Councilwoman
Paula McCraney
Majority Caucus Chairwoman
601 W. Jefferson Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 574-1107
Click Here to Email Councilwoman McCraney:
Visit the District 7 Website
Follow Councilwoman McCraney on Facebook and Twitter:
@PaulaMcCraneyD7
Phone Numbers
of Interest
WeiAir Pollution: 574-6000
Animal Services: 363-6609 or 361-1318
Anonymous Tipline:
574-LMPD (5673)
Brightside: 574-2613
Jefferson County Clerk's Office: 574-5700
Legal Aid: 584-1254
Metro Call: 311 or 574-5000
Metro Parks: 574-7275
Metro Police: (Non Emergency) 574-7111 or 574-2111
Metro Safe: 572-3460
or 574-7111
MSD: 587-0603
PARC: 569-6222
Poison Control: 589-8222
Property Valuation Administration: 502-574-6380
Public Works: 574-5810
Solid Waste Management (SWMS): 574-3571
TARC: 585-1234
Veteran's Affairs: 595-4447
|
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
Is it me, or is it hot outside? Actually, it's both!
Lately, I have broken a sweat at the first sign of heat, and once I break a sweat, it is hard to recover. Try as I might, I cannot cool down until I get by an air conditioner or in a pool of cool water. Last week during the press conference to announce our permanent police chief, I stepped up to the podium in a full-on sweat. Why? Because one, it was sweltering in the room and on stage under the beaming lights, and two, the mayor and the chief entered the room without me in tow right behind them. Someone stopped me to talk, and the mayor was getting on the stage before I knew it. What did I do? Walk briskly to catch up. What was the result? I broke a sweat! Ugh!! As I spoke, the sweat decided to debut, and all the television stations captured the moment. Again, ugh!
Lately, most of what I have been doing has required me to be in an environment without an air conditioner or outside. For instance, on Wednesday, I moderated a panel discussion about the DOJ report, and the event was held at the Louisville Zoo. I LOVE our Zoo. But if you can recall, Wednesday was one of the hottest days of the year, and the humidity was off the charts. The event was held in the Gheens Room (no air conditioning because it's the Zoo!), but the room was not the problem; it included several large industrial fans. The problem for me was the walk from the car to the Gheens Room - in a dress and heels. As I passed Zoo visitors, I received several puzzled looks. I would have wondered, too, why a person was visiting the Zoo in 100-degree weather wearing a dress and heels. It was, I'm sure, a sight for sore eyes. I survived, though, and eventually cooled off. The panel discussion was fantastic, and it was an honor to be in the company of the 2023 Leadership Kentucky participants and serve on the panel with three dynamic professionals (see picture below).
 |
Major Emily McKinley, LMPD; Jessical Malloy, Assistant United States Attorney; David Kaplan, Chief of Staff and General Counsel in the Greenberg Administration; and me.
My next experience with the heat was Saturday from 9 a.m. - noon. Several of my Metro Council colleagues and I toured various affordable housing developments that the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) agency has made significant investments in. Of course, the Louisville Metro Government invests millions of dollars each year into the Trust Fund and the Metro Council endorses the investments when we approve the budget. Last year from the American Rescue Plan funds, we appropriated $40 million to the AHTF, and this year from the budget, $15 million was appropriated.
|
 |
THANKS, GO TO TARC, for providing the transportation for our tours, and a huge THANK YOU goes to Christie McCravy (pictured here) for riding along with us and providing us with information about the various AHTF projects. We learned a lot!
In January, when I was elected as the Majority Caucus chairwoman, I introduced the concept of tours throughout the city for Council members. I think it is important for us to understand all parts of the community and visit the organizations and projects we fund through the budget approval process. To date, we have toured Districts 5 and 15. It was amazing to compare and contrast the differences between the two districts and learn about their significant developments, infrastructure needs, and rich history. Saturday's tour was a bit different. We targeted affordable housing developments in groundbreaking stages, in progress, or completed and move-in ready. The tour was informative and enlightening, and you can rest assured that your tax dollars are being smartly invested through the AHTF. Many families can afford a home and take better care of their children, health, and finances with investments in affordable housing. Taking this tour was worth being in the heat off and on for three hours.
The next tour will be a combined trip through Districts 7 and 17. While visiting our district, my colleagues will see the VA Medical Center construction site, the Bull Run development, and the new home planned for Paul's Fruit Market, stop at TopGolf, and eat at Joe's Older Than Dirt Bar & Grill. And each time the bus crosses over to different home rule cities, I will be sure to point out the town and tell a fun fact about it. Did you know that District 7 has 19 home rule cities? Can you name them?
|
 |
On July 27, 2023, the Louisville Metro Council held a regularly scheduled Council meeting. Here are some of the highlights from the meeting.
Special Recognitions and Proclamations
- Mayor Greenberg presented a proclamation and the winning VIP Trophy to the reigning champions of the Brightside Volleyball Classic – Metro Council vs. Mayor’s Office.
Consent Calendar
- Item 33 – R-072-23: Approved a resolution naming a new park at 1327 West Muhammad Ali Blvd as “New Walnut Street Park”.
- Item 36 – R-076-23: Approved a resolution determining a portion of real property located at 720 West Jefferson Street (Metro Youth Detention Center) as surplus and not needed for the governmental purposes of Metro Government and authorizing its transfer.
- Item 37 – O-153-23: an ordinance amending Chapter 72 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances relating to Metro Government Tow Lot authority and fees.
Old Business
- Item 25 – R-074-23: Passed a resolution urging all employers in Jefferson County to adopt flexible scheduling practices for those employees affected by the Jefferson County Public Schools Start Smart Start Times policy.
- Item 40 – O-143-23: Passed an ordinance appropriating $7,500 from neighborhood development funds to St. Joseph Catholic Orphan Society for public safety costs associated with the St. Joe’s 174th Annual Picnic.
- Item 41 – O-152-23: Passed an ordinance appropriating $11,000 from neighborhood development funds to Metro Parks for the costs associated with Iroquois Amphitheatre free movie nights during the 2023 season.
Held at Council
- Item 42 – O-072-23: An ordinance imposing a temporary moratorium on conditional use permit applications for short term rentals and new registrations for short term rentals in Louisville Metro pending a review and recommended changes by the Planning Commission.
Thursday's Council meeting and attachments may be viewed online here: https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal, and on the Louisville Metro Council Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil/.
The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is on August 10, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
 |
STAY COOL
Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
Stay Cool Indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
- Keep in mind: Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.
Pace Yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you’re not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
Wear Sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.
-
Tip: Look for sunscreens that say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels- these products work best.
Do Not Leave Children in Cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of getting a heat stroke or dying. When traveling with children, remember to do the following:
- Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
- To remind yourself that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver.
- When leaving your car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car. Do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car.
Avoid Hot and Heavy Meals: They add heat to your body!
|
STAY INFORMED
Check for Updates: Check your local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips and to learn about any cooling shelters in your area.
Know the Signs: Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.
Use a Buddy System: When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day.
Content source: National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
|
Cooling centers at Metro Government facilities
Louisville Metro Government has several locations available for community members without air conditioning or in need of a place to escape the heat. The various cooling centers will be operating during their normal business hours. They include:
-
Neighborhood Place – Eight Neighborhood Place locations throughout Louisville will serve as cooling relief centers for those needing to get out of the heat. To find the nearest location, call Metro311 or 502-574-5000 or click here.
-
Community Centers – Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation's 14 community centers throughout the city will be open as cooling centers during regular operating hours. Some community centers also partner with Dare to Care Food Bank to offer the Kids Cafe program to give free evening meals to children 18 and under. To see a full list of Kids Cafe sites, click here.
-
Louisville Free Public Library – 17 LFPL sites are open during regular hours and can serve as a respite from the heat. For locations, click here.
-
Senior Nutrition Sites – The Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition Program operates 14 congregate sites for seniors 60 and older that provide a nutritious lunchtime meal and activities at air-conditioned facilities. For a list of sites and hours, or to reserve a lunch, click here.
Pools, splashpads and spraygrounds
Louisville Metro Parks outdoor pools will be open during regular hours during the heatwave. Additionally, Metro Parks has over 30 splashpads and spraygrounds open and operating from dawn until dusk. A complete list of Metro Parks pools and splashpads can be found here.
Keep an eye on air quality
Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District is reminding residents that even small increases in heat can increase the likelihood of unhealthy air. During the weekend heatwave, they recommend anyone with concerns over air quality to remember to check live air quality conditions at https://airqualitymap.louisvilleky.gov.
|
Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Jefferson County
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) has found mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in surveillance traps in the Iroquois area. To help prevent infection and reduce the mosquito population, mosquito fogging will take place this week in the 40214 ZIP code.
To learn more, click here.
|
 |
The Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services joins with Community Action Agencies across the state to begin accepting applications for the 2023 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Subsidy Cooling Component and the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). These federally funded programs are designed to help offset the cost of higher utility bills. Applications will be accepted through September 22 or until funds are depleted.
Applicants for the LIHEAP Summer Subsidy and LIHWAP program 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 $3,750).
The LIHEAP Summer Subsidy component provides households a one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $250 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 (LG&E).
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, or LIHWAP program, also provides a one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $100 depending on income levels.
For more descriptions about LIHEAP income eligibility and other instructions, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP. Residents may also call the automated LIHEAP information line at 502/991-8391 or visit www.louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.
Individuals who require more information can contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or (502) 574-5000, email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov, tweet @LouMetro311, Web: louisvilleky.gov/tell311, or download the free Mobile Louisville Metro 311 app from the website. Residents can also call Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 help referral service.
|
 |
The Louisville Division of Fire is now hiring for the position of Fire Recruit. Click here to apply!
The Deadline to apply is August 11th, 2023.
You can find more information about the position, benefits and hiring process here: Become a Firefighter
Having issues with high grass, illegal parking, street repairs, or other Code Enforcement concerns in the community? Contact 311!
Metro311 Service Request Information
- Submit a Service Request in the online system.
-
Only service requests for the past 30 days will be accessible in the system. If you need information on an older request, please call Metro 311 for status.
-
To receive email notifications of the status of your service request you must have an account and you must have included your email address when you created your account. You can create a new account and report a new issue.
- Not all issues you put a service request in for require you to login. Some issues may be submitted anonymously, such as reporting a pothole and property maintenance cases, for instance. But having an account will allow you to track the progress and status of the request.
- The outlined or highlighted area on the map indicates the area which is serviced by Louisville Metro Government.
If you do not see a category which corresponds to your issue, please call Metro311 at 311.
To read about the most recent VA Medical Center construction events, go to:
https://www.va.gov/louisville-health-care/programs/new-robley-rex-va-medical-center
To request weekly updates about the construction events, send an email requesting updates to: LOUVAMCCONSTRUCTION@USACE.ARMY.MIL
For ALL construction-related inquiries, please email:
LOUVAMCCONSTRUCTION@USACE.ARMY.MIL
Check us out on social media:
Metro Louisville now has an interactive map that will allow you to see what is happening in your neighborhood as well as others across the city. The map updates daily and if you choose you can receive alerts for your area by subscribing using the red receive alerts button on the page. Click here to try it out: Interactive Map to Track Crime.
Message from the LMPD 8th Division
Please make note of the below tips to help make sure theft doesn't happen to you.
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices and even loose change.
- Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.
- Always lock your vehicle doors.
- Remove garage door openers from vehicles when parked outside.
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle, this includes key-fobs.
- Do not leave the windows of your vehicle open, or partially open.
- Try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
- Immediately report any suspicious person, or vehicle to (502) 574-7111.
 |
Need to dispose of unwanted bulk items? Click the link below for details regarding Pop-Up Drop-Off event dates around Louisville. Click HERE
Accepted Items:
- Up to 3 electronic items (recycled)
- Metal & appliances - no refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers or any items containing Freon (recycled)
- Up to 4 passenger tires (recycled)
- Household recyclables, follow curbside rules (recycled)
- Yard waste, follow curbside rules, wooden pallets (composted)
-
Large household items (landfilled)
- Documents for shredding (recycled)
- Prescription medication (disposed properly)
|
Stay aware of new development in your area! Sign up for Gov Delivery notifications at:
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYLOUISVILLE/subscriber/new
On January 1, 2019, a new Comprehensive Plan, called Plan 2040, went into effect. As a resident of District 7 (or any district in Louisville), it is important to review the Comprehensive Plan if you are interested in development that is proposed for the neighborhood. The Comprehensive Plan is the guidepost for all development, and the Planning Commission must use it as one of the guiding principles and tools for making decisions regarding the approval or denial of a neighborhood development project.
Read The Comprehensive Plan (Plan 2040)
The Comprehensive Plan is representative of over 6,000 voices, including Metro staff, an advisory committee, and resident volunteers. The Advisory Committee, made up of diverse representatives from neighborhood and community organizations as well as development and business interests, finalized its recommended goals, objectives, and policies on February 21, 2018.
On April 16, 2018, the Planning Commission recommended the Comprehensive Plan for approval. The document was then reviewed by the Metro Council as well as 12 local municipalities with zoning authority for formal adoption. Those 12 local municipalities are: Anchorage, Douglass Hills, Graymoor-Devondale, Hurstbourne, Indian Hills, Jeffersontown, Lyndon, Middletown, Prospect, Shively, St. Matthews, and St. Regis Park.
Louisville Metro Council livestreams all of its regular meetings and committee meetings on Facebook Live.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here.
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
To watch the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Click Below to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc.
Click here for more info.
Click below to read the social media policy of the Louisville Metro Council:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/louisville-metro-council-social-media-public-comment-policy.
District 7 Disclaimer: By taking part in District 7 events, you grant Councilwoman Paula McCraney full rights to use the images resulting from photograph/video filming. Councilwoman McCraney will have the right to any reproductions or adaptations of the images for inclusion in her e-Newsletter or other Council publications. This might include, but is not limited to, the right to use them in printed and online materials, social media and news releases.
If you do not wish to be photographed, please Contact Us prior to the event.
|
