District 7 E-Newsletter-December 2, 2023

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Paula McCraney

Councilwoman 

Paula McCraney

President Pro-Tem

Majority Caucus Chairwoman
601 W. Jefferson Street

Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 574-1107

 

Click Here to Email Councilwoman McCraney:

Email 

 

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Visit the District 7 Website

Paula McCraney

Paula McCraney

Paula McCraney

Paula McCraney

Paula McCraney

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Follow Councilwoman McCraney on Facebook and Twitter:

@PaulaMcCraneyD7


Phone Numbers
of Interest

Air 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

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In this Issue

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Saturday, December 2nd

3-6 PM



Message From McCraney

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Hello Neighbors and Friends,

As you can see from the flyer underneath the eNewsletter banner above, we are excited about Light Up Louisville and Light Up St. Matthews. They're happening TODAY! So, put on your hat and gloves and mosey on over to enjoy the festivities, do some shopping, and be entertained by local talent. These are Louisville and St. Matthews traditions, so you won't want to miss them.

This week was Council week, and here are some of the highlights: 

Old Business

  • Passed an ordinance amending Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances Chapter 119: Registration of Rental Housing Units

Ceremonial Swearing in of Newly Elected Council Members

  • Swearing in of Councilwoman Shameka Parrish-Wright (District 3), Councilman Phillip T. Baker (District 6), and Councilman Ben Reno-Weber (District 8)

Reading of Ethics Violations Charges

  • Against District 19 Councilman Anthony Piagentini

Click here to view a recap of Thursday's Metro Council meeting. Click here https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal for meeting attachments, and click here: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil/ to view the meeting. 

On another note, this week, I  had the honor of attending the "Topping-off Ceremony" for the new Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center off Brownsboro Road. I was one of several community and state leaders who had the opportunity to sign the last steel beam placed to complete the structure of the new hospital, a huge milestone for this project. As you pass the hospital from I-264, it is clear that construction is well underway, and our veterans will soon be able to take advantage of the many services that will be offered at the new facility. It is going to be a beautiful addition to District 7 (especially when infrastructure catches up with the development). The new facility is scheduled to open in 2026. (See pictures below.)

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Councilwoman McCraney's signature is one of many that will forever be etched in history!

Signing Photo Source: Spectrum News1


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For more information about District 7's new VA medical center, click here.



Metro Council News

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Pictured below: Metro Council Members in a photo with outgoing U of L interns.

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Click here to view a recap of Thursday's Metro Council meeting.

Metro Council Committee Meetings will be held – December 4, 2023 – December 8, 2023

To watch Council meetings and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.

The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.  

If you'd like to see the complete agenda or more detail on a specific piece of legislation, click here to visit the Metro Council Clerk's website.

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.

These proceedings can also be viewed live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, or UVERSE Channel 99, or streamed live from Swagit’s page at https://louisvilleky.new.swagit.com/views/506/ (only when live) and on Facebook on the Louisville Metro Council’s page at https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil (when live and after the meeting).



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Applesauce Pouch Recall

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The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is closely following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) investigation of elevated blood lead levels in children who had reported exposure to certain brands of apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches.

The recalled applesauce pouches include:

  • WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches
  • Schnucks brand cinnamon applesauce pouches
  • Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches

There have been more than 50 reports, in multiple states, of elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in people with reported exposure to the recalled products, according to the FDA. To date, there have been no confirmed reports of elevated BLLs linked to the recalled applesauce in Kentucky; however, health officials continue to alert families, caregivers and physicians of the ongoing situation.   

Lead is toxic to humans of any age but protecting children from exposure is especially important because they are more susceptible to the harms of lead. Lead can damage a child’s brain and nervous system and impact their growth, behavior and ability to learn.

For more information, read the full alert from the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW).


Gun Violence Dashboard

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Metro government's new gun violence dashboard is live! This real-time reporting tool, a collaboration between LMPD and the Office for Safe & Healthy Neighborhoods, contains a variety of information such as where shots are fired (down to the neighborhood level), when violence is most likely to happen, and historic/comparative data from as far back as 2010.

Click here to learn more and view the dashboard. 


Cycling National Championships

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The Louisville Sports Commission is excited to announce that the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships are back at Joe Creason Park on Dec. 5-10. With more than 1,500 competitors expected to attend, this year’s event features 36 championship races where Juniors, Collegiate, Masters and Elites will be crowned.

The Sports Commission is looking for volunteers to help make the event a success. As a volunteer, you will be in the heart of the action. So, whether you have a passion for cycling or just enjoy being a volunteer, your time, energy and support are invaluable to our ability to provide our participants with a safe, organized and fun experience.

To register to volunteer, click here: https://bit.ly/3Qui5pg. For more information, contact Corbin Maynard at cmaynard@louisvillesports.org


Library Book Sale

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Soil Testing Vouchers

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The Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is offering a soils test incentive program to offset the cost for Louisville Metro residents. The SWCD will provide up to 2 vouchers per household to cover the processing fee for a standard soils test. You can fill out a voucher form in our office.

A Standard soil test is $8 per sample. Lead testing is $22 per sample. Payment is accepted by check or money order only.

Testing Instructions: Bring two cups of dry soil per sample to the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service at 4200 Gardiner View Avenue, Suite 101, Louisville, KY 40213 (inside the Jefferson County Farm Bureau building) for testing.

Do not sample:

Compost areas

Areas under the drip-line of trees

Areas close to driveways or streets



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Light Up St. Matthews!

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Saturday, December 2nd

3-6 PM

Light Up St. Matthews has been a tradition for decades for thousands of residents and visitors to the City of St. Matthews.  The annual holiday event features musical entertainment, letters to Santa, pictures with Santa, train rides, activities for the kids, and fun for the entire family.  Free cookies and hot chocolate are available for everyone to enjoy. No matter the weather, most activities are held under a big tent. The event begins at 3:00 p.m. and concludes at 6:00 p.m. when the switch is thrown and Brown Park “Lights Up” with thousands and thousands of colorful holiday lights.

The event is held at Brown Park in St. Matthews, located at the corner of Kresge Way and Browns Lane, next to Baptist Health Louisville hospital.  Free parking for the event is across from Baptist Health Louisville at 4007 and 4003 Kresge Way, with easy access to the park via a signaled crosswalk.

Get a great start to the holiday season with family, neighbors and friends, and best of all, … it’s  FREE!

The seasonal lights will stay lit nightly until after the New Year. Residents and visitors to the community are welcome to visit the park daily throughout the holiday season to enjoy the lights.


Light Up Louisville

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Light Up Louisville is a free, annual event that will kick off the holiday season in the city! We look forward once again to welcoming Louisville citizens to Downtown to welcome the REAL Santa Claus!

The Lots of Lights Parade brings holiday cheer to Jefferson Street, aka Santa Claus Lane, with dozens of brightly lit groups singing and dancing in the street!
Sign up to participate in the Lots of Lights Parade today!

The Vendor Village will take place on 6th and Jefferson Streets. The Vendor Village will feature many wonderful local food and craft vendors selling holiday goods and treats. Throughout the event you will find additional food vendors to enjoy a treat to keep you warm all evening long!

Enjoy free, live entertainment from two stages this year at Light Up Louisville! The Main Stage will be located in front Metro Hall on Jefferson Street and the Jingle Stage will be found in Jefferson Square Park. Entertainment schedules listed below:

Main Stage

4:05 p.m. Cheryl Price & Dave Seely
4:30 p.m. Sunflight
4:55 p.m. Classic Melodies
5:20 p.m. Visions of Life Outreach Ministries & Music 4 the Culture
5:40 p.m. Olivia Henken & John Logan
7:00 p.m. Classic Melodies
8:15 p.m. Soul Circus ft. Katie Mac


Holiday Party at Rodeo Drive

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Visit one of our own District 7 businesses by attending the Holiday Party at Rodeo Drive Louisville on December 14th!

When: December 14 from 5:00-8:00p.m.

Where: Rodeo Drive Louisville (2212 Holiday Manor Center)


Kentucky Derby Day Party!

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On December 6, the Museum is giving back to the community by hosting Race To 150. The FREE all-day celebration offers Derby fun for the entire family. There will be Derby-themed activities, a Derby 150 Time Capsule, happy hour & treats, live music, and even a runway fashion show with prizes!

Admission is FREE on December 6. Museum doors will be open 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Click here for the details. 


The Snowy Day & Other Stories

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When: December 8, 2023 11:00AM (Sensory Friendly Performance 12/15 @ 11:00 AM)

Where: Old Forester's Paristown Hall (724 Brent St)

Description: The wonder of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, the awe in finding a special treasure comes to life in The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats. Packed with humor and fun, this story celebrates the joy in the seasons of a child’s world. 

Based On The Books By Ezra Jack Keats:

  • The Snowy Day
  • Whistle for Willie
  • Goggles
  • A Letter to Amy

To view full details about this performance and purchase tickets, visit: https://tickets.kentuckyperformingarts.org/22454 


"Beary" Happy Holidays

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The Louisville Zoo is launching a new holiday event this year called "Quannik's Beary Happy Holiday." Throughout the month of December, areas of the Zoo will be transformed into a winter wonderland. 

Celebrate with Quannik the Polar Bear and her animal companions during the first three weekends of the month. Kids can also send letters to Santa at The Zoo's gift shop from December 1-17th! Additionally, Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with guests December 16-17, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

For a detailed schedule of animal enrichment activities planned for our beloved animals and more, visit louisvillezoo.org/bearyhappy. Activities are subject to change without notice due to weather or the needs of the animals.

Zoo Fall/Winter Hours

10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. (stay until 5 p.m.).

The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.


The Soul of Christmas

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The Soul of Christmas returns to the Brown Theatre for another Spectacular Christmas Celebration!  Featuring beautiful renditions of the holiday songs you know and love, this live musical will ignite your spirit and set your heart aglow!

Start a new family tradition and recapture your Christmas spirit this holiday season! 

Catch The Soul of Christmas at The Brown Theater from December 8-10. Click here for full details and tickets.



JUST FOR FUN

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Tease your brain by solving the riddles below.

Check your answers at the end of the newsletter. 

What can you break, even if you never pick it up or touch it?

What goes up but never comes down?

I shave every day, but my beard stays the same. What am I?

I have branches, but no fruit, trunk or leaves. What am I?



News Featured Each Week:

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Have Issues? Contact Metro311

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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. 


Kentucky Drivers License Info

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For all the details you need regarding the new drivers license please click the link below: 

drive.ky.gov | Real ID


VA Medical Center

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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:


Safety Reminder:

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crime

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.

  1. Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices and even loose change.
  2. Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.
  3. Always lock your vehicle doors.
  4. Remove garage door openers from vehicles when parked outside.
  5. Do not leave your keys in your vehicle, this includes key-fobs.
  6. Do not leave the windows of your vehicle open, or partially open.
  7. Try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
  8. Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
  9. Immediately report any suspicious person, or vehicle to (502) 574-7111.
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District Resource Officers (DRO's)

After more than 3 years the 5th Division is happy to announce we have 2 DRO's! DRO's are the "Jack of all Trades" for the community. They are our problem solvers, ambassadors, community representatives and anything else you can think of. Congratulations to Officers John Keeling and Brad Steller, your 5th Division DRO's.

They can be contacted at the links below.

Officer John Keeling

Officer Brad Steller


Pop-UP | Drop-Off

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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)

Development Plan 2040

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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.



GOVERNMENT & POLITICS INFORMATION

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Tune in to View Metro Council Meetings

city hall

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.


State Government Website Information

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Click Here for State Government Website

Click Here to:  View All Agencies


Kentucky General Assembly

general assembly

Click Below to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc.

Click here for more info.



Contact Your Congressman

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Follow Councilwoman McCraney on Social Media

Social Media

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.

Riddle Answers: 1. A promise; 2. Your age; 3. A barber; 4. A bank