-bardstown-rd. Responses will be accepted through April 21.

Metro Council honoring Women’s History Month through events, projects

The month of March is designated to celebrate the vital role of women in American history and to recognize their continued contributions that make this country a better place for everyone.

Metro Council will celebrate Women’s History Month with events and projects aimed to honor and support women. And Council members are encouraging their communities to get involved.

Metro Council Diaper Drive

Councilwoman Cassie Chambers Armstrong (D-8) and Councilwoman Paula McCraney (D-7), who co-chair the Metro Council Women’s Caucus, announced that the Caucus would be hosting a diaper drive during the month of March.

Louisville’s Office for Women states that one in three families lack adequate resources to buy diapers, and it is often an overwhelming burden that lands on women. 

There will be a red bin in the First Floor Lobby of City Hall, where anyone can drop off packages of new diapers. The St. Bernadette Diaper Bank will be coordinating the diaper drive and distributing the donations.

Women’s Caucus Special Meeting

As part of the Women’s History Month celebrations, the Women’s Caucus will also host a special meeting on Thursday, March 17 at 2 p.m.

Council members are invited to recognize women that influenced their personal or professional lives. The Caucus also encourages members to honor women making an impact in their districts.

The meeting will stream live on the Women’s Caucus Facebook page. More information about how to attend in person will be released closer to the event.

Jefferson County improves to Medium Risk COVID-19 status

Mayor Fischer and Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness leaders urge residents to help keep the decline in COVID-19 numbers going by getting safe, highly effective protection against serious illness through vaccines. Learn more at louisvilleky.gov/covid19. Tuesday was the second anniversary of the city’s first confirmed case of COVID-19. 

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. 

Louisville receives additional $27 million for emergency rental assistance from the state to help prevent evictions

Mayor Greg Fischer on Tuesday thanked Gov. Andy Beshear for providing Louisville with $27 million of the state’s federal funds for emergency rental assistance, allowing the city to assist more Louisvillians harmed financially by the pandemic.

From the start of the pandemic through Jan. 31, 2022, Louisville Metro Government has assisted 42,000 residents and distributed more than $96 million in emergency rental assistance.

In his remarks during a media briefing Tuesday, Gov. Beshear noted that the federal funding formula gave Louisville and Lexington, which have their own eviction relief programs, fewer funds than anticipated. Previously, in June 2021, the Governor granted each mayor’s request to allocate funds to keep their local programs going. With today’s commitment, the state will have provided Louisville with $54 million of its federal funds for emergency rental assistance.

“Once again, we are showing that Team Kentucky spirit by working with leaders in Lexington and Louisville to help Kentuckians who continue to be negatively impacted by the pandemic,” said Gov. Beshear, who also presented Lexington with additional rental assistance funds. “Whether it is the loss of income due to a family member’s death or continued medical bill hardships brought on by COVID, we owe it to those harmed by the pandemic to help them in this unprecedented time of need.”

With the additional rental assistance, Louisville Metro is able to continue processing the more than 2,700 applications in the queue for assistance, helping thousands more individuals and families stay safely housed. Based on the pipeline of applications and need, the city anticipates it will have to close applications at the end of March. 

In November, the Mayor and Metro Council signed an ordinance allocating $89 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding to address homelessness and affordable housing, including a $40 million investment in affordable housing units through the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund (LAHTF). Since the beginning of Mayor Fischer’s administration, Louisville Metro has allocated more than $100 million to affordable housing through LAHTF and Louisville CARES.

Eviction Prevention Assistance - call 308-3344 or visit louisvilleky.gov/neighborhoodplace for information on appointments. 

If you are in need of rental assistance due to being financially impacted by COVID-19, please visit stopmyeviction.org and/or contact your local Community Ministry. Call Metro United Way's 2-1-1 to locate the ministry nearest you, or visit www.louisvilleministries.org to locate the ministry nearest you.

Would you like to be a Juneteenth Jubilee Commissioner? Apply now. 

We invite District 10 residents to apply to be a Juneteenth Jubilee Commissioner HERE. Held on June 19, Juneteenth is the oldest known holiday commemorating the final communication of the abolition of slavery in the United States. The new 15-member commission will include representatives from the Metro Council, the business community, arts, educational and faith institutions, and others. The commission will advise on ways to create a series of educational and cultural events and community-wide celebrations for Juneteenth 2022 and beyond. More details on the commission are here.

Yard waste collection has resumed every other week, will resume weekly on March 14

The Solid Waste Management department's yard waste collection has resumed and will follow an every-other-week schedule through winter. See calendar below for details. Use the Recycle Coach app to stay informed!

Three ways to report potholes

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

Sign up with Summerworks and get connected 

Report a litterer

Louisville Metro Government career fair

Buffalo Trail fundraising to bring sculpture to Preston Highway

At left, the St. Joseph Neighborhood Association raised the banner in the 2400 block of Preston Highway. For centuries, wildlife, including buffalo, migrated throughout Kentucky, pounding out the road we call Preston Street and Highway. Indigenous groups, explorers, and settlers relied on the compacted road as they ventured north and west.  The St. Joseph Neighborhood Association is fundraising to create and install an original buffalo sculpture in the median. To learn more and donate, visit followthebuffalo.info.

Homeowner Assistance Fund

In partnership with Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC), Gov. Andy Beshear launched the Team Kentucky Homeowner Assistance Fund, a program that can help homeowners impacted by the pandemic rebound and avoid foreclosure.

The program is funded through $85.4 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds that the commonwealth received to protect homeowners impacted by COVID-19.

Qualifying homeowners can visit TeamKYHAF.ky.gov to apply for up to $35,000 in assistance to help with delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner’s and/or flood insurance, homeowners association fees and utility costs. If approved, the funds will be paid as a grant directly to mortgage servicers, utility companies, county property tax administrators, insurance agencies or homeowners associations.

For eligibility requirements, required documentation and a detailed description of the program, visit  ProtectMyKYHome.org.

Jefferson County PVA rolls out new motor vehicle online appeals tool

Available now: Free tax preparation for eligible residents

The Louisville Asset Building Coalition’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax Aide programs provide trained, IRS-certified volunteers to offer free tax services online or at select drop-off sites. VITA is available to individuals and families who earned less than $66,000 in 2021. This year, due to the COVID pandemic, several of the VITA sites will prepare in-person free tax filing by appointments only, and most of the sites will provide free tax filing through drop-off services. Individuals can visit getyourrefund.org  to have their taxes prepared online. To schedule an appointment for in-person tax assistance, call 305-0005 or click here. For more details, including days and hours of drop off services and VITA locations, click here. AARP Tax-Aide’s mission is to serve any person who comes through the door, with special attention to those 60 and older.  AARP Tax Aide is open at nine sites by drop-off appointments only. For updates including online filing options, click here.

Appointments being accepted for LIHWAP, the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program

Eligible residents can apply for water, and wastewater assistance

Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services is accepting appointments for the new Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, or LIHWAP. LIHWAP is a temporary emergency water/wastewater program intended to help low income households and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Similar to the longstanding LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), LIHWAP will assist Jefferson County households within 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, but with water and wastewater benefits instead of home energy.

LIHWAP is federally funded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

LIHWAP will consist of two components: 1) the Crisis Component which provides assistance to eligible households experiencing a home water service crisis, and 2) the Subsidy Component which provides assistance to all eligible households regardless of the status of their water bill.

How to apply:
Jefferson County residents meeting eligibility can call the automated scheduler at 991-8391 or visit online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.

Drops of Kindness Program
Louisville Water is reminding customers who may still have an outstanding balance, to take advantage of the Drops of Kindness Program, which offers flexible, no-interest payment plans and additional help from community agencies through the Louisville Water Foundation.  For more information, visit https://louisvillewater.com/DropsofKindness or call 583-6610.

Assistance 

Louisville Metro LG&E Assistance is available for eligible residents who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more.

If you're behind on your Louisville Water Company or Louisville MSD bill due to the pandemic, assistance is available! Apply at https://louisvillewater.com/CovidFunds or visit your local community ministry. Call 211 to locate your nearest ministry. Read more.

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

The monthly Food Pantry at St. Agnes Parish, in partnership with Dare to Care, distributes 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.

Audubon Parkway area water main replacement continues 

Louisville Water is working in the Audubon Parkway area on a water Main Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. Areas affected are shown in green on the map. LW is also working on Newburg Road between Larkmoor Lane and Produce Road. Get updates at www.louisvillewater.com/where-were-working.

Update on Louisville Water Company water meter replacement

From LWC: Louisville Water is in the early stages of a three-year project to upgrade our water meters. In the coming weeks, our contractors and employees will do work in a portion of District 10 to replace older meters with new ones. The map at left shows where we will be working: Bartlett Road, Bartlett Court, Freestone Court, along Breckinridge Lane between Bartlett Road and Watterson Elementary School, Heavrin Avenue, and Stigwood Court.  For more information please go to https://www.louisvillewater.com/meterupgrade

Louisville Metro Animal Services

Dog of the Week: Babushka All large dog adoptions are free at Louisville Metro Animal Services and included a free dog crate for approved adopters, so why not change a shelter pet’s luck? Babushka, who is approximately two years old is bubbly and a big ol' goofball. Babushka is also a very friendly, very sweet dog but doesn't know her size, so she never gives up on trying to be a lap dog. And sure, she may be a little overweight at 87 pounds but she believes there's just more of her to snuggle. She's big, big fan of snuggling. What Babushka isn't into is giving paws, she prefers chest bumps when she's excited or to show her approval. She's working on that, so we're recommending a home with kids 10 and up. Babushka’s also to be housetrained. Adopt Babushka for free with an approved application. She’s already spayed, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. For more info about Babushka, email animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov, or call 473-PETS. To meet or adopt Babushka, visit Animal House Adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road, from noon to 6 p.m. daily.

District 10 events

March 19 - Train Show & Sale at Holy Family Parish Saffin Center

Louisville Nature Center 

From the Louisville Nature Center: Forty years ago, the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve was dedicated. Since then, the amount of use has increased tremendously! LNC maintains this urban forest and trails, but we receive no regular funding to do so. If you have enjoyed hiking in our forest, would you be willing to donate to help with upkeep? Funds will go toward bridge and sign repair, trail and tree maintenance, and native species planting. Whether you donate $5 or $500, every little bit helps. Thank you for your support!

Upcoming LNC events include: 

Beginner Birding, Sunday, March 13, 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday, April 3, 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23, 9 to 11 a.m. Take your birding to the next level! On this guided hike, an experienced naturalist and birdwatcher, will help participants to identify some of Louisville’s beautiful birds. Participants will learn ID tips such as field marks, behavior, habitat, vocalizations and more. This is for all skill levels of birding, ages 12 and up. Binoculars recommended!

Vernal Pool Exploration, Saturday, March 26, 6 to 8 p.m. Deep in the forest lie seasonal pools of water that are home to many important species! They are temporary habitats critical to the survival of amphibians and aquatic invertebrates. On this hike, join Jacob as you explore vernal pools looking for salamanders, frogs, and fairy shrimp; tiny, translucent crustaceans that have 11 pairs of appendages, which they use for swimming, breathing, and feeding! Be ready to get muddy as some of the hike is off trail. This is an all ages program. Muck boots recommended!

Registration is required and LNC programs fill up quickly. Sign up here or call 458-1328.

LNC Summer Camp registration open

Camp registration is now open. We expect camp to sell out quickly again this year, so don’t miss out on the fun! Click here to learn more about LNC's summer camp! 

LNC accepting applications for Summer Educators

Join us for an unforgettable summer and gain invaluable experience. You must love working with children and being outdoors. $14/hour. Please send resume and cover letter to Olivia Kaiser, Education Programs Manager, at olivia@louisvillenaturecenter.org. See the full job posting here.

Louisville Zoo news

Zoo takes precautions to protect birds

With recently confirmed Kentucky cases of avian flu in wild birds west of Jefferson County, the Louisville Zoo is taking precautionary measures to keep its bird ambassadors safe and healthy. The Zoo has temporarily closed its public walk-through aviaries and is moving some birds to protected areas out of an abundance of caution. None of the Zoo’s birds are currently showing clinical signs of the disease. 

Wild Lights returns to Louisville Zoo March 18 to June 5

The Louisville Zoo brings back one of the largest lantern festivals in the nation — Wild Lights—returning March 18 through June 5. Tickets are now on sale at louisvillezoo.org/wildlights. 

Wild Lights features a variety of animal lanterns, including mammals, birds, and insects, a 98-foot-long dragon, mythical Chinese creatures and promenade walk-throughs. Guests may also enjoy interactive photos opportunities like illuminated angel wings, color changing swings, a kaleidoscope, and many more.  

The 48-night immersive cultural experience that kicks off the Zoo’s 53rd season will also include unique handcrafted goods available for purchase, nightly cultural performances on the MetaZoo stage, and Asian-fusion cuisine.

The festival will be 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday nights from March 18 through June 5 and daily from April 4 to 8. 

Louisville Metro news

Help Louisville Grows grow with volunteer greenhouse prep work

Come help Louisville Grows grow vegetables and herbs in our Portland neighborhood greenhouse. No experience is necessary.

Volunteers can register at tinyurl.com/SASvolunteer22 and we encourage volunteers to bring their own gloves and water bottles. Masks will be required and proof of being fully vaccinated or a negative PCR test within 72 hours is mandatory.

Small business support is just a click away

In a time when small businesses are able to see the light of survival as we make our way out of COVID’s economic impact, access to small business support and resources is critical. Louisville Forward’s Small Business Development team is here to connect small business owners with the tools and resources needed to help create sustainability in the long term as well as solutions for today’s challenges. Strategic planning, one-on-one coaching, educational workshops and financial programs are some of the resources available at no cost. To inquire about resources for your business, please click here. You can see the breadth of services here.

Know of a local non-profit needing lawn care equipment? 

Submissions are now open for the inaugural Lawn Care for Cleaner Air Community Equipment Grant Program. The grant will award a package of professional-powered, electric lawn equipment to a local non-profit organization. The package of equipment is valued at $1,256 and includes an electric mower, trimmer, blower, and extra rechargeable battery that powers all three tools. The Grant is an extension of Air Pollution Control District’s Lawn Care for Cleaner Air program, which incentivizes the purchase and use of electric-powered lawn equipment in order to reduce air pollution from gas-powered engines.

Jobs available

Louisville Metro Department of Corrections is hiring, and offering a $2,000 recruitment incentive, in addition to paid vacation, compensated sick time, hazardous duty retirement, job security, free college for FOP members and immediate family, and full time sworn peace officer status. For more information go to louisvilleky.gov/government/corrections.

Learn a new language FREE with your library card!

LFPL now offers Transparent Language, an online language learning tool with more than 100 languages, including ESL/ELL. Explore a new language from home, at the library, or on the go using any Internet-connected device.

To learn more about all of LFPL's language learning resources, go to LFPL.org/Language

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! 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

April 2 - Pop-Up Drop-Off at Sun Valley Ball Field

April 2 - Community Health and Wellness Fair

Kentucky Science Center 

Register now for Kentucky Science Center summer camps

Register at the Kentucky Science Center's website. 

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. 

March 16 - Neighbor meeting re 1607 Orchard Avenue

March 28 - Neighbor meeting regarding 3007 Ashview Terrace

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-CFR-0023, 1100 Trevilian Way, a Community Facility Review for a proposed 1800-square-foot building on 95.46 acres in the R5 zoning district. MetaZoo Office Bungalow. 

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-0087, 2020 Bashford Manor Lane, a District Development Plan for a building expansion. Walmart Fulfillment Center. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

21-WAIVER-0112, 4819 Poplar Level Road, a request for a Landscape Waiver to the required 35-foot landscape buffer along the northwestern property line on 1.41 acres in the CM Zoning District. Louisville Countertop. 

21-MVARIANCE-0003, 4819 Poplar Level Road, a Modified Variance to allow encroachment into the 25-foot building setback on 1.41 acres in the CM Zoning District. Louisville Countertop.

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-MPLAT-0195, 3626 Breckenridge Lane, a Minor Subdivision Plat to create 3 tracts from 1 and dedicate right-of-way on 1.61 acres in the R-4 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.

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. 

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.

1200 Hodel Road:

21-WAIVER-0140, 1200 Hodel Road, a waiver to reduce the required vehicular use area on 1.45 acres in the M-3 Zoning district.

21-MCUP-0006, 1200 Hodel Road, a Modified Conditional Use Permit to add to an existing athletic facility on 1.45 acres in the M-3 Zoning district.

19-WAIVER-0016, 4500 Champions Trace Lane, a sidewalk waiver request for requirement along Champions Trace Lane. 

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.  

21-WAIVER-0113, 3938 Poplar Level Road, a Waiver to allow a proposed changing image sign to be closer than 300 feet to a residential use. Holy Family. 

21-WAIVER-0113, 3938 Poplar Level Road, a Waiver to allow a proposed changing image sign to be closer than 300 feet to a residential use. Holy Family. 

Short term rental cases

22-CUPPA-0035 , 3007 Ashview Terrace, a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed short term rental on .152 acres in the R5 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.

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. An 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.

Driver licensing

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. 

You are receiving this email because you have signed up for the E-News or have contacted my office for assistance. If you would like to be removed from this communication please email Sara Feltner with "REMOVE" in the subject line.