Metro Government announces free tax preparation services

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to eligible Louisville residents

Metro government officials and community partners kicked off the start of tax season earlier today by announcing the start of free tax preparation assistance for eligible residents. 

The Louisville Asset Building Coalition’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides trained, IRS-certified volunteers who offer free tax services at 15 sites across the city. VITA is available to individuals and families who earned less than $66,000 in 2023.

Since its launch in 2001, the VITA program has helped more than 143,000 Louisville tax filers. Last year, VITA volunteers processed more than 7,700 returns, adding more than $12 million to the local economy, including nearly $2 million in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to residents.

Mayor Greenberg thanked the many partner organizations that help hardworking families file their tax returns, including the Metro Office for Resilience and Community Services (RCS). Metro RCS connects tax filers to an array of financial empowerment services through the Louisville Financial Empowerment Center, which provides free financial counseling, and the Tax Time Connect initiative with Bank On Louisville.

Eligible Louisville residents can make an appointment to visit these VITA sites for in-person free tax filing. Most sites use convenient drop-off services.

• Americana Community Center, 4801 Southside Dr.
• Bates, 728 East Lampton St.
• Edison Center, 701 W. Ormsby Ave., Ste 201
• Family Scholar House U of L, 403 Reg Smith Circle
• Family Scholar House Riverport, 3311 Cathe Dykstra Way
• Goodwill Resource Center, 909 E. Broadway
• Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway
• Oldham County LaGrange Library, 308 Yager Avenue (LaGrange)
• Portland Promise Center, 1831 Baird St.
• Shively City Hall, 3920 Dixie Hwy.
• St. Vincent de Paul Family Success Center, 1029 S Preston Hwy.
• Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Lane
• United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 State St.
• Wesley House Community Services, 5114 Preston Hwy.
• Various mobile locations around the city (check www.labcservices.org for sites) 

To schedule an appointment for in-person tax assistance, call 305-0005 or visit https://louisvillekyvita.cascheduler.com. For more details, including days and hours of drop off services, visit https://labcservices.org/.

Free tax preparation kicks off in 2024 with the annual “Taxathon” event which offers 24 hours of free tax preparation at the Louisville Urban League. The Taxathon event runs Friday, February 2 until 9 p.m., and Saturday, February 3, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Filers can walk in during these times for free tax preparation services.

"As the largest VITA site, it is an honor to serve the community and host another tax-a-thon this year,” said Lyndon E. Pryor, President and CEO of the Louisville Urban League. "VITA is an invaluable resource to the Louisville community, providing necessary assistance and wealth-building opportunities to those most in need. The League loves being a partner in this work." 

Residents can also choose to have their taxes prepared at MyFreeTaxes.com, which provides a free self-file program offered in partnership by United Way Worldwide and TaxSlayer.

AARP Tax-Aide also provides free tax prep services, with special attention to people age 60 and older. AARP Tax-Aide sites will begin operating at eight sites in early February. For more information, visit http://www.aarp-tax-aide-lou.org.

The work of the Louisville Asset Building Coalition and the AARP Tax Assistance Program is made possible by Metro United Way, Louisville Metro Government, the IRS, the AARP Tax-Aide Foundation and dozens of other partners, and hundreds of volunteers.

Louisville releases new Health Equity Data Dashboard

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) recently launched a new Health Equity Data Dashboard. It provides a current data snapshot of the city's overall health. It includes demographics and data for seven initial health outcomes, with nine more to be added over the coming months.  

The seven health outcomes that can currently be viewed on the Health Equity Data Dashboard include:   

• Accidents and Injury
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Arthritis  
• Birth Outcomes  
• Cancer  
• Heart Disease  
• Homicide 

The dashboard also provides analysis around root causes that influence each health outcome.   

“Health is not just about whether someone has diabetes or heart disease. Health is about daily life experiences, environments where we live, work, learn, play and age, and opportunities to live a joyous and healthy life,” said Louisville’s Interim Chief Health Strategist Connie Mendel. “Health equity is core to our mission and is woven throughout our decisions and daily operations.”  

In addition to the Health Equity Data Dashboard, LMPHW released a preview and executive summary of the 2023 Health Equity Report. 

Turning catastrophe into community investment

From MSD: After an August 4, 2009, flood devastated the California neighborhood, MSD later purchased 114 of the eligible 128 properties through a FEMA grant to help residents move out of the flood-prone area along Maple Street. MSD conserved about 20 acres of land for what is now Alberta O. Jones Park at 744 S. 23rd Street. The grand opening of Phase I of AOJ Park was celebrated in 2023, in part due to MSD’s Community Benefits Program, which included over $105,000 in commitments to the Parks Alliance of Louisville. Our contractors are encouraged to invest in the community through workforce development, education, and economic development. Investments through the program have been long-lasting, Equity & Community Partnerships Chief Sharise Horne said.

Our Community Benefits Program leverages economic, environmental, and social impacts through our large-scale construction, construction-related, professional services, and engineering projects by ensuring ratepayers benefit from our capital investment.  In the photos at left and below, provided by MSD, climbing and play structures in Alberta O. Jones Park.  Commitments from five firms as part of 14 MSD construction projects went to financial, in-kind, and volunteer commitments to the Parks Alliance of Louisville to help transform the land into a park and community space.

This project adds to the $4 million worth of MSD Community Benefits commitments that are being realized with schools and nonprofits all around us in the community. Who was Alberta O. Jones? Jones, born in Louisville in 1930, was one of the first Black women to pass the Kentucky Bar exam. She opened a law practice on West Broadway, just a few blocks from the park site. She attended Louisville Municipal College for Negroes, now Simmons College of Kentucky, and graduated from Howard University School of Law. In 1965, she became the first woman to be appointed city attorney in Jefferson County and worked as a prosecutor in Domestic Relations Court. She was a civil rights activist who participated in the March on Washington, was a member of the NAACP, and worked with the Louisville Urban League. She formed the Independent Voters Association in Louisville and taught Black residents how to use voting machines, resulting in 6,000 new voters. Jones died in 1965.

Winter yard waste schedule is underway

Recycling AND yard waste will be collected every other week until March 11 when weekly yard waste collection resumes.

Louisville Metro working toward elimination of lead in homes built before 1978 to prevent childhood lead poisoning

Lead can enter the body when someone inhales or ingests lead particles found in paint, dust, or soil. Many homes in Jefferson County, built before 1978, still have old lead paint in and around them. From 2005 to 2021, nearly 10,000 children in Louisville tested positive for elevated blood-lead levels. Data shows children living in the northwest area of the city are almost 10 times at greater risk for developing lead poisoning than those living in other areas. Many homes in that area were built before 1978.  There is no safe level of lead in a person’s blood. There is also no cure for lead poisoning. When lead is breathed in or swallowed, it can result in brain and nervous system damage, behavior and learning problems, hearing and speech problems, and slow growth and development. Pregnant people need to know the risk of lead exposure because lead can pass to their baby during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.  Lead poisoning is 100 percent preventable. Louisville Metro Council took a big step in late 2022 to protect children and pregnant people from lead poisoning when it approved and enacted the Lead Hazard Program for Rental Housing Units ordinance. The ordinance went into effect in December and requires all rental housing units built before 1978 to be evaluated for lead and all lead hazards mitigated before the home is rented. Throughout 2024, LMPHW will be sharing more information and details about the implementation of the ordinance with property owners, landlords, tenants and the community. Families can find information on lead testing, prevention, and other resources at StopLeadLou.com or by calling 574-6644.

February 7 - Two Community Open Houses regarding the Mixed-Housing and Mixed-Use Development Priority Area Map 

Community Open House: Mixed-Housing & Mixed-Use Development Priority Area Map

Louisville Metro’s Office of Planning invites you to attend a community open house to present and discuss a draft of the Mixed-Housing & Mixed-Use Development Priority Area Map. Two opportunities to participate are available.

Join us at either location on Wednesday, February 7 to review the map, learn more about the project, talk with city planners, and provide feedback: 

• 1 to 3  p.m. at the Western Library (604 S. 10^th Street)
• 6 to 8 p.m. at the Newburg Library (4800 Exeter Ave)

The Office of Planning is working with national planning and urban design firm Opticos Design to create this priority land use map. As Louisville Metro strives to increase housing choice and opportunity, this map will further assist in guiding the location of mixed-use and mixed-housing developments across all communities.

This project is part of the ongoing LDC Reform process. Learn more or contact ldcreform@louisvillky.gov.

Parks Recreation Leagues forming now for soccer, baseball, softball

Youth Spring Soccer League You can now register youth ages three to 10 for our spring soccer league! This league is only $25 per player, and games are on Saturdays from March to May. Three to four year olds practice and play on Saturday.  Five to 10 year olds will practice one night a week and play games on Saturday.  Click here to sign up or scan the QR code on the image on the left. Registration deadline is March 10.

Co-Ed Softball Co-Ed Softball is returning this April! Grab your friends and sign up a team today by going to bestparksever.com or scanning the QR code on the flyer on the right. This softball league plays Wednesday and Thursday nights, one game per week per team, and begins April 10 at Seneca Park.  Registration deadline is March 24.

Youth Spring T-Ball/Baseball Leagues Register today for our Youth T-Ball/Baseball Leagues!  Three to four year olds will practice and play on Saturday.  Five to 10 year olds will practice one night a week and play games on Saturday.  All 7 to 9 year old games are coach pitched.  Practices and games are at Petersburg Park. Sign up here. Registration deadline is April 21.

2024 Senior Softball League It is also time to sign up for our 2024 Senior Softball League! This is for folks ages 60 and up, with a fee of $75 per player. 60-plus will play Tuesdays and 70-plus will play Thursdays. Participants will be drafted prior to the season, which s a 20-week season with a tournament. The season will begin with one practice game the week of April 22. Registration deadline is March 10.  Sign up by visiting bestparksever.com  or by calling 456-3261.

Crisis Component of LIHEAP continues

Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services is now accepting appointments for the annual Crisis Component of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program assists income-eligible households in Jefferson County with home heating costs through March 31, or until funds are depleted. Read directions and required documentation online.  Visit louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP for periodic updates, or for more details about the MSD Senior Citizen Discount Program, visit https://louisvillemsd.org/paymybill or call 502-540-6000.

evolve502 scholarship applications are open

Evolve502 enrolls JCPS graduates in a two-year tuition-free postsecondary education opportunity. In the first three years evolve502 enrolled more than 1,500 JCPS graduates in college at Jefferson or Simmons College of Kentucky; 72 of those students live in District 10 and 23 of those are from the class of 2023. Creating access to postsecondary education and strengthening the workforce are critical to our community’s future success and evolve502 is working with students, families and partners every day. The application and required steps must be completed by July 15.

Monthly Food Pantry at St Agnes Parish in partnership with Dare to Care

The monthly Food Pantry at St. Agnes Parish, in partnership with Dare to Care, distributes food to approximately 150 guest families the fourth Saturday of each month. The pantry operates from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and is open to all Louisville residents. Guests are served via a drive-through format.

District 10 events

February 11 - Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Louisville Zoo

Sensory Friendly Sunday is February 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Zoo.  Enjoy the Zoo at your own pace during this EXCLUSIVE program for Zoo fans looking for a quieter experience. Participants will enter the Zoo an hour before we open to the public and take a guided Zoo walk calling attention to sensory stops on Zoo grounds. Special tickets are required. Reminder: The Zoo is certified Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity and offers FREE accommodations for all guests with sensory issues during regular hours!

Wild Winter Days at the Zoo continue through February 29

Winter is a great time to visit the Zoo! Visit the animals as they enjoy the cooler weather or warm up in balmy HerpAquarium and Islands areas. Don't forget to take advantage of our wild winter admission discounts! Visitors who bring in one canned food item or non-perishable food item (per person) to donate to Dare to Care may purchase tickets at the Zoo ticketing windows for $10 per adult and $7 per child / senior ticket. 

Louisville Nature Center - summer camp news and upcoming programs

This is your chance to win a Lakeside Swim Club sponsorship!

The Louisville Nature Center is once again raffling off a Lakeside Swim Club Sponsorship! Only 100 tickets will be sold, so your chances of winning are 1 in 100! $100 tickets, 100 percent of proceeds go to the Louisville Nature Center, and we will then donate half to Wild Ones Louisville. Raffle ends Wednesday, February 7 at 2 p.m.

Early summer camp registration opened to LNC members Thursday, February 1. Members on the Family level will also receive $25 off each camp registration. Click here to see which membership level best fits you and your family.

Camp registration will then open to potential members on Thursday, February 15 at 10 a.m. Summer camp has sold out quickly the past few years, and we expect this year to be the same. To learn more about day camp and see our 2024 camp themes, click here. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to read about each camp theme.)

Upcoming programs

Valentine's Candlelit Hike

• Saturday, February 10, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. is sold out
• Tuesday, February 13, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, February 14, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Admission for members is 22 and for non-members is $30. 

Hike at your leisure, either on the candlelit short trail (about 3/4 mile), or the unlit longer trail (1 3/4 mile). Warm up around the fire afterward, or head indoors, where you can visit our reptiles and enjoy snacks and drinks. Participants must be 21 and over.

Let candles light your way as you stroll underneath the stars this Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day. 

Great Backyard Bird Count, Friday, February 16, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission for members is $5 and for non-members is $15. 

On this guided hike, our experienced naturalist and birdwatcher will help participants to identify some of Louisville’s beautiful birds and log their findings into eBird. Participants will learn ID tips such as field marks, behavior, habitat, vocalizations and more. This is for all skill levels of birding, ages 12 and up. Grab your binoculars and smart phones to join the worlds largest biodiversity-related citizen science project! Don’t have any binoculars? That’s okay! We have some available to use.

Salamander Seekers

• Saturday, February 24, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (adults only)
• Sunday, February 25, 10 a.m. to noon (kid friendly)
• Saturday, March 2, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (adults only)
• Sunday, March 3, 10 a.m. to noon (kid friendly)

Admission for members is $5 and for non-members is $15. 

Grab your muck boots for this one! The streamside salamander (Ambystoma barbouri) is endemic to the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. One of their few remaining strongholds is in the wetlands of the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve!

Led by our naturalist, Jacob, participants on this hike will venture into the wetlands of the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve to search for salamanders. Discover what makes these important habitats so special, and maybe get a little muddy while you’re at it!

Vernal Pool Exploration

• Saturday, March 16, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (adults only)
• Sunday, March 17, 10 a.m. to noon (kid friendly)

Admission for members is $5 and for non-members is $15. 

Deep in the forest lie seasonal pools of water that are home to many important species! They are temporary habitats critical to the survival of amphibians and aquatic invertebrates. On this hike, join Jacob as you explore vernal pools looking for salamanders, frogs, and fairy shrimp! Be ready to get muddy as some of the hike is off trail. 

Register for LNC programs early as many sell out. 

April 14 - A Midsummer Night's Dream - Kentucky Shakespeare at Joe Creason Park

A sign of spring? Shakespeare in the Parks will return to Joe Creason Park with A Midsummer Night's Dream on April 13 at 6:30 p.m. Councilman Mulvihill is proud to continue to support Kentucky Shakespeare in the Parks performances in D-10.

Free 5K run/walk every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Joe Creason Park

The Joe Creason parkrun is a free 5K that meets every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Joe Creason Park. Come join your friends and neighbors - parkrun is family and dog friendly and you can walk, jog or run or volunteer. More information can be found at parkrun.us/joecreason. They're also on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Louisville Metro news

The Louisville Free Public Library celebrates Black History Month with programs throughout February

This February, the Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) is offering more than fifty free programs in celebration of Black History Month. Programs include book discussions, film screenings, history talks, storytimes, art activities, and more, designed to inform, inspire, and engage audiences of all ages. At libraries around the city, a number of authors, professors, local experts, and performers will explore aspects of Black history often overlooked. The Main Library welcomes Peabody Award-winning journalist Michele Norris to discuss her newest book Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity on Friday, February 16 (7 p.m.). Her book draws on a narrative archive Norris founded using a simple prompt for people to reflect on race in only six words – a prompt that was answered by more than half a million people. This free event is presented by Carmichael’s Bookstore and will feature Norris in-conversation with former Kentucky State Representative Charles Booker. Register online at www.LFPL.org/Authors or call 574-1623. Local Black History is also front and center this year. On Tuesday, February 20 (6:30 p.m.) at the Main Library, UofL English professor Dr. David Anderson will examine the social contributions and literary legacies of three prominent Black educators in Louisville at the beginning of the twentieth century: Joseph Seamon Cotter, Sr., Nannie Helen Burroughs, and George Marion McClellan. Register online at www.LFPL.org/MyLibraryU. Members of the Chickasaw Book Project will share their stories about life in the Chickasaw neighborhood during the 1940s-70s at the Shawnee Library (Saturday, February 10, 1:30 p.m.). At the Bon Air Library, National Park Rangers will enlighten patrons with the story of Stephen Bishop, an enslaved cave guide who was one of the first people to map Mammoth Cave (Thursday, February 1, 6 p.m.). At the South Central Regional Library, the KY Humanities Council offers a multimedia presentation about the Underground Railroad in Kentucky (Saturday, February 3, 2 p.m.). Also at South Central, Chautauqua performer Elizabeth Lawson will bring Charlotte Dupuy, the enslaved woman who sued Henry Clay for freedom, to life (Saturday, February 17, 2 p.m.). Get moving in the Library with a celebration of the legacy of Simmons College with a special performance from Satin Rhythm Dance Team and the Stick Control Drum Corps (Saturday, February 3, 2 p.m., Southwest Regional Library) and at a special concert with The Ron Jones Quartet who will bring the music of Julian “Cannonball” Adderley to the Shawnee Library (Saturday, February 24, 1 p.m.). February also marks the return of the Black History Month Film Series. Presented in partnership with UofL Health Sciences Center Office of Diversity and Inclusion, with support from Louisville Public Media and Lean Into Louisville, the series is held every Sunday in February at the Main Library and features thought-provoking and award-winning films, followed by discussions with university professors and local experts. The 2024 lineup features the film Maya Angelou – And Still I Rise, a double-bill of documentaries looking at Black health, The Power to Heal: Medicare and the Civil Rights Revolution and The Deadliest Disease in America, the new biographical drama Rustin, and the blockbuster hit Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. To register for this free series, visit www.LFPL.org/BHFilms. Teen Librarians have also programed a series of Black History films curated just for teens ages 13-19, screening every Wednesday night in the Teen Underground at the Main Library. Black History Month at the Library has something for all ages, with special storytimes, craft sessions, and showcases for children and teens as well. The popular Black Superhero Showcase moves to the Shawnee Library on Saturday, February 3, at 2 p.m. and cartoonist Randy Gray gives a lesson on visual storytelling and how to make a comic book for kids in grades 3-6 (Monday, February 19, 2 p.m., register at 964-3515. For the complete list of LFPL’s Black History Month programs, please visit www.LFPL.org/BlackHistory.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library expands throughout Jefferson County

Free lifeguard training offered to future Metro Parks employees

Louisville Parks and Recreation is now hiring lifeguards for the 2024 swim season. Certification classes have begun at the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center, 201 Reservoir Avenue.

Each class costs $200 to take but is free if participants commit to working one year at a Louisville Parks and Recreation pool. Participants must be at least 15 years of age or older. The course will provide lifeguard, first aid and CPR/AED certifications.

The purpose is to teach candidates the skills needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies, ultimately working together to help the public safely enjoy the water.

Lifeguards will have the opportunity to work at the outdoor pools in Sun Valley and Nelson Hornback (Fairdale) parks as well as the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center. The outdoor pools at Algonquin and Camp Taylor (Norton) parks will be closed during summer 2024 but are expected to reopen the following year with new renovations and water features.

Participants must attend all classes to complete the course and receive certifications. The starting pay for the position of a Louisville Parks and Recreation lifeguard is $16.65/hour with a guarantee of 36-40 hours per week.

YES! (Youth Engagement Services) Direct Youth Service Providers Directory compiling list of organizations serving Louisville youth

Announcing a new resource from the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods: The YES! Direct Youth Service Providers Directory. 

We are making it accessible, but we need YOU to make it complete! The new YES! Direct is a gateway for organizations and individuals focused on Louisville’s youth to be included in the vital movement that promotes and ensures that our youth are prepared for their futures. 

This is a collective, one-stop community database that will enable families and youth to find services and programs to meet their needs and interests.

If you are a registered 501c3, scan the QR code above to include your organization today, or follow this link:

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/dd74c711209c44a8a8bf83c4cec80bef/page/Service-Forms/?draft=true&org=LOJIC

Contact yes@louisvilleky.gov for more information.

LMPD Public Review of Policy From the Louisville Metro Police Department: The LMPD is committed to engaging the public when revising our policies. The LMPD seeks feedback from the public. Below is the process the Department has implemented to ensure a deliberate and thoughtful process when revising policies. Process Policies that have been revised each quarter will be posted for review and public comment. Changes that have been made to the previous policy will be highlighted. Comments will be reviewed and considered by appropriate personnel and leadership during the next policy review process. Policy/Standard Operating Procedure updates:  General Order #23-007 December 2023 SOP Updates Links to updates and online comment forms:  https://www.louisville-police.org/882/LMPD-Public-Review-of-Policy

Green Resources for Residents guidebook 

The Office of Sustainability is excited to launch the Green Resources for Residents guidebook, a one-stop resource to help individuals and families save costs while going green! Residents can learn about financial incentives available through the Inflation Reduction Act, Louisville Metro Government, Louisville Gas and Electric, and more. Access the full document.

Updated OADC Resource Guide available online

The Office for Aging and Disabled Citizens' newest edition of the OADC Resource Guide is available now. The updated resources guide connects aging and disabled citizens, along with their caregivers, to a variety of service providers, government agencies and non-profit organizations in the city of Louisville. View or print the updated resource guide.

Assistance

Kentucky's Employee Child Care Assistance Partner Program

The Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership (ECCAP) helps employers meaningfully  contribute financial assistance directly to employee child care costs by matching their contribution up to 100 percent, potentially doubling the value of their employer-provided benefit. All funds from the employer and the state are paid directly to eligible child care providers. Various program restrictions apply. Learn more at the Kentucky Chamber's ECCAP resource page, Kentucky's ECCAP program page, or by email.

Help with prescription medication copays may be possible through the Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program. Call 1-800-633-8100, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Louisville Metro Down Payment Assistance Program provides low- to moderate-income homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance for purchasing a home in the Louisville Metro area.

The Team Kentucky Homeowner Assistance Fund is a program that can help homeowners impacted by the pandemic rebound and avoid foreclosure. Qualifying homeowners can apply for up to $46,350 in assistance to help with delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner’s and/or flood insurance, homeowners association fees and utility costs. 

If you're 65 years old, own and occupy your primary residence, you may qualify to exempt the first $39,300 of your home value from property taxes through the The Homestead Exemption. Vets with service connected disabilities and totally/permanently disabled civilians may also qualify.

Locate Dare to Care food assistance locations, which include St. Stephen Martyr at 3015 Greenup Road, from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays. Please call before visiting sites to verify hours of operation. 

Meals on Wheels is available to qualified seniors in Jefferson County, 60 years or older, who are homebound with no one available to help prepare meals. Call 574-6325 to begin the qualification process. For information on the senior congregate sites for more active seniors, 60 and older, call the number above or sign up at the RCS page. Sites require a one-day advance reservation. See the updated list of open congregate sites.  The Senior Nutrition Program seeks volunteers all year long to help in a variety of capacities. For more information, call 574-6420.

It's okay to not be okay - help is available so connect 

Mental health experts recommend connecting with others and talking about how you're feeling. Don’t isolate yourself. Dial 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Text “LOU” to 741741 Crisis Text Line Community Wellness Hub Mental Health Lou 502-414-4380 The Black Counseling & Consulting Collective 502-589-4313 Seven Counties 24/7 Adult Crisis Line 502-589-8070 Seven Counties 24/7 Child Crisis Line 502-583-3951 Seven Counties 24/7 Addiction Help Line 502-792-7011 Collective Care Center at Spalding University 502-588-2008 NAMI Louisville 1-800-273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-888-843-4564 LGBT National Help Center

Trauma-trained mental health specialists are available at all eight Louisville Neighborhood Place locations for immediate and free assistance for any Louisville resident dealing with violence or other trauma. Appointments and walk-ins are accepted. The city has also set up a trauma hotline that is free to call: 901-0100.

LMPD - which numbers to call for emergencies, non-emergencies, and ongoing criminal activity complaints

The most efficient manner to report crime and/or request to speak to an officer is to call Metrosafe Dispatch at 574-2111 (5) Furthermore, if the efforts of the officer were not reasonably adequate to address the concern or issue, a citizen can immediately call Metrosafe back and request for an LMPD supervisor to contact them.  For non-emergencies, dial 574-2111 (5)  for non-violent crimes, non-injury auto accidents, or to report a crime that has already occurred.  For emergencies, dial 911 for violent crime in progress, serious injury auto accidents, or immediate threat to human life.  To report ongoing criminal activity, dial 574-5673, the LMPD Tip Line, for drug dealing, prostitution, gang activity, or any information that may help close open investigations.

Louisville Metro events

Upcoming events at the Highlands-Shelby Park Branch of LFPL

February 6 - Nonfiction Book Club, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Bad Call: A Summer Job on a New York Ambulance by Mark Scardino. Bad Call is Mike Scardino's visceral, fast-moving, and mordantly funny account of the summers he spent working as an 'ambulance attendant' on the mean streets of late-1960s New York. February 6 - Kid's Club, every Tuesday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for ages 4 to 10. Each week will be a different activity. Crafts, board games, LEGOs and more! February 7 - Evening Book Group, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., The Known World by Edward P. Jones. Winner of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize. Henry Townsend is a black farmer and former slave who falls under the tutelage of William Robbins, the most powerful man in Manchester County, Virginia. Making certain he never circumvents the law, Townsend runs his affairs with unusual discipline. But when death takes him unexpectedly, his widow, Caldonia, can't uphold the estate's order, and chaos ensues. Jones has woven a footnote of history into an epic that takes an unflinching look at slavery in all its moral complexities. (African American History Month program) February 8, Baby Storytime, 10:15 to 11 a.m., a storytime for developing pre-literacy skills and a love of reading through books, songs, movement and activities. Ages 0-24 months. February 8, Toddler Storytime, 11:15 a.m. to noon., ages 2 to 3.  February 8, Teen Anime Club, 3 to 4:30 p.m. For long-time anime lovers and newcomers alike, join us every week as we watch popular films and series from your favorite genres. Ages 10-19.

February 7 - Pruning and Pints event with Louisville Urban Forestry

Louisville Urban Forestry has several opportunities for the community to get involved in February and March. No experience is needed for Urban Forestry events, and all tools are provided. Community Forester Trainings offer in-depth information on the best practices for planting trees. This also gives the public an opportunity to become a Community Forester and lead tree plantings. Sign up here.  February 7, Pruning and Pints, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Granville Pub February 21, Pruning and Pints, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Old Louisville Tavern March 2, Community Forester Training, 9 a.m. to noon, 9300 Whipps Mill Road March 16, TreeFest, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Petersburg Park

February 16 - deadline to apply for Arts in Neighborhoods Mini-Grants from the Fund for the Arts! 

Do you have a free, arts-related event coming up in April, May, or June that needs support? Check out the Community Event Mini-Grants program from Fund for the Arts!

These mini-grants are designed to make supportive grant awards throughout the year to organizations and artists presenting multi-disciplinary, multigenerational, free gatherings with arts included. Apply by February 16. 

Louisville Grows

Spring tree plantings scheduled Louisville Grows is excited to announce our spring tree plantings in the Parkland and Lucky Horseshoe neighborhoods.  Tree planting dates Parkland – Saturday, March 9 Lucky Horseshoe – Saturday, April 6  Learn more about Louisville Grows and get involved,

News you can use

District 10 CIF and NDF appropriations

Councilman Mulvihill-initiated D-10 Capital Improvement Funds (CIF) appropriations documentation dating to 2016 is linked here.  The D-10 Neighborhood Development Funds (NDF) appropriations document is linked here.

ABC ad run for 3301 Newburg Road

An Alcoholic Beverage Control advertisement ran January 4 for a NQ Retail Malt Beverage Package & Transitional license(s) for SGS Trades, LLC, dba/ SGS Food Mart at 3301 Newburg Road. 

Any person, association, corporation, or body politic may protest the granting of the license(s) by writing the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 500 Mero Street, 2 NE 33, Frankfort, KY 40601, within 30 days of the date of this legal publication.

ABC ad run for 3130 Poplar Level Road

An Alcoholic Beverage Control advertisement ran February 1 for a NQ Retail Malt Beverage Package license for Jefferson Mart, LLC, 3130 Poplar Level Road. 

Any person, association, corporation, or body politic may protest the granting of the license(s) by writing the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 500 Mero Street, 2 NE 33, Frankfort, KY 40601-8400, within 30 days of the date of this legal publication.

Louisville Metro Planning and Design Services District 10 cases

Note: short term rental is the general term used to describe vacation rentals including AirBNB, VRBO, and Tripping. 

Recent application and revised submittal to Metro Planning and Design Services: 

24-CFR-0003, 4201 Illinois Avenue, Application for a Community Facility Review for a zoo expansion on 15.09 acres in the R5 zoning district. Kentucky Trails at the Zoo. 

23-LANDSCAPE-0187, 1 Audubon Plaza Drive, Revised Submittal of a Landscape Plan for a parking garage on 27.1842 acres in the OTF zoning district. Norton Audubon Hospital Parking Garage Replacement. 

4505 Bishop Lane

23-CAT2-0040, 4505 Bishop Lane, revised submittal for a Category 2B plan to demolish two existing warehouses and part of one warehouse and replace with one new warehouse building and addition of loading dock at the end of the proposed warehouse off Eastmoor Road. Master Supply.

23-VARIANCE-0140, 4505 Bishop Lane, a Variance to allow encroachment into the required setback along Eastmoor Road. Master Supply. 

23-WAIVER-0151,  4505 Bishop Lane, a Waiver to not provide the required 30 percent tree canopy. Master Supply. 

4510 Bishop Lane

23-CAT2-0049, 4510 Bishop Lane, a Revised Submittal of a Category 2b Development Plan to construct a 42,000 SF industrial flex space on 2.2 acres in the M2/M3 zoning district. Bishop Lane Flex Development.

23-WAIVER-0207, 4510 Bishop Lane, a Waiver to reduce the required tree canopy and preservation on 2.29 acres in the M2 and M3 zoning districts. Bishop Lane Flex Development. 

4512 Bishop Lane

23-CAT2-0049, 4512 Bishop Lane, revised submittal for a Category 2b Development Plan to construct a 42,000 SF industrial flex space on 2.2 acres in the M2/M3 zoning district. Bishop Lane Flex Development. 

24-LANDSCAPE-0014, 4512 Bishop Lane, application for a tree preservation and landscape plan for a warehouse. Bishop Lane Flex Development. 

4730 Champions Trace Lane:

19-DDP-0077, 4730 Champions Trace Lane, a Revised District Development Plan for a medical office and dialysis center on 1.4 acres in the C2 zoning district. 

19-VARIANCE-0076, 4730 Champions Trace Lane, a variance from section 4.8.1 of the Land Development Code to allow the proposed pavement to encroach into the middle and outer 100-foot stream buffer for a medical office on 1.4 acres in the C2 zoning district.

1300 Eastern Parkway

23-DDP-0117, 1300 Eastern Parkway, revised District Development Plan to construct a garage with carport and roof the existing front porch of the main house on 0.39 acres in R5A zoning.

23-VARIANCE-0179, 1300 Eastern Parkway, a Variance to allow the construction of a garage within the required private yard area on .39 acres in the R5A zoning district. 

21-DDP-0087, 2020 Bashford Manor Lane, a District Development Plan for a building expansion. Walmart Fulfillment Center. 

23-LANDSCAPE-0211, 4310 Bishop Lane, a Landscape Plan for a proposed contractor's shop on 1.025 acres in the C2 zoning district. Bishop Business Center. 

4202 Poplar Level Road

23-LANDSCAPE-0179, 4202 Poplar Level Road, revised submittal for a Landscape Plan for an existing commercial building and site to be used as an eyecare office. VisionFirst.

23-WAIVER-0183, 4202 Poplar Level Road, an application for a waiver of the requirements of LDC section 10.2.11 to reduce the number of plantings required along street frontages. VisionFirst.

23-MCUP-0008, 3417 Community Horizon Circle, revised submittal of an application for a Modified Conditional Use Permit for a parking lot on 2.68 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

23-MPLAT-0165, 2221 Bradford Drive, revised submittal for a minor plat to dedicate right of way on 5.46 acres in the R6 zoning district.

23-MPLAT-0155, 2608 Hikes Lane, revised submittal of a Minor Plat to create two lots from one on 10.5 acres in the R4 zoning district. Wallitsch Minor Plat.

22-MPLAT-0044, 4322 Mildaun Road, application for a Minor Plat change to create two lots from one on .736 acres in the R-4 zoning district and SW form district. Bicker Division.

24-WAIVER-0008, 1300 Eastern Parkway, application for a waiver to reduce the required landscape buffer areas on .4 acres in the R5A zoning district. 1300 Eastern Parkway garage.

19-WAIVER-0112, 2814 Newburg Road, a waiver for the sidewalk requirement along Newburg Road. 
19-WAIVER-0113, 2814 Newburg Road, a waiver to allow detached houses to abut a private street.  

3560 Bashford Avenue

23-WAIVER-0116, 3560 Bashford Avenue, a Waiver of LDC Chapter 10.2.4.B.8 to omit the required landscape buffer area along a portion of the side and rear property line. TEM Group Rezoning.

23-ZONE-0107, 3560 Bashford Avenue, Revised Submittal of an application for a Zoning Change from PRO to PEC or M-1 to allow the existing contractor's shop to remain with an additional building, parking, and outdoor storage area on 2.02 acres. TEM Group.

23-ZONE-0128, 2230 Buechel Avenue, Revised Submittal of an application for a Change in Zoning from R-4 and R-5 to C-1 for a Mixed Use Development. Buechel Train Depot Revitalization. 2814 Newburg Road

Short Term Rental cases

24-CUPPA-0014, 1727 Lincoln Avenue, a Conditironal Use Permit to allow a Short Term Rental on .18 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

23-CUPPA-0062, 3709 Willmar Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit Pre-Application for a non-primary residence Short Term Rental on 0.2602 acres in the R-4 zoning district.

23-CUP-0266, 1537 Lincoln Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit for a Short Term Rental on .083 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

23-CUP-0149, 1628 Belmar Drive, a Conditional Use Permit for a Short Term Rental on 0.1357 acres in the R-5 zoning district. 

22-CUP-0066, 1607 Orchard Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit for a Short Term Rental on .14 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

20-CUP-0147 for 1500 Lincoln Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit for a short term rental at a non primary residence on 0.18 acres in the R5 zoning district.

Check on Planning and Design Services cases.

 Locate legal Short Term Rentals with interactive map

Short term rental enforcement continues in large part to be complaint-driven, based on public reporting of alleged violations to administrators.

An interactive map tool contains all of the registered short term rentals in Louisville having an active permit to rent their property out to paying customers on STR websites like Airbnb.

If you believe someone is using a property as a short term rental but it does not show up on this registry, or if the registry indicates a non-owner occupied property does not have a CUP, then please report the issue here (select “Zoning and Business Concerns,” “Zoning Concern,” “Short Term Rental,” complete the form and submit). Or contact our office. 

An easy way to find out where Louisville Water is working

Is Louisville Water working in your area? Our website offers an easy way to find out. An interactive map shows not only construction locations but also details on the projects, including the status, type, and even the project manager's phone number. While the map shows all planned projects, please note that it currently does not display repairs on water main breaks.

Driver licensing - REAL ID enforcement date extended to May 7, 2025

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID Act enforcement date by two years offering Kentuckians, and residents of other states, more time to request a compliant driving or identity credential that maintains air travel access and military base entry. The enforcement date has been moved from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025. Read details on REAL ID.

Be informed about crimes with LMPD's crime mapping website

The Louisville Metro Police Department uses a Crime Mapping website to display crime on a map in Jefferson County. 

Zoom in to see crimes in an area, or put an address in the address bar at top left to search. You may sign up for auto email alerts for crime around an address. Reports are made available to the public after a process of internal review, often in the same day as the report taken. Due to the nature of some crimes, reports are made available to public upon the completion of a thorough investigation and will be made available as soon as practical.

These LMPD divisions serve sections of District 10:

• Link to LMPD Fourth Division 
• Link to LMPD Fifth Division
• Link to LMPD Sixth Division

Know the signs of human trafficking - you could save a life

Do you know the indicators of human trafficking? You could save a life. 

If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-373-7888 to speak with a specially trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocate. Support is provided in more than 200 languages. We are here to listen and connect you with the help you need to stay safe.

Callers can dial 711 to access the Hotline using TTY. Or text at 233733. Message and data rates may apply.

You can also email at help@humantraffickinghotline.org  or submit a tip online here.

Veterans Crisis Line 

Some offices and VA hospitals offer a "Health Promotion Disease Prevention Program" that includes treatment methods including acupuncture, tai chi, and meditation instead of opioids, and they work with the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, Press 1) to provide support and treatment for PTSD and depression, the leading cause of suicide for veterans.

Additional references for VA material and assistance or 1-877-WAR-VETS. Lifestyle changes for better health, or sexual trauma.

"Embrace the Journey" website for parents of LGBTQ+ children and adolescents

For LGBTQ+ children and adolescents,a parent’s support makes all the difference. The Embrace the Journey website is designed to educate the parents of LGBTQ+ children and adolescents about how to give children the emotional support they need.

Streetlight out? Report it. 

Please report non-working streetlights to LG&E.  Report a hazard on a state road or highway, such as non-working highway lighting or potholes.

Reporting potholes

• Report online. 
• Use Twitter by sending the location of the hole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole.
• Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues. 

Report litterers

Get directly involved in making Louisville a more litter-free community through the Report-A-Litterer program aimed at motorists who throw fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, soda bottles or any type of litter out their car window.

Help stop wire theft along Kentucky's highways

• Report any information about wire thefts at Kentucky interchanges to the KYTC Office of
  Inspector General (OIG) Office at 502-330-7506. If your information leads to an arrest and conviction, you may be eligible for the $5,000 reward.
• Report active crimes or suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
• Report dark intersections to the KYTC Traffic Operations Center at 877-FOR-KYTC

Would you like to serve on one of Louisville Metro's Boards or Commissions? 

Are you interested in volunteering?  Louisville Metro Government has more than 70 boards and commissions - everything from the board of the Louisville Water Company to Metro Parks to the Louisville Planning Commission. We are always in search of citizens willing to serve on boards. Most boards are voluntary-based and are not paid but the reward of serving pays big dividends to our community.

To complete an application, please visit   https://louisvilleky.gov/government/mayor-craig-greenberg/interested-serving-board-or-commission

If you know of a community event you'd like to be considered for inclusion on the District 10 enews, let us know. Please email our office: sara.feltner@louisvilleky.gov or call 574-1110.

You are receiving this email because you have signed up for the enews or have contacted our office for assistance. If you would like to be removed from this communication please email sara.feltner@louisvilleky.gov with "REMOVE" in the subject line.

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