In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
Get ready, get ready, get ready for the next Muffins with McCraney neighborhood meeting! It starts at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Arterburn, 310 Ten Pin Lane. Muffins with McCraney gatherings are designed for you, District 7 residents, to discuss your concerns with me and receive updates from agency representatives. I host these meetings at least once a quarter, and more often as needed. I have two very special guests attending for you to get firsthand information about the City of Louisville and how our codes and regulations department works. Mark your calendar and join me to mingle with your neighbors and learn how we can ensure that District 7 is clean, safe, and a place where all of us can live comfortably.
Mayor Craig Greenberg is scheduled to speak and take questions from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. He will share his 2024 vision for Louisville, his plans to build 15,000 housing units by the end of his term, what he is doing to keep Louisville residents safe, and how to get involved in your local government.
Have you wondered why a property near your home is left abandoned or allowed to deteriorate without any maintenance? Do you have a home in your area that needs to be repaired, but the owner is missing or ignoring the issues and you’re at your wits end about it? Don’t quite know what you can do about it? Well, another guest for the morning is the newly appointed director of Louisville’s Codes and Regulations, Mr. Richard Price. He will join us at 10:00 a.m. and take your questions regarding property maintenance, construction permits, inspections, and when and how to lodge complaints regarding property violations. Come prepared with your questions and to meet new faces and government officials. Oh, and yes, I do actually serve muffins...and coffee. See you there!
One last note:
House Bill 388 sponsored by Representatives Nemes, Fleming, Bauman, Bratcher, Callaway, Hodgson, etc. was filed in the House on Thursday. As proposed, HB 388 would:
- Change to Nonpartisan mayor and Metro Council elections
- Change Metro EMS services and suburban fire departments
- Tweak requirements for creating new home rule cities
Click here to read more about the bill: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/24rs/hb388.html
Click here to read the actual text of the bill: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/24RS/hb388/orig_bill.pdf
To read more about what's going on in state government, check out the 'State Government' section below. Happy reading!
Share this news with neighbors and bring your questions for this informative Q&A session!
This week, Metro Council committees met and adopted several resolutions and ordinances.
The Planning & Zoning Committee approved two changes to zonings along Beulah Church and West Manslick Roads. They also adopted two ordinances closing alleys.
The Labor, Economic Development & Appropriations Committee approved several council district appropriations and discussed the proposed collective bargaining agreement for School Traffic Guards.
The Public Works Committee accepted a federal grant to help monitor viaduct flooding in real-time.
The Budget Committee was updated on the new birthing center at Mary and Elizabeth Hospital and approved several budget transfers.
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).
FROM STATE SENATOR DAVID YATES:
In the Senate, we tackled notable legislation this week, including Senate Bill (SB) 25, igniting debate over its implications on housing policies and local government autonomy. My vote against SB 25 was rooted in a belief in limited government and the importance of preserving local governance to effectively address unique community challenges.
SB 25 proposes centralizing certain decisions at the state level, potentially undermining local ordinances aimed at meeting the distinctive needs of Kentucky's communities. This includes challenging local initiatives like Louisville's 2020 law against income discrimination for tenants with Section 8 vouchers, a step forward in protecting vulnerable groups. Unfortunately, there was a lot of misinformation and “strawman” arguments that were made to justify the passing of the bill. Everywhere in Kentucky, landlords are free to set the rental rates at whatever they choose or the market allows. Louisville had passed an ordinance that if a tenant can meet the background requirements, deposit, rental rate etc., you may not discriminate by choosing not to rent to this person based on the source of the individual’s income to pay the rent. A concern of mine with SB 25 is how it weakens such local advancements, removing the progress made in ensuring more fair treatment in housing. Despite these reservations, SB 25 passed the Senate 30-6.
In another legislative development this week, we passed SB 7, which aims to extend the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarships (KEES) to homeschooled students, broadening educational opportunities. My support for SB 7 is based on the principle of inclusive and equitable education for all, recognizing the varied educational paths in our state. I have been a vocal proponent of expanding KEES opportunities to help offset the growing cost of education.
However, the inclusion of the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as a scholarship metric in this measure is worrisome. We must guarantee CLT meets the high academic standards and comparability to benchmarks like the ACT and SAT. We were advised that none of our state colleges accept the CLT, but it was an option at some of the private schools. I was assured the KDE would continue to vet it and make sure that it was more clear of how the CLT compared to our more trusted ACT and SAT. SB 7 passed the Senate 33-4, and I hope that further scrutiny in the House will confirm CLT's alignment with Kentucky's rigorous academic expectations, ensuring fairness and equity in the academic assessment of students.
All bills having gained approval in the Senate now advance to the House for further deliberation, marking yet another stride in their legislative journey. There is much more in store, so it’s imperative to stay engaged! For further information on the Kentucky General Assembly and the 2024 Session, visit legislature.ky.gov.
FROM STATE REPRESENTATIVE KEN FLEMING:
HB 5 – The Safer Kentucky Act overwhelmingly passed this week. The bill, which now goes to the Senate, addresses “Three Strikes Law” targeting experienced and persistent violent felony offenders, “Madelynn’s Law” regulating bail funding organizations, creating a Kentucky statute for carjacking, eliminating early release for criminals using guns in crimes, enhancing the penalty for the murder of a first responder, hardening sentences for adults using juveniles as criminal accomplices, cracking down on those involved in drive by shootings, improving protocol for involuntary confinement of the mentally ill, increasing penalties for attempted murder, provides local government in managing homelessness while maintaining diversion programs for treatment for those with mental health, and “Jake’s Law ” toughening sentencing for those who flee the police.
Kentucky League of Cities Opposes
KLC has communicated with leadership, the committee chairman, sponsors of the bills, and other legislators regarding concerns and the negative impact of these bills on cities.
House Bill 18 - Rep. Ryan Dotson, R-Winchester, prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing ordinances that prohibit owners of housing accommodations from refusing to lease or rent the housing accommodation to a person when the person's source of income to pay rent includes funding from a federal housing assistance program; prohibit local governments from requiring an owner of property occupied by an individual other than the owner to pay an emergency response fee that arises out of the actions of another over which the owner has no control. Passed the House of Representatives 74 - 20, received in the Senate.
House Bill 102 - Rep. Steven Doan, R-Erlanger, requires local governments to prioritize housing within applicable zones by easing minimum square footage requirements and aesthetic design requirements, facilitating the location of multifamily housing, accessory dwelling units, tiny homes, and manufactured housing. Assigned to the House Local Government Committee.
House Bill 309 / Senate Bill 120- Rep. Felicia Rabourn, R-Pendleton, prohibits a public agency or any other entity created by an act of the General Assembly from using public funds for a lobbying activity or to employ or enter into a contract with a lobbyist. Introduced in the House of Representatives. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate.
Senate Bill 25 - Sen. Steve West, R-Paris, prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing an ordinance that requires a landlord to participate in a housing program under Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937; prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing an ordinance relating to landlord and tenant laws that is in conflict with state law. Passed the Senate 30 - 6, received in the House of Representatives.
Senate Bill 76 - Sen. Steve West, R-Paris, creates a new section of KRS Chapter 65 to prohibit local governments from adopting or enforcing an ordinance relating to landlord or tenant laws that is in conflict with the laws of this Commonwealth. Referred to Senate State & Local Government Committee.
Call 1-800-372-7181 and leave your representative(s) and senator(s) a message.
Contact your representative(s) and senator(s) on social media.
Send your representative(s) and senator(s) an email.
Click here to find your legislator's contact information.
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Kentucky League of Cities Bill Tracker
KLC is tracking numerous bills that impact cities. The bills we are tracking are available to view via the City Limit news website by clicking on "bill tracker" at the top of the page, or you can view KLC-tracked bills as they progress at the link below.
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Louisville Metro Animal Services is over capacity and needs help clear the kennels and prevent euthanasia. You can help by adopting a shelter pet!
Why adopt a shelter pet
Louisville Metro Animal Services is committed to saving more lives by making every effort to find homes for our adoptable pets. When you adopt from LMAS, you will be rescuing a homeless pet from your community. LMAS has found homes for thousands of pets through free and donation-based adoption programs.
LMAS adoptions are far less expensive than purchasing a pet from a breeder or other animal organizations. The adoption package is worth at least $500 in savings. Spay/neuter surgery, microchip and up-to-date vaccinations are always included.
Where to adopt
Choose from the largest selection of adoptable pets in the region. Meet adoptable pets at Animal House Adoption Center. You can also visit one of their satellite locations: PetSmart (Outer Loop) and Lucky Cat Cafe & Lounge. LMAS also offers pet adoptions at community events throughout the year.
In late 2023, Louisville Metro Government won a $1 million EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to create a Climate Action Plan for the entire Louisville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), including 11 counties in Kentucky and Indiana. As part of this:
- We are required to submit a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) by March 1, 2024
- We are eligible to apply for implementation grants (in the range of $2 million to $500 million) to implement the priorities identified in the PCAP. The implementation grant deadline is April 1, 2024.
Please share your sustainability priorities for the region by taking this Regional Climate Action Plan Survey by January 31, 2024. We have collected 550+ responses so far – our goal is to reach 1,000 participants by January 31! We will continue to keep the survey open through April, but feedback received by January 31 will more strongly influence our Priority Climate Action Plan. Responses before January 31 will also be eligible to enter a raffle and win sustainability swag! To learn more, please keep an eye out for public meetings in February. Meeting details will be published on: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/sustainability/climate-action-and-resilience-plans
Survey link: https://louisville.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dmYa3jp8EKAZU3A
Louisville Metro's new “Metro Gun Violence Dashboard” is now live here: OSHN’s Louisvilleky.gov website.
The dashboard is a real-time, comprehensive reporting tool and a collaborative project between OSHN and the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD). It was funded with a $100,000 competitive grant from the national Everytown for Safety Support Fund.
The dashboard will use data from Mark 43, LMPD’s record management system and will show a variety of reporting elements. For example, it will show maps and trends on where shots are fired, where homicides and non-fatal shootings happen, literal neighborhood and block reports, and historic, comparative, and detailed data starting from the year 2010. It will also give anonymized information on victims of gun violence, trend reports and provide an array of measurements, including, for example, what is shown as the likeliest or most common times and/or days for violence.
Click here for A video tutorial.
The Louisville Asset Building Coalition (LABC) is a 501(c)(3) organization that is a broad public/private collaborative dedicated to promoting financial stability and asset building for individuals and families. By providing direct services and linkages to other community resources, LABC strives to build an economic foundation that will allow members of our community to reach their highest potential.
The coalition is committed to bettering its members and the community by leveraging the success of its free tax preparation and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign. LABC also provides a continuum of financial education resources and asset development initiatives in conjunction with Louisville Metro's Office of Financial Empowerment.
We provide a free service alternative to the high cost of paid tax preparation services. Our goal is to ensure that everyone who qualifies can access an array of available tax credits including earned income, child, retirement savings, and education, to name a few.
Click here for more information about services and scheduling appointments.
If You Offer Youth Services, Programs or Goods, We Want to Help You Get the Word Out!
The Yes! Youth Engagement Services division at OSHN is on a mission: We invite ALL Louisville-associated, youth-focused services and organizations to register themselves on the developing YES! Direct, the city’s Amazon-like database of youth-focused services, products, organizations, and providers.
The directory is scheduled to launch this summer. Its purpose is to provide residents, youth, and their families, an accessible, easily navigated, one-stop, comprehensive database for anything and everything they need.
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Looking for a youth summer camp for special needs youth?
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Looking for a private, summer tutor?
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Looking for used school uniforms?
- Is a youth looking for a job?
The database will have it!
Service providers, here's how to register:
- At OSHN’s city website.
- Email YES@louisvilleky.gov.
- Call 502-574-6884.
Gov. Andy Beshear encourages the next generation of transportation leaders to build a meaningful career by applying for state-sponsored engineering and construction-management scholarships. Students who are interested in one of three higher education scholarships at Kentucky universities and colleges must apply by Feb. 1, 2024.
Up to 20 scholarships will be awarded for the 2024 - 2025 academic year in civil engineering, engineering technology and construction management by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). The annual scholarship comes with a paid summer job and guaranteed employment with KYTC upon graduation. Current college students as well as upcoming freshmen are eligible.
For more information about these scholarships and other educational opportunities, please visit https://transportation.ky.gov/Education/ or call (502) 782-4970.
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February Discounts
Celebrate Downtown Louisville and be a tourist in your own hometown! Residents of Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana are invited to celebrate their city and visit local tourist spots in their Downtown.
The Downtown Hometown Tourism Celebration will take place February 1-11, 2024, and will allow anyone with a valid Kentucky or Indiana ID, local college ID, or military ID to receive half-off a regular admission tickets to participating Downtown venues.
Whether it’s visiting a favorite museum, stopping by one of our local bourbon experiences, or celebrating what makes our community unique, our Downtown is packed with experiences that benefit both residents and visitors alike.
Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-purchase of admission is encouraged
PURCHASE TICKETS
Participating attractions and venues include Angel’s Envy Distillery, Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Frazier History Museum, Louisville Ballet, Muhammad Ali Center, SAR Genealogical Research Library, Slugger Museum & Factory, KMAC Museum, and the Waterfront Botanical Gardens.
Hotels also are participating with various discounts and package deals, offering a special static rate for the duration of the celebration. Hotels in the promotion include the AC Marriott, Hampton Inn Downtown, Hotel Genevieve, and the Myriad.
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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.
For updates about upcoming events, safety information, and area news, subscribe to the 8th Division Newsletter. Click here to do so.
This presentation will provide an overview of the Youth Mental Health First Aid USA training, which is for adults who live and/or work with youth ages 6-18. Youth Mental Health First Aid is a public education program designed for the non-mental health professional to recognize the signs and symptoms that a child or adolescent is developing a mental health or substance use challenge or is in crisis and to use the five-step ALGEE action plan to provide help.
To register contact Ms. Jackie Love at Jackie.Love@Louisvilleky.gov
Join us for a high-level and tangible discussion with Gretchen Hunt, Ashley Duncan, and Karina Barillas about how to be a good ally, personally and organizationally, by showing up and working toward shared goals.
February 29, 2024 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
FREE to the community
Learn more & Register
1. The Barbie doll’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, from Willows, Wisconsin. Her birthday is March 9, 1959, when she was first displayed at the New York Toy Fair. (barbiemedia.com)
2. The Four Corners is the only spot in the US where you can stand in four states at once: Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico.
3. The oldest-known living land animal is a tortoise named Jonathan, who turned 190 years old in 2022. He was born in 1832 and has lived on the island of St. Helena in the Atlantic Ocean since 1882. (guinnessworldrecords.com)
4. The heart of the blue whale, the largest animal on earth, is five feet long and weighs 400 pounds. For comparison, an elephant's heart weighs around 30 pounds. And a human heart? A mere 10 ounces. (nationalgeographic.com)
5. What do Miss Piggy and Yoda have in common? They were both voiced by the same person, puppeteer Frank Oz.
How many of these facts were news to you?
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
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Are you thinking of hurting yourself or ending your life? Text LOU to 741741
Community mental health resources:
Metro United Way's Community Resource Directory can connect you mental health and crisis intervention resources. Or call 211.
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. |
