In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
The Sankofa bird has always fascinated me. Sankofa is a word from Ghana that means “go back and fetch it.” The symbolic bird has its head turned backward, representing the notion that we should embrace past lessons, learn from them, and move forward. As 2023 draws to a close, I want to first take a point of personal privilege to say how grateful I am for the honor of being your Metro Council representative. I am sincerely humbled by your continued engagement, support, and encouragement. Secondly, as we usher in a new year, I want to do as the Sankofa bird suggests, look back at our past and look forward to the future by reviewing some of the accomplishments of 2023, and what will be on the horizon for 2024. This message is long, but in my opinion, informative.
To avoid scaring you away with a long message in this section, I have inserted my full message in the 'News To Use' section below. I hope you’ll take the time to read it (and the long explanation about why I voted for the One Park TIF development. It's inserted below in the Metro Council News section). You might want to get yourself a warm cup of coffee, kick back, and prepare for a good read.
Now, be it resolved that you should expect more in 2024. Happy New Year – for 366 days… Yes, 2024 is a leap year!
As I previously stated, I voted for passage of the One Park development, which included a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) clause and a promise to provide at least 10% of the approximately proposed 700 units as affordable rental units. Plus, if the units convert to condos, they, too, would be provided at an affordable rate. As most people may know, I have been a strong proponent of housing in our community. According to the Louisville Metro Government Office of Planning's housing needs assessment, Louisville needs 31,412 units of affordable housing, especially for people with the lowest income needs - 30% AMI (Area Median Income) to close the affordable gap for all Louisville residents.
WHAT IS AFFORDABLE HOUSING? Well, isn't that the million-dollar question? And I have the answer...
Generally, when some people hear the combined words "affordable housing," they think "homeless," "poor", "prefab," "Section 8,", or "slumlords." The definition of affordable housing is: Housing in which a household will pay no more than 30% of their monthly income on housing. So, regardless of someone's income, whether it's $300,000 a year or $30,000 a year, the definition is the same. For it to be affordable, the person living in a housing unit (apartment, condo, townhome, single-family home, etc.) should not pay more than 30% of their monthly income on housing costs. If that household is paying more than 30% of their income, then they are considered cost burdened. The likelihood of cost burden increases as household income decreases.
While the One Park development doesn't promise affordability for persons considered low income or at poverty level, it will offer affordability to some recent college graduate, a firefighter, a teacher, or any other middle-income wage earner who wants an option to live in a luxury unit in a progressive or "hip" neighborhood surrounding lots of amenities and attractions. The One Park development is a suburban structure that would transform the Louisville skyline and represents a $550 million investment in our city. By adding hundreds of units of housing, about 50 of which will be permanently affordable, this puts downward pressure on rent prices throughout our community. This is one reason why I did not oppose the One Park deal.
So, why approve a TIF for these developers, especially since the location is not impoverished or disadvantaged area? First, not all TIFs are required to be built in disadvantaged areas. In fact, public/private partnerships such as a TIF or other initiatives often have displaced residents in disadvantaged areas or gentrified the area, making it less likely that those who live in the area can continue to afford to live there. So, I don't judge TIF requests by the location of the project.
One Park will generate more than $250 million of incremental tax revenue for Louisville, JCPS, and TARC, and is expected to have a total economic impact of $2.5 billion. This is revenue that Louisville would not otherwise receive, if not for this development. Tax Increment Financing (TIFs) works essentially as a public-private partnership where a portion of the incremental taxes generated from a project are rebated back to the developer over time, in this case of One Park, that period of rebate is over thirty years. The theory behind a TIF is that the developer gets a portion of their investment back while the city gets an investment and revenues that, again, would not otherwise have happened.
Dependent upon approval by the Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet, this state Signature TIF would rebate 80% of the increased property and occupational taxes collected by the state and Metro. The other 20% is deposited into Metro’s General Fund. A TIF district, known as a local development area, uses the increased taxes generated from the development area to support the cost of construction. The increased taxes owed to Metro minus the benchmark year’s taxes equals the incremental amount. To me, this project is a win-win for Louisville. Oh, and by the way, the Councilmember who represents District 9 where One Park will be built, supports the development, as did the former Councilman, Bill Hollander, whose opinion I respect and value. Neither Councilmen were too keen on the TIF request because, for the most part, the D9 constituents were not so supportive of the TIF. It's my belief that most people don't understand TIFs and when something is not understood, it tends to be opposed. However, Councilman Hollander advised that if we approve the development with the TIF, we should hold the developer to the promise of building the 10% affordable units and void the portion of the contract that called for a buyout of building affordable units. I held off from pledging my support of the One Park deal until I was guaranteed that those two things were in place. Approval of this development is indeed a win-win for Louisville.
Read more about it in this Courier-Journal article: One Park development near Cherokee Park: Planning Commission gives OK (courier-journal.com)
Looking Back:
I was a busy little bee in 2023. Along with representing you on Metro Council, I was elected by my peers as President Pro-Tem of the Council and Majority Caucus Chairwoman. As President Pro-Tem, I presided over a couple of Metro Council meetings and on several instances during the meeting in the absence of the President, or when he stepped from the President’s chair to speak to legislation. As Majority Caucus Chair, I presided over bi-weekly Caucus meetings, consulted with Caucus members to discuss critical legislation, hosted quarterly bus tours of Council Districts, hosted a community service project for persons in homeless shelters, and attended leadership meetings, including monthly meetings with Mayor Greenberg and bi-weekly Committee on Committees meetings. In addition to this role, I served as Co-Chair of the Metro Council Women’s Caucus. In this capacity, I created, hosted, and presided over bi-monthly meetings regarding women’s issues.
My role as Majority Caucus Chair prompted an invitation to join the Charging Committee that was formed to investigate ethics violations against Metro Councilman Anthony Piagentini regarding the $40,000,000 ARP allocation to and subsequent job offer from The Healthcare CEO Council (to review charges, click here). To access all of the documents that have been filed by the Charging Committee and Councilman Piagentini, click here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/re-removal-hearing-councilman-anthony-piagentini
I was also appointed by Mayor Greenberg to serve on the advisory committee to help select Louisville’s new Chief of Police. And because I was obviously a glutton for punishment this year, I managed to finish the last year of a 2.5-year doctoral program and defended by research on December 13th. On December 14th, Spalding University conferred upon me the title of “Dr.” I’m either a superwoman or a crazy woman (the latter is perhaps more befitting!).
Regarding District 7, I issued over 45 electronic newsletters, hosted a couple of neighborhood meetings, opened the District 7 bus tour with the Caucus up to constituents, sponsored a Shakespeare in the Park play at the Windy Hills Green, appropriated funds to repair numerous sidewalks, funded the traffic mitigation projects off Westport Road, fought to draw attention to several abandoned homes in District 7 (and managed to get two of the three most notorious houses fixed to code standards), attended several home rule city council meetings, served as grand marshal in the City of Westwood's 4th of July parade (a huge honor that I enjoyed immensely), attended several grand opening ceremonies, participated in several monthly VA Hospital meetings, met with numerous constituents to listen to their concerns, fielded or responded to hundreds of calls and emails from constituents and others, and managed three staff members.
During the last Council meeting of the year, Metro Council unanimously passed an ordinance that appropriated millions of dollars to reduce new debt and increase funding for essential projects in Public Works and Parks, as well as assist select nonprofit organizations. As a result of excess Metro Government Revenues in the amount of $16,584,989, the following allocations were approved:
- Reduction of $4.8 million in planned new debt
- Increase in Operating funds by $2.5 million
- Additional $250,000 for California Park and Community Center improvements
- Additional $1,000,000 for sidewalk repair
- Additional $315,900 for pavement markings
- New Project in District 12: $135,000 for Romania Drive paving
- New Project in District 11: $115,000 for paving at Blackacre Historic Home and Nature Preserve
- New Project: $500,000 for traffic signal communications and controller upgrades
- New Project: $2,000,000 for Harbor House Intergenerational Life Center
- New Project: $5,000,000 for VOA Veterans Housing on Dixie Highway
Additionally, during the last Council meeting, we passed the following key pieces of legislation:
- One Park TIF ordinance. I voted for its passage, and you will learn why when you read more about the TIF in the “Metro Council News” section above.
- Reallocation of the $40 million ARP workforce funds associated with the fallout regarding the initial distribution to an organization known as The Healthcare CEO Council. I voted in the affirmative to reallocate these funds.
- Cane Run Road LDG Development – Metro Council voted to block LDG from constructing an apartment complex off Cane Run Road. People living in the community said the developer promised to build townhomes, but then changed the plan to apartments after Metro Council initially approved the construction. Click here for the Courier-Journal coverage. I voted to allow LDG to build the complex because our city is in desperate need of housing. Reports from the Housing Coalition state that Louisville is approximately 30,000 units short of accommodating residents who need a place to call home.
Looking Forward:
My motto for the new year is, “Expect More in 2024.” With such a broad and bold proclamation, I will need to work closely with you, my Council colleagues, the Mayor’s Office, community leaders, advocates, clergy, labor, and various nonprofit organizations and agencies to develop solutions for the many issues that plague our community. All of us must work together to address crime, homelessness, the housing shortage, poverty, transportation, workforce development, and so much more.
Here are a couple of laws that go into effect in 2024 that may interest you:
- House Bill 314 – Annexation, Home Rule City Laws – Starting in July, residents living outside Louisville’s urban core (Urban Service District), can form their own city or join another one, without Metro Council’s approval. To read a Courier-Journal reporting of this, click here. To read in more detail about the process, click here: City of Eastwood
- Senate Bill 30 – Automatic Renewals - Creates new sections of KRS Chapter 365 to define “automatic renewal,” “automatic renewal offer terms,” “clear and conspicuous,” “consumer” and “continuous service.” It also requires businesses to present automatic renewal service offer terms “clearly” before purchase. Click here to read all about it: Senate Bill 30
Lastly, Mayor Greenberg released his legislative priorities for the upcoming session of the Kentucky General Assembly. To read more about it, click here.
So, there you have it, the 2023 year-end review from my perspective. Thank you for taking the time to read this review and thank you for being uniquely you. Happy New Year!
To participate online, and view case material by visiting:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/upcoming-public-meetings
For meeting agenda and staff report, please visit:
https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal
More information is available in person at:
Louisville Metro Office of Planning (Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
444 S. 5th Street, 3rd Floor, Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 574-6230
If you wish to submit comments in writing on this case, please submit to the case manager by 9:00 A.M. Friday, January 5.
If you would like to provide verbal testimony, please attend the meeting or participate online. Additional information or written comments submitted after applicable deadlines must be approved by the Board at the meeting; the Board may choose to not accept such information or comments.
Persons who desire special accommodations should contact the Planning Commission office at (502) 574-6230 at least one week prior to this meeting. TDD users please use the Relay Service, 1-800-648-6056.
Mark your calendar and join me on February 24th and March 9th at the St. Matthews Library and Northeast Library, respectively.
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We are still booking our pay-by-day camps for JCPS' holiday break! School's out but Science Camp is in on January 2nd - 5th, 8th, and 15th!
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As we look forward to the New Year, many of us are thinking of positive change and new habits we want to develop. The free, four-week Anti-Racism Challenge can help us begin the new year with hope and action for a better world. It’s sponsored by listenlearnact.org, Metro’s Lean Into Louisville, and the Earth and Spirit Center and begins on January 5.
This is how it works -- once a week in January, participants will receive an email with a list of 10-12 anti-racism activities. These range from reading an article, contacting an elected official, watching a film or viewing an exhibit by Black artists, patronizing a Black business, etc. We ask participants to choose and complete three of the listed activities. The purpose is to keep us all focused and active in challenging racism. This is a personal Challenge -- no one needs to report back. Those who wish to participate simply provide their email address (we never share anyone's information) and that puts them on the list to receive our ARC email each week. Here is the link to sign up:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/mhL87rL
Who's ready to dance the night away and welcome the New Year in style? Join us Sunday, Dec. 31 at Martini Italian Bistro for an unforgettable New Year's Eve disco karaoke bash from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Let's boogie into 2024!
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Need some help getting organized? The 52 Week Home Organizing Challenge is for you!
Every Tuesday starting January 8, you can visit the St. Matthews Library to learn helpful tips and strategies for getting your home in tip-top shape. Signups are highly recommended. Email Patricia.Christopher@lfpl.org or call 502-574-1771 for more information.
When: Tuesdays from 2:00-3:30pm
Where: St. Matthews Library (3940 Grandview Ave., Louisville, KY 40207)
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The Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL)and the Louisville Orchestra (LO) are pleased to announce the third season of Once Upon an Orchestra, touring to all LFPL locations through October 2023 through April 2024. Families are invited to join LO ensembles for these fun, interactive musical storytelling performances. The tour will include past favorites, as well as new stories and songs. We’ll even make instruments from recycled materials so you can play along during the performance!
The series is made possible through funding from The Library Foundation with support from the Robert H. Reakirt Foundation Equities through the PNC Charitable Trusts Grant Review Committee.
Date: Thursday, January 18, 2024
Time: 6:30p.m.
Branch: Northeast Regional Library
15 Bellevoir Circle, Louisville, KY, US, 40223
Story: Bunny's Book Club
A mix of science and social–just for adults!
Discover the perfect blend of science and socializing at our Sips and Science events on January 25th & May 9th from 5:30 – 8:30PM! These 21+ after-hours experiences at Kentucky Science Center provide time to explore, play and enjoy entertainment designed specifically for grownups.
Your ticket includes admission (with no kids in sight), hands-on experiences, a complimentary signature cocktail crafted by Heaven Hill brands and entry into a door prize drawing! When hunger strikes, visit the food trucks stationed in front of the building.
We can’t wait to Do Science with you!
Subscribe to our newsletter to learn about new events, camps and programs as they happen!
Not a member? Become one today and experience everything we have to offer, all year long, and receive some great discounts on programming, events, camps, birthday parties, parking and more. Click here to learn more.
Presented by Heaven Hill Brands
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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.
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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.
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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.
For all the details you need regarding the new drivers license please click the link below:
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.
Click here to Subscribe to the 5th Division E-Newsletter
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 I Drop-Off
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)
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Large household items (landfilled)
- Documents for shredding (recycled)
Prescription medication (disposed properly)
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Development Plan 2040
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.
Plan 2040 Survey Findings
Plan 2040 Demographic and Economic Projections
Plan 2040 Core Graphics
Tune in to View Metro Council Meetings
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
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Kentucky General Assembly
Click Here 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.
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