First, I have been in direct contact with Mayor Greenberg and his interim policy Chief.  So far they are both prioritizing public safety including working to improve homicide clearance rates and tackle the gang violence plague in our city.  Second, I have called for a meeting with LMPD and JCPS security to work on better cooperation and operating models which can help prevent violence in our communities and in our schools.  It is clear that there is a lack of information exchange between our school system and those who serve and protect in our communities.  Without deep cooperation, we can’t get ahead of the problem.

I joined Mayor Greenberg and his team in Frankfort to meet with a bipartisan group of state legislators to discuss juvenile justice in Louisville.  That resulted in a recent announcement that the legislature will look to fund and reopen the juvenile justice facility in Louisville.  While the state will operate it, the city will partner with additional service to rehabilitate these children as almost all of them are released at some point and we want them released with a new direction for their lives.  These are some of the actions I have taken just this year but public safety will continue to be my top priority while I am in office.

Finally, there continues to be a series of land development cases in District 19 which many constituents have concerns with.  I can’t stress enough that you must be a part of the process by submitting concerns and information to the applicable case manager if the planning commission or Council is to have any ability to scrutinize the project.  When the planning commission or Council reviews a case, we are only able to review the information on the record.  Once the record is closed, even if you bring new information that is true and accurate, I can’t use that in any legal decision-making process.  Please stay engaged in this process so your voice is heard. You can sign up for notifications by click this link: Notifications | LouisvilleKY.gov

I do have a Coffee with your Councilman tomorrow at 9AM in the meeting room at the Middletown Branch Library.  Please consider stopping by to talk and share information about what is going on in our city and community.  I hope to see you then.

Humbly Yours,

Anthony Piagentini

Public Meetings/Notices

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Wild Lights: Around the World Tickets on Sale February 1

Featuring New Lanterns Inspired by Unique Global Sites

The Louisville Zoo is excited to announce the return of one of the largest lantern festivals in the nation, Wild Lights: Around the World, March 10 through May 21, 2023. Tickets will be on sale at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 1 at louisvillezoo.org/wildlights.

With an almost entirely new lineup of lanterns, guests will be able to see sights from around the world on their 1.4-mile excursion through the Zoo. Famous landmarks, flora and fauna from North and South America, Africa, Europe, Australia and Asia will be highlighted in six different zones. As families venture through the Zoo’s pathways each evening, they will experience hand-crafted, illuminated art displays comprised of silk-covered, metal frames and LED lightbulbs. The event will feature over 50,000 LED lightbulbs, 18 interactive displays, 8 animated lanterns and 10 light changing pieces that together present a spectacular feast for the eyes. A few lantern highlights include a walk-through cobra corridor, giant blue morpho butterfly, and a 9-foot, shark-themed photo opportunity. Other lanterns to look forward to include the Statue of Liberty, Sydney Opera House, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Hall of Supreme Harmony and so much more!

This 46-night immersive experience features live cultural performances including Chinese folk dances, acrobatics and more. There will also be unique handcrafted goods available for purchase along with snacks and cocktails by Service Systems Associates (SSA) – the Zoo’s food and amenity vendor.

Wild Lights is in partnership with Stewart Promotions and Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc., an international event design company.

The event is wheelchair and stroller-friendly on a paved path. The festival is a rain or shine event and will be held 6:30 – 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday nights from March 10 – May 21, 2023 and nightly from March 30 – April 9, 2023. 

PRICING

Early Bird pricing available March 10 – 31, 2023. General admission is $20, Louisville Zoo members receive $17 discounted admission. Children 2 and under are free and do not require a ticket. Family Four Pack tickets are available for $65; Zoo members may purchase the Family Four Pack at a discounted rate of $55. Family Four Pack ticket holders must enter the event together. Tickets are available for purchase in advance online only.

From April 1 – May 21, 2023, General admission is $22, Louisville Zoo members receive $19 discounted admission. Children 2 and under are free and do not require a ticket. Family Four Pack tickets are available for $75; Zoo members may purchase the Family Four Pack at a discounted rate of $65. Family Four Pack ticket holders must enter the event together. Tickets available for purchase in advance online only.

Regular daytime Zoo admission tickets and Wild Lights tickets must be purchased separately. Parking for this event is $7 and can be purchased in advance online during your purchase or at the Zoo admission windows. For more information, visit louisvillezoo.org.

Wild Lights: Around the World is sponsored by Bob Ray Company, LG&E and KU Foundation, Norton Children’s and Neil and Jane MacDonald

Eastern Area Community Ministries Food Pantry

Eastern Area Community Ministries (EACM) is one of 13 Louisville-based Community Ministries connecting individuals and families with the resources they need in times of crisis. One of the many ways they help is by providing food. According to their most recent annual report, EACM provides food to more than 100 families every month. Currently, however, they are low on a few things. If you'd like to help, the items below are the greatest need this month:

• Dish soap
• Laundry detergent
• 4-5 T Pull-up diapers
• Fruit juices
• Spaghetti sauce
• Diced tomatoes  

Report Potholes

We need your help reporting potholes, use one of the methods below:

1. Use an online form by clicking here.
2. Use Twitter by sending the location of the hole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole.
3. Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues.
4. You can also call my office at 574-1119 or email chanelle.smith@louisvilleky.gov and we'll turn it in on your behalf.

To report a pothole on an interstate in Jefferson County, go to the “contact us” dropdown menu and select “report a hazard” on KYTC’s website http://transportation.ky.gov or click here.

Guidelines for Calling the Police

New Kentucky Drivers License Info

Find the Latest Crime & Safety Info from LMPD

Crime Trends from Louisville Metro Police  Click here and view our interactive crime mapping tool. Save it in your favorites, it's updated daily. Forward this email to your friends and family!  Or use the crime mapping iPhone app: https://louisville-police.org/186/Crime-Mapping 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.

Join a Board or Commission

If you are interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards and Commissions, now is the time to start. By being a part of a board or commission, you will offer your time and your talents 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 applications, please visit Interested in serving on a board or commission? | LouisvilleKY.gov