Louisville is back in the 'yellow' COVID-19 community level category

COVID-19 infections are increasing in Jefferson County with 1,771 new cases reported last week. The latest data has landed Louisville back in the “medium” or “yellow” COVID-19 community level category. The CDC recommends residents in counties in the “medium” risk category to do the following: Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you are showing symptoms. Talk to your health care provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions if you are at high risk for severe illness. The CDC is also recommending that travelers wear a well-fitting mask in public transportation areas.

June 7, 8 & 9 - Bench Warrant Amnesty Court

Monday is the deadline for 2022 Property Assessment appeals

Updated property assessment notices have been sent for Area 6 and the other areas shown above. Area 6 includes Heritage Creek, Hollow Creek, Lynnview, Poplar Hills, Spring Mill, Watterson Park and West Buechel.

Property owners until 4 p.m. May 16 to contest or appeal their property assessment from the Jefferson County PVA by participating in the Online Conference process.

Assistance by telephone is available. Call 574-6224 for an appointment.

PVA staff will be available to assist property owners in person with the Online Conference at Northeast and South Central Library Branches, weekdays through May 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Go to the PVA website for more information.

Mothers Day at the Zoo, indeed! 

The Louisville Zoo is celebrating Mother’s Day with their own baby boom – a harbor seal birth as well as zebra and giraffe pregnancies. Tonie, a 20-year-old harbor seal, gave birth to her first pup — on her birthday. Harbor seal Oscar is the father. The Zoo is also excited to announce giraffe Kianga and zebra Azizi are both expectant mothers. The seal pup and mom are doing well. Louisville Zoo keepers report that mom is attentive and showing good maternal care. Vocal and active, the pup even swam within a few hours of her birth. Since Tonie is a first-time mom, the Zoo is taking extra precautions to prevent any disruption of the bonding period with her pup. Mom and pup will remain off exhibit for several weeks while the two bond and until the pup is weaned and eating fish. For now, guests can follow the journey of Tonie and her pup live on the Zoo’s seal cam at louisvillezoo.org/sealcam.

Hello to Jingga, the Zoo's newest Sumatran tiger

The zoo also recently welcomed Jingga, an 11-year-old female Sumatran tiger, from the Topeka Zoo. Her keepers say that she seems to enjoy water a lot, so if guests see a tiger in the streams at Islands it is most likely Jingga. Sumatran Tigers are listed as critically endangered on the International Union of Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species due to habitat loss from the expansion of palm oil plantations. It is estimated that there are fewer than 400 in the remnant wild. Sumatran tigers are the smallest of the tiger subspecies and are found only on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia.

Metro Council Budget Committee hearings

Louisville Metro Council’s Budget Committee started budget hearings Monday for the proposed 2022-2023 Capital and Operating Budgets. The Committee will review the proposal over the months of May and June. This year, more than 37 hours of hearings have been scheduled with dozens of Metro agencies, and two hearings are specifically dedicated to public comment. Public Input: The public will have two different ways to participate in the budget process and share their thoughts. First, an online form for written comments is available now on the Metro Council website. The written comments will close on June 3 at 5 p.m. Second, the Committee’s schedule will include two opportunities for the public to speak about the budget in person at City Hall. (A virtual option through WebEx will also be available.) May 18 at 6 p.m. (To participate in-person or virtually, speakers must sign up using a link on the Metro Council website. The link will be active on May 17 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.) June 2 at 6 p.m. (To participate in-person or virtually, speakers must sign up using a link on the Metro Council website. The link will be active on June 1 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.) Information and guidance for speaking at the Committee Public Hearings can be found here.  All applicants for External Agency funding who wish to speak about their applications or funding are strongly encouraged to speak on May 18. (It is not required and only one speaker from each organization will be allowed.)

Highlights of the 2023 budget hearing schedule:

• Office of Inspector General – Monday, May 16 at 4 p.m.
• Public Health & Wellness – Wednesday, May 18 at 4 p.m.
• Office for Safe & Healthy Neighborhoods – Monday, May 23 at 3 p.m.
• Metro Corrections – Tuesday, May 24 at 2 p.m.
• LMPD – Tuesday, May 24 at 3 p.m.
• Resilience & Community Services – Wednesday, May 25 at 4 p.m.
• Louisville Forward, to include Economic Development, Develop Louisville, Codes & Regulations and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund – Thursday, May 26 at 2:30 p.m.
• Public Works, to include Solid Waste Management Services – Monday, June 6 at 3 p.m.
• Louisville Fire – Tuesday, June 7 at 4 p.m.
• Louisville Free Public Library – Tuesday, June 7 at 5 p.m.
• Parks & Recreation - Tuesday, June 8 at 5 p.m.
• Metro Council Meeting to Adopt FY 23 Budget – Thursday, June 23 at 6 p.m.

Read the complete schedule of meetings here. 

The public may watch all meetings live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, on UVERSE at Channel 99, or on Facebook. Proceedings may also be streamed live from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page.  

Eviction Relief Fund providing additional rental assistance funds

Metro Louisville has exhausted all rental assistance funds allocated through American Rescue Funds in March.

However, Jefferson County tenants and landlords can apply for rental assistance through Team Kentucky’s Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund. 

Seeking public input for the Commission on Gender Equity

The Office for Women is seeking public input on the future Commission on Gender Equity to address issues impacting women. We want to hear your perspective on issues impacting women and gender equity across Louisville and Jefferson County.

Fill out the Community Survey to share your thoughts on the greatest needs/issues of gender equity and women in Louisville: https://louisvilleky.wufoo.com/forms/z1p8f8x1y6y6cx/

Enrollment now open for Spring LIHEAP Subsidy Cooling Component

Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services joins with Community Action Agencies across the state to begin accepting applications for the 2022 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Spring Subsidy Cooling Component. This federally-funded program is designed to help offset the cost of higher electric bills due to rising temperatures. Applications will be accepted now through June 17, or until funds are depleted. Applicants for the Spring LIHEAP must be residents of Jefferson County with a household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (e.g. for a household of four, the gross monthly income cannot exceed $3,469.00).  The Spring LIHEAP Subsidy component provides households a one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $200 depending on income levels and housing category. Residents can apply regardless of the status of their utility bills. The benefit amount is paid directly to the electric vendor (i.e. LG&E). Jefferson County residents wishing to apply must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. The toll-free service is currently open and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Read here about LIHEAP income eligibility and other instructions.

Join the new Complete Streets Coalition

Louisville Metro Government’s Department of Public Works is recruiting members for the recently established Complete Streets Coalition. The coalition was created through amendments to Louisville Metro’s Complete Streets Ordinance. These amendments require the formation of a committee which will have the defined and unique function of reviewing public projects to ensure Metro roadways are designed with consideration of all users, which will make our district safer, healthier, and more economically vibrant. This coalition plans to meet monthly for one to two hours once formed. If you are interested in joining, please send your name, email address, and phone number to Nate Keltch at Nathan.keltch@louisvilleky.gov.

KYTC road work around District 10

U.S. 31E (Buechel Bypass): Right lane closure over the Norfolk Southern Railroad (mile point 10.4) due to findings from a routine inspection in 2021. It’s not an active construction zone, and the affected area isn’t visible while driving over the bridge. KYTC has secured the money and has a signed agreement with the railroad to perform the necessary repair work. A bid opening is scheduled for May 26 for the bridge repair. Once the contractor is selected, they will need to get a separate agreement with the railroad. There is no completion date set for the project at this time. Motorists can use Bardstown Road as a detour.

Preston Corridor Transit Survey - share your feedback

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 the Preston Corridor Plan Community Input for Enhanced Transit Survey. Learn more about the Preston Corridor planning project.

Yard waste collection now weekly 

The Solid Waste Management department's yard waste collection has resumed on a weekly schedule. Recycling collection continues every other week. Use the Recycle Coach app to stay informed!

Three ways to report potholes

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.

Report a litterer

Help bring a Buffalo Trail sculpture to 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. Learn more and donate today. Above, the St. Joseph Neighborhood Association's banner along Preston Highway.

Louisville’s Senior Nutrition Program provides Congregate Nutrition Sites and Meals on Wheels, needs volunteers

Meals on Wheels is available to qualified seniors in Jefferson County, 60 years or older, who are homebound with no one available to help prepare meals.Call 574-6325 to begin the qualification process. The senior congregate sites for more active seniors, 60 and older, can be found by calling the same number above or by signing up at the RCS page. Sites require a one-day advanced reservation. The Senior Nutrition Program seeks volunteers all year long to help in a variety of capacities. Part-time nutrition center supervisors are also needed to help with ordering meals and supplies, training volunteers and organizing activities for seniors. For more information, call 574-6420.

Assistance 

Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services is accepting appointments for the 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. Jefferson County residents meeting eligibility can call the automated scheduler at 991-8391 or schedule online.

Drops of Kindness Program
For customers who may still have an outstanding balance, Louisville Water has the Drops of Kindness Program, which offers flexible, no-interest payment plans and additional help from community agencies through the Louisville Water Foundation. Read more about the program or call 583-6610.

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

If you're behind on your Louisville Water Company or Louisville MSD bill due to the pandemic, apply for assistance or visit your local community ministry. Read more.

Eviction Prevention Assistance - call 308-3344 or get information on appointments. This rental assistance is for those financially impacted by COVID-19,  Call Metro United Way's 2-1-1 to locate the ministry nearest you.

The Team Kentucky Homeowner Assistance Fund is a program that can help homeowners impacted by the pandemic rebound and avoid foreclosure. Qualifying homeowners can 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. 

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.

Louisville Water Company water meter replacement continues 

From LWC: Louisville Water is in 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 above shows where LWC will be working and includes Barret Avenue, Bates Court, Baxter Avenue, Castlewood Avenue, Castlewood Dell, Dahlia Drive, Eastern Parkway, Ellison Avenue, Hawthorn Hill, Royal Avenue, and Summit Avenue. 

As part of our ongoing mission to provide the highest quality water and service, Louisville Water will upgrade the water meter at no cost to you. Meter upgrades will take place Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

We will knock on your door before work begins. Water will be turned off for a short period, usually less than 30 minutes. We will also leave a note on your door when we finish.

Louisville Water contractor, Grid One Solutions, will do most of the meter upgrades. Their vehicles will have an orange and black Grid One logo and Louisville Water contractor signs. All workers will have Grid One identification badges. Read more information on the project.

Louisville Metro Animal Services

Cat of the Week: Pancake All adoptions are free during the Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty-the-Shelter event, which ends May 15! Pancake is a very friendly and sweet senior at approximately seven years old. He’s already neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Meet all adoptable cats at LMAS from noon to 6 p.m. daily at Animal House Adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road. View all the adoptable cats at LMAS,

Dog of the Week: Trainwreck Terry #EmptytheShelters returns to Animal House Adoption Center with adoption fees waived through May 15! Trainwreck Terry's ticket is free and he's on track to find love. The very friendly and spunky one-year-old weighs about 40 pounds. He's already neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Dog and cat testing are available by request. To meet or adopt Trainwreck Terry, visit Animal House.

District 10 events

May 14 - German-American Club Maifest Biergarten

Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. join the German-American Club for Maifest! This free, family-friendly event will have an outdoor grill cooking up some bratwurst and kraut for you to enjoy with your fresh Maibock! There will even be a petting zoo for the kids! Later that evening, from 6 to 10 p.m., enjoy even more great German foods, brews, and live music! The German-American Club is at 1840 Lincoln Avenue.

Starting tomorrow - Butterflies 'n' Blooms returns to Louisville Zoo

Butterflies are back! The Zoo’s Butterflies n’ Blooms exhibit opens Saturday, May 14 and runs through Sunday, September 18. This seasonal exhibit is free with Zoo admission or membership and is open daily 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weather permitting. The exhibit is in collaboration with Idlewild Butterfly Farm. Visitors will be able to walk amongst hundreds of native butterflies sipping nectar from colorful flowers in our 1,000-square-foot outdoor flight house. Butterfly and plant identification signs will help guests interpret what they are seeing. Inside the exhibit, guests can also learn about and witness the lifecycle of the butterfly from caterpillar to chrysalid to butterfly. Visitors to the Zoo will see a variety of butterfly species over the course of the summer including monarchs, red admirals, painted ladies, several species of swallowtails, buckeyes, commas, question marks, orange sulphurs and red spotted purples. See a list of all butterfly species that may be in the exhibit during the season along with photos, tips on helping butterflies, why pollinators and bugs are beneficial, and lots more.

May 21 - Touch-A-Truck at the Zoo for National Public Works Week

May 21 - Julius Caesar in Joe Creason Park 

While Emerson Park is now in District 15, we want to share that the performance of Julius Caesar will be Sunday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. at 1100 Sylvia Street.

The full schedule is here. 

Louisville Nature Center 

Birding by Ear, May 28, 10 a.m. to noon. Birds are musicians of the natural world. Without their diverse calls and songs, the forest would be a much quieter place. On this guided hike, Luke will focus on identifying bird species by the sounds they make and discuss behaviors associated with their call. You’ll come away from this hike with the knowledge needed to identify common bird species found in Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve. Binoculars recommended.

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

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!

LNC Summer Camps nearly sold out.

Don’t miss out on the fun! Click here to learn more about LNC's summer camp! 

Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo through June 5

The Louisville Zoo is again hosting one of the largest lantern festivals in the nation — Wild Lights—through June 5. Tickets are 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 through June 5.

Free 5K run/walk every Saturday morning at Joe Creason Park

The Joe Creason parkrun is a free 5K that meets every Saturday morning at Joe Creason Park. Come join your friends and neighbors - parkrun is family and dog friendly and you can walk, jog or run or volunteer. More information can be found at parkrun.us/joecreason. They're also on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Louisville Metro news

Update on recycling cart efforts

From Public Works: Starting this week our crews are not collecting recycling from the old 18-gallon bins. We understand that some residents have reported stolen recycling carts, missing recycling carts, or requested carts that have not been delivered yet. Our team is working diligently to fulfill requests, but we can see that the requests outnumber our inventory. Staff will prioritize based on situation and need. Due to the low inventory, online purchasing of recycling and garbage carts has been turned off. Per ordinance, any garbage or recycling that is not set out in a Metro-issued cart must be contained in a 30- to 40-gallon container with handles, lid, and marked RECYCLING or GARBAGE. We provide stickers for these containers and they can be picked up Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 600 Meriwether Avenue.  Residents may also use the drop-off recycling dumpsters throughout the county. These are marked on a map at Louisvilleky.gov/RecycleMap.

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. Read more about resources for your business and 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.

Are you ready to vote?

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, 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. 

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. Request an AARP Friendly Voices Call here or phone 1-888-281-0145.

Louisville Metro events

May 14 - Louisville Free Public Library’s annual How-To Festival  

After a two-year hiatus, the Louisville Free Public Library’s annual How-To Festival is back for its ninth year! Taking place on the second Saturday in May, How-To is an annual tradition for thousands of Louisvillians looking for something entertaining, interactive, and educational to do after Derby is over.

While the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the cancelation of the festival the last two years, LFPL is excited to once again offer attendees the chance to learn how-to-do more than 50 different things in five hours, all for free. From learning how to be a circus performer to canning your own vegetables to making amazing cake sculptures, “how-to” sessions cover a range of skills taught by local experts.

This year’s festival includes a mix of past favorites—how to do Tai Chi, homebrew beer, or grow delicious tomatoes—along with new lessons, such as how to make and decorate tasty dog treats, perform modern dance, and create digital music. Other timely topics include how to plan a cross-country trip in an electric vehicle and how to buy and sell a home in a crazy market. And thanks to a partnership with the Louisville Urban Agriculture Coalition, How-To will once again feature three gardening tents with classes presented by Urban Ag member groups, including Kentuckiana Beekeepers, Wild Ones, and Master Gardeners.

The How-To Festival takes place on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Main Library, 301 York Street. Sessions will be located in more than 15 areas throughout the building and surrounding grounds, transforming the entire library into a giant classroom. Food trucks will be onsite.

For more information, including the growing list of how-to sessions, visit LFPL.org/how-to. A complete schedule with times and locations will be finalized soon.

May 14 - Louisville Grows Seeds & Starts Sale

Louisville Grows last spring Seeds & Starts Sale is May 14. The Seeds & Starts Sale is a fundraiser for Louisville Grows' Community Garden Grant program, which supports community gardens each year in and around Louisville. The sale offers low-cost vegetables, herbs, flowers (up-potted and grown from seed by volunteers) as well as fruit trees and berry bushes. The sale is May 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1639 Portland Avenue.

May 14 - next Citizens SYNC UP Book Club

May 21 - MindFEST Mental Health Festival

Louisville will host its first MindFEST, an event that puts a spotlight on the importance on wellness during Mental Health Awareness Month. The free community mind-strengthening event will be infused with music, food, entertainment, art, yoga, vendors, panel discussions and more. It will also encourage community engagement around mental health topics, connect people with resources and decrease the overall stigma of mental health. MindFEST will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 21 at Roots 101 African American History Museum, 124 N. 1st Street.

May 21 - next Pop-Up Drop-Off event

May 27 - first Free Summer Movie Night at Iroquois Amphitheater 

Metro Councilmembers Kevin Triplett, Pat Mulvihill, Rick Blackwell, Mark Fox, Cindi Fowler, Nicole George, and Amy Holton-Stewart are sponsoring six free family movie nights throughout the summer at the Amphitheater beginning May 27 with Jungle Cruise.  Other free movie nights are:  Respect, June 6 Ghostbusters: Afterlife, June 13 Grease, June 20 Jaws, June 27 Iroquois Amphitheater live music The 2022 season kicked off with a live concert from indie rock band, Modest Mouse. Others scheduled to perform at the Amphitheater include Ben Rector, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Martina McBride, RuPaul’s Drag Race and “Weird Al” Yankovic. Four shows – My Morning Jacket, on June 24, and Billy Strings on July 22, 23, and 24 – are already sold out. The Amphitheater’s season also features live theater performances with ACT Louisville’s production of The Sound of Music which takes the stage July 15-18.  For a full list of performances and to purchase tickets, visit iroquoisamphitheater.com.

June 11 - Save the date for the Fan Giveaway

Monetary donations accepted through May 27, fan giveaway event to be held on June 11

Louisville Metro Office for Aging & Disabled Citizens (OADC) and KIPDA Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living are seeking donations to help purchase electric box fans to be distributed to those in need as the weather gets warmer. The fans will be distributed at a Fan Fair event in Louisville on June 11.

Residents, businesses, faith-based organizations, and other groups wanting to make monetary contributions can donate safely and quickly online at louisvilleky.gov/FanFair. Check and money orders are also accepted, made payable to KIPDA, Attn: Fan Fair, mailed to the address on Commonwealth Drive listed below, and postmarked by May 27.

Donations of new box fans are also welcome at one of the locations below through June 9. Drop off times for all three sites are Monday - Friday (except holidays), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• KIPDA, 11520 Commonwealth Drive, 266-5571
• OADC, Edison Center, 701 W. Ormsby Ave, 2nd floor, 574-5092
• WLKY Studio, (media sponsor),1918 Mellwood Ave, 891-4800

Questions? Contact Alli Woosley with OADC at 574-5092, or Brittney Baines with KIPDA at 266-5571. More details can also be found at www.louisvilleky.gov/fanfair or www.KIPDA.org.

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. 

May 16 - Public Hearing regarding 3007 Ashview Terrace

May 24 - Neighbor meeting regarding 1697 Cheak Street

22-CAT2-0017,  4027 Poplar Level Road, Development of the existing outlot to become a new City Barbeque Restaurant. The proposed site will have a new building (restaurant) with drive-thru, dumpster enclosure, outdoor patio, Smokers and on-site pavement for site circulation.

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. 

3232 Bardstown Road

22-LANDSCAPE-0036, 3232 Bardstown Road, a Landscape Plan. Jack in the Box. 

22-PARKWAIVER-0003, 3232 Bardstown Road, a Parking Waiver to exceed the maximum allowed parking for a restaurant. 

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. 

22-MPLAT-0045, 1213 Audubon Parkway, a Minor Plat to shift property lines on 0.6 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

22-MPLAT-0044, 4322 Milldaun Road, a Minor Plat to create two lots from one on .736 acres in the R-4 zoning district and SW form 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-CUP-0075, 3007 Ashview Terrace, a Conditional Use Permit for the Short Term Rental of a non-primary residence on .152 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

22-CUP-0066, 1607 Orchard Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit for a Short Term Rental on .14 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

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.  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.

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 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. Please email our office or call 574-1110.

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.