In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
Cold, chilly, frigid, arctic...No matter how you look at it...Brrr, it's freezing cold outside!
I'm reminded of the song by Frank Sinatra, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! The lyrics to the song are: "Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful - Since we've no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow." Mr. Sinatra goes on to say: "Man, it doesn't show signs of stopping and I brought some corn for popping. The lights are turned way down low, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..."
Did anyone ever tell Ol' Blue Eyes to mind his own business? Look, I'm from Oklahoma. I should be accustomed to harsh winters and piles of snow. Well, actually, I am; but I don't go around wishing snow on the community because contrary to Sinatra's song, we do have places to go. I must admit, I do like the sight of snow, and I like when it snows at least once during the winter. However, growing up in Oklahoma, I never had to drive in the snow - my parents did that or we stayed at home. I left home to attend college immediately after high school, so I escaped having to drive around the city as an adult. And as luck would have it, I was recruited by a company immediately after college and was moved to Cocoa, Florida. So, again, I avoided driving in snow as an adult. My next job transfers were to Nashville, TN and then here, to Louisville, KY. I have since driven many times in the snow (I was here in 1994, the snowiest day in Louisville!) But again, I only like the sight of snow, not driving in it.
If you like braving the elements, more power to you. Please keep in mind, though, that exposure to extremely cold weather can cause increased risk of cardiac arrests and strokes. It could also cause life-threatening frostbite or hypothermia. According to the National Weather Service, you should dress for the cold in the following manner:
Wear layers of loose-fitting and lightweight clothing. Trapped air between the layers will insulate you.
- If doing strenuous outdoor activities, avoid wearing cotton. Once wet, cotton takes a long time to dry
and will sap your heat. Use synthetic fabrics that wick moisture from your skin and dry quickly.
- Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded.
- Wear a hat, because 40%of your body heat can be lost from your head.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
- Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
- Try to stay dry and out of the wind.
Listed below in another section of this newsletter, you will find some more information about frostbite and hypothermia. Please take the time to read through the material and discover how you can stay safe and help others stay safe. In case you have not heard, Governor Beshear released information stating that wind chill values are projected to be zero to minus 10 degrees on Sunday morning. The severe wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Temperatures are expected to warm into the low- to mid-40s by Monday afternoon. The Governor's press release urged Kentuckians to remain off the roadways, if possible. He advised that if you have to travel, pack an emergency car kit and visit goky.ky.gov before you leave to view current traffic conditions. Lastly, the release provided the following information: To view winter weather preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.
Stay safe and warm, neighbors!
The first Muffins with McCraney neighborhood meeting of 2024 will be held on Saturday, February 10 at 10:00 a.m. Join me for this opportunity to ask questions and get answers from key government officials. Save the date because I am planning to invite two very special guests who will come prepared to field all of our questions (their attendance should be confirmed by next week and I will then be able to publicize who they are). In the meantime, MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
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.
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).
Mark your calendar to stream the address live on February 1st at: https://www.facebook.com/loumetrotv
For more information, visit the Rotary Club of Louisville Facebook Page.
It's no secret that development is on the rise in District 7. This week, I am providing some updates on the Bull Run Townhomes development, VA Medical Center project, and pictures of Paul's Fruit Market construction. As your councilperson, I am constantly working to keep my eye on all District 7 development projects. It is a duty that I take seriously and will not abandon until all projects are completed. We will get through all of this construction together - and I will be your watchdog - every step of the way.
Keep reading to see the progress that has been made.
Bull Run Townhomes
Photos of construction underway at the Bull Run Townhomes site.
At the heart of the district, construction on the Bull Run Townhomes is well underway. Structures are now standing with steady progress being made each week. By traveling Herr Lane at least once a week, I make conscious efforts to monitor the progress (and traffic woes) of this development firsthand. I have also contacted the developers throughout this process to voice your experiences and concerns. I'm grateful that they have been responsive to the feedback each time that I've reached out with an issue raised by the community.
Click on the bulletin below (or here) to read the latest Bull Run construction update provided by Hagan Properties, Inc. This is a great resource outlining what has been accomplished recently and what to expect in the upcoming weeks. Be sure to share it with your neighbors and invite them to subscribe to the District 7 Newsletter for more information in the future.
Renderings that display how the Bull Run Townhomes development will look upon completion.
VA Medical Center
While not yet available on the VA website, the latest construction update for the Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center was sent on January 15, 2024. In it, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District shared several details on major activities planned for the next two weeks:
- A crane will be moved into place for upcoming work on the South Parking Deck in the next few weeks. The crane will be used to place precast portions of the structure.
- Wall pours for the Southwest sanitary tank are currently taking
- Foundation pours continue for the South Parking
- Fireproofing of the West Bar of the medical facility is
- Exterior metal wall framing continues on the north and west sides of the West Bar of the medical
- Decking in the East Bar of the medical facility is
- Barrier cabling continues to be installed in the North Parking
- Steel erection on the Central Utility Plant in the southwest portion of the site is
- Work continues on both the Eastern Electrical Building near the USACE trailer and the Western Electrical Building just north of the North Parking Garage.
- Concrete deck placement continues for the western portion of the medical
- The installation of underground utilities continues across the
- Structural steel continues to be delivered to the site.
These updates will be distributed monthly. Anyone who wishes to be added/removed from the direct mailing list should e-mail LOUVAMCconstruction@usace.army.mil
If you have specific questions about the construction of the new medical center, please send an email to LOUVAMCconstruction@usace.army.mil.
For the most recent information on the project, please visit www.va.gov/louisville-health-care/programs/new-robley-rex-va-medical-center.
Construction progress photos are posted on the Lousiville District’s Flickr page regularly. They can be viewed here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/louisvilleusace/albums/72177720296234921
Artist rendering of the new Robley Rex VA Medical Center (Veterans Affairs)
Paul's Fruit Market - HWY 42
Crews are also hard at work to complete the new location of Paul's Fruit Market on Highway 42. Signage is now on the building and it's only a matter of time before the Brownsboro location moves into its new home!
During this recent period of extreme cold weather in Louisville, you may have heard something about "Operation White Flag." But what is it?
Operation White Flag goes into effect when the temperature or the wind chill is below 35 degrees. It means that anyone needing shelter can stay at the participating shelters while extreme cold weather conditions persist. The participating Operation White Flag shelters include:
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Salvation Army
911 S. Brook St.
- Check-in from 6pm-10pm, depending on availability.
- Make a reservation by calling the Coordinated Shelter Access (CSA) line at (502) 637-2337.
- Capacity is 30 beds for men and 10 beds for women.
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Wayside Christian Mission
432 E. Jefferson St.
- Available for single men, women, and families (cats and dogs also accepted).
- No reservations are needed during White Flag – it is first come, first served.
- Total capacity is around 200, with mats available to the first 100.
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The day shelter is open M-F, 9am-3:30pm. Meals available prior to shelter check-in and after check-out each morning.
With this week's cold temperatures and more winter weather on the way, it's important to avoid the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Do this by dressing in layers, covering exposed skin, and limiting time outdoors. If someone might be experiencing either condition, seek medical attention immediately!
If you are not able to get medical help right away, use these tips to try to warm yourself (or the person experiencing symptoms) up:
- Get the person into a warm room or shelter.
- Remove any wet clothing the person is wearing.
- Warm the center of the person’s body—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. You can also use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
- Warm drinks can help increase body temperature, but do not give alcoholic drinks. - Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
- After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrap their body, including their head and neck, in a warm blanket.
- Get the person proper medical attention as soon as possible.
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As temperatures have been plummeting across Kentucky, feeling sick can be especially concerning these days. Could your symptoms be caused by COVID-19 or the flu? Home Test to Treat is a program that offers free tests and free around-the-clock treatment (if eligible) for COVID-19 and flu at home seven days a week. No insurance needed!
The free virtual treatment program is available to anyone over 18, and they must register online, or call 1-800-682-2829 for additional assistance. Any adult with a current positive test (home tests quality) for COVID-19 or flu can enroll to receive free telehealth care and, if prescribed, medication delivered to their home or sent to a local pharmacy.
Adults who do not have COVID-19 or flu may enroll and receive free COVID/Flu home test panel kits if they are uninsured, underinsured or are enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs health care system, or the Indian Health Services. If recipients test positive at a future time, they can receive free telehealth care and, if prescribed, treatment.
The program will be active until the end of April.
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You are invited to attend a PUBLIC HEARING concerning the re-adoption of the plan elements of Louisville Metro's Comprehensive Plan (Plan 2040).
Meeting Type: PLANNING COMMISSION
Meeting Date: FEBRUARY 1, 2024
Time: Meeting will begin at 1:00 PM and continue until all cases are heard
Location: 514 W Liberty Street, 40202 (OLD JAIL BUILDING)
Learn how to watch and participate online at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/upcoming-public-meetings
To view documents related to this proposal, please visit: https://aca-prod.accela.com/LJCMG or:
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
Or visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/planning-design for:
- More information on zoning processes
- Public comment opportunities
- Applications for a petition for a night hearing, including procedures to change the time and/or location of a public hearing to 6:00 pm or later downtown, or to a convenient location.
- Visit https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal for meeting agenda and staff report.
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.
This FREE B2B Expo features 60+ local businesses, free paper/hard drive shredding from A+ Paper Shredding, reusable bags for the first 250 attendees, personalized “Quick Learns” and lots of prizes - all in a fun, festival atmosphere. Attendees can expect to go home with new connections and new tools for their business. Shifting our purchasing habits towards local, independent businesses can have big effects on our local economy, keeping more dollars circulating locally. This applies to both our personal AND business purchases. Make it your business to buy local! Find out more at KeepLouisvilleWeird.com/Expo.
FREE ENTRY,
EVERYONE WELCOME!
#LIBABizExpo
RSVP and share our LinkedIn and Facebook events.
| ACROSS |
DOWN |
| 2. Kitted top |
1. Turned into ice |
| 6. Snowstorm with winds |
2. It goes downhill fast |
| 7. Month that winter ends in |
3. A short coat |
| 8. When the air moves |
4. What bears do in winter |
| 10. A sudden blast of wind |
5. Opposite of summer |
| 12. Shake from the cold |
6. Shoes for snowy days |
| 15. Tells you how cold it is outside |
9. Frozen trickle of water |
| 18. Rather Cold |
11. Ice crystal |
| 20. Month that winter starts in |
13. December 25th |
| 21. He might have a carrot for a nose |
14. Area around the North Pole |
| 22. Keeps your neck warm |
16. Used to warm a room |
| |
17. Winter hand warmers |
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19. Temperature (in Celsius) at which water freezes |
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
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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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
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 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.
Just for Fun Answers:
| ACROSS |
DOWN |
| 2. Sweater |
1. Frozen |
| 6. Blizzard |
2. Sled |
| 7. March |
3. Jacket |
| 8. Wind |
4. Hibernate |
| 10. Gust |
5. Winter |
| 12. Shiver |
9. Icicle |
| 15. Thermometer |
11. Snowflake |
| 18. Chilly |
13. Christmas |
| 20. December |
14. Arctic |
| 21. Snowman |
16. Heater |
| 22. Scarf |
17. Mittens |
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19. Zero |
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