In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
A lot has been happening in and around the City of Louisville. For starters, the weather has been good (in my opinion), and people are out and about in good spirits. I think most of us are gearing up for Super Bowl LVIII. Do you have your pick? What about your snacks?
Before Super Bowl Sunday, however, all eyes are on Saturday morning at Muffins with McCraney. We will meet at 10:00 a.m. at the former St. Matthews Community Center, the Arterburn. My special guests are Richard Price, the newly appointed Louisville Metro Codes and Regulations director, and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. Please stop by for muffins and conversation on your way to the supermarket to pick up your finger foods for Sunday. Bring a neighbor and your questions!
Other happenings in our fair city include the good, not-so-good, and bad news. Here’s what I mean:
The good news:
The Louisville Zoo has been nominated for the USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards in the "Best Zoo" and "Best Zoo Exhibit" categories. Glacier Run is the exhibit that the Louisville Zoo is nominated for in the Zoo Exhibit category and is currently in third place. Plus, our very own Louisville Orchestra music director, Teddy Abrams, won a Grammy for Best Classical Instrumental Solo. The extraordinary award is for Abrams' original piece "The American Project," which the orchestra performed alongside pianist Yuja Wang.
In other good news, Louisville Metro Government’s Crisis Call Diversion Program, the city’s emergency call deflection program, has expanded its services to a 16-hour model from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. The program expanded on February 4th. It is designed to send select mental health crisis 911 calls to a team of non-police responders who are trained professionals in mental health crisis intervention.
The not-so-good news (for LMHA!):
Due to unsafe, unsightly, and unbelievable conditions, including bedbugs, mold, leaky faucets, and crime, to name a few of the ungodly living conditions of public housing, the Louisville Metro Council is preparing to investigate the Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA). Although there is a new “sheriff” in town overseeing LMHA, the investigation was approved by the Government Accountability Committee this week and will soon be initiated.
Elizabeth Strojan, the new executive director of LMHA, released the following statement: “There is no question that conditions at Dosker Manor are unacceptable. I was hired to tackle these problems with the urgency they demand. After a little over a week as the new executive director of LMHA, I can say that my team and our partners at Metro Government are fully committed to working with the Metro Council to address these serious challenges. I'm grateful for Metro Council's focus on providing high-quality and affordable housing to residents across Louisville. I will certainly benefit from their partnership as we work to make real change in the weeks and months ahead."
The bad news:
While the former Brown & Williamson building at 4th and Liberty streets is getting a multimillion-dollar makeover, on the other hand, Humana, the only Fortune 500 company headquartered in the Commonwealth, is vacating its 27-story building at 500 W. Main Street. Also, the Fifth Third Bank Tower, built in 1982 as part of the development of the Louisville Galleria, adds to the downtown office vacancy. Along with downtown vacancies is the announcement that the United Parcel Service is laying off about 12,000 employees this year, focusing on management and contractor jobs. The move comes after executives reported lower-than-expected demand. The Atlanta-based logistics company is one of Louisville’s largest employers, and it’s not yet known how the layoffs will affect local UPS jobs.
Yes, a lot is going on in our city. But before you sink your thoughts into the many issues affecting our community, join me tomorrow for muffins and coffee. Then, with family, friends, and loved ones, enjoy the most anticipated sporting event of the year on Sunday.
Happy weekend, and happy Valentine’s Day on Wednesday!
This week, Metro Council committees met and adopted several resolutions and ordinances and held a discussion on speed humps.
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The Planning & Zoning Committee approved three changes to zonings along Griffiths Avenue, 8th Street, and Buechel Avenue. The committee also adopted a resolution asking the Planning Commission to review the Land Development Code regarding homeless and crisis shelters. Finally, the committee adopted three resolutions initiating landmark reviews of Manual Stadium, Wheelman’s Bench, and Iroquois Amphitheater.
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The Labor, Economic Development & Appropriations Committee approved several council district appropriations and infrastructure ordinances.
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The Public Works Committee held a special discussion on speed humps with Public Works Director Jennifer Kern.
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The Government Oversight/Audit & Appointments Committee approved appointments to the Civilian Review & Accountability Board, Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Commission on Public Art, Deputy Sheriff Merit Board, Redevelopment Authority, Tree Advisory Committee, and the Human Relations Commission Enforcement Board. The committee also authorized an investigation into the Louisville Metro Housing Authority.
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The Equity & Community Affairs Committee approved resolutions accepting funding from the Kentucky Department for Public Health, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The committee also approved a contract to weekly test wastewater for pathogens.
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The Public Safety Committee amended a law waiving all Metro tow lot fees associated with stolen vehicles. The committee also accepted funding from the U.S. Department of Justice and adopted a notification contract for Louisville Fire.
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The Budget Committee adopted an ordinance amending previous ARP appropriations and Metro’s FY 2024 Operating Budget, by transferring allowable costs between the two
The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, February 15, 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).
President Winkler announces Ad Hoc Land Use Committee
The Committee will address development, affordable housing, land use, conservation issues, and promotion of infill development
Louisville (February 8, 2024) – Today, Metro Council President Markus Winkler (D-17) announced the establishment of a new Ad Hoc Land Use Committee, citing an overdue necessity to address various aspects of the development process.
“Given the substantial workload of the current Planning & Zoning Committee, a dedicated Ad Hoc Committee has been formed to conduct an in-depth examination into the land use process. Frustrations have been voiced from various stakeholders involved in the development process, necessitating a call for change,” said President Winkler.
Click here to read the full press release, which includes information about the ad-hoc committee's priorities, plans, and leadership.
During a House Local Government Committee hearing Wednesday, Kentucky lawmakers gave first approval to a bill aimed at making Louisville’s Metro Council and mayoral races nonpartisan. Sponsored by seven Louisville Republicans, House Bill 388 cleared the committee on a 16-2 vote and heads to the full House floor. State Representative Jason Nemes is one of seven Louisville Republicans sponsoring the bill to remove candidates' party affiliations from ballots in Louisville's races for mayor and Metro Council. The goal, Nemes said, is to incentivize candidates to campaign in a greater number of areas, around the county, before elections. "The best way to (get candidates engaged) is to make sure somebody has to go get votes. That's what moves politicians," he said. "I want whoever it is to have to hunt votes all over the county."
Click below to view the news coverage of House Bill 388:
https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/bill-remove-party-affiliations-louisville-races-mayor-metro-council/417-2597d1ef-95da-4a7d-b81b-7fa5214a7df4
https://www.wdrb.com/in-depth/state-lawmakers-give-1st-approval-to-bill-making-louisville-mayor-metro-council-races-nonpartisan/article_a92a9d16-c5f4-11ee-ab80-a74403041872.html
https://www.wave3.com/2024/02/09/bill-that-would-make-louisville-mayor-metro-council-elections-non-partisan-moves-forward/
Improper Turning at New LaGrange Road & Whipps Mill Road:
This week, we received reports that drivers are making improper left turns from the right lane of New LaGrange Road toward the train tracks on Whipps Mill Road. Because there is only room for one lane of traffic to safely turn left, improper turning at this intersection causes a high risk of accidents and/or injuries for everyone on the road. Drivers, please be cautious and do your part to keep everyone safe by obeying all road signs and markings in this area.
If you witness improper turns at this intersection, please report this activity to Lyndon Police Department by calling, 502-327-2677
Road Markings Refresh on LaGrange Road:
The Department of Public Works and Assets has shared that they are planning to refresh the LaGrange Rd pavement markings this calendar year. Be on the lookout for that to happen when things get warmer, as the department is aiming to have the work finished before July 1. One constituent shared that this has been an issue for quite some time, so we are happy to share that help is on the way.
Respiratory viruses commonly cause illness such as flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially in the fall and winter. There are actions you can take to protect yourself and others. Learn about how to reduce your risk of getting sick from these viruses, and if they are spreading in your community. Here are some ways that you can protect yourself and others:
- Stay up to date with vaccines
- Everyone 6 months and older should get a yearly flu vaccine and a current COVID-19 vaccine. Find a vaccine at Vaccines.gov.
- CDC recommends that all infants receive protection from one of these tools to protect them from getting very sick with RSV.
- Adults 60 years and older also may receive one dose of RSV vaccine and should talk with their healthcare provider about whether RSV vaccination is right for them.
- Seek testing and possible treatment if you get sick
- Improve airflow and ventilation
- Options include bringing in as much fresh air as possible, filtering the air, using a portable air cleaner, turning on exhaust fans, or choosing outdoor options.
- Practice good hand hygiene and cover your coughs and sneezes
- Stay home when you are sick and avoid others who are sick
- Masks can help reduce the amount of germs you breathe in, and can also help protect others if you are sick. Their effectiveness against different viruses varies.
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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. Be sure to get an application in by February 16 for consideration in the spring grant cycle!
Learn more and apply: https://fundforthearts.org/.../community-event-mini-grants/
The Louisville Metro Youth Cabinet are asking residents from every Jefferson County zip code to nominate youths who have achieved against difficult or unique challenges brought by adversity, such as: the remnants of violence, physical or mental health challenges, unique life situations, and economic disparity.
If you know a youth age 13-24 who is handling what life has thrown them, please nominate them by March 7. Let's make sure we let these strong, unique individuals know that we see them.
Click here for more information or to submit a nomination.
The Department of Public Works and Assets' first Pop-Up Drop-Off event will be on Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Please do not arrive early as they will not allow vehicles into the parking lot until it starts. Be sure to have all your items separated into categories for easy off-loading. As dates are finalized, the schedule will be added to Louisvilleky.gov/PopUps.
Anyone looking for a new job? Louisville Parks and Recreation is hiring lifeguards for the 2024 season.
According to a news release, classes cost $200 each, but if you commit to working for a year at one of the pools, the classes will be free.
During the classes, you will earn both first aid and CPR/AED certifications.
The available pools are Sun Valley, Nelson Hornback and Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center. The Algonquin and Camp Taylor pools will still be closed for renovations this season.
You must be 15 years or older to participate. Anyone who wants to participate must attend all three classes during a session. Starting pay is $16.65 with a guaranteed 36 to 40 hour work week.
Class dates:
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Session 1: March 17, 23, 24 -- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Session 2: April 3, 4, 5 -- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Session 3: April 14, 20, 21 -- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Session 4: April 28; May 5, 11 -- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Session 5: May 18, 19, 21 -- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If interested, please call the aquatic center at (502) 574-1498 or visit their website.
Mayor Craig Greenberg and Metro Government invite Louisville to attend ”Go Back and Get It” – an event on Tuesday, Feb. 13 that will celebrate Black history through song, storytelling and spoken word.
The event is hosted by the Office of Equity, Roots 101 and The Sankofa Players in the Mayor’s Gallery at Metro Hall, 527 W. Jefferson Street, 40202.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the performance begins promptly at 6:15 p.m.
Register to attend here.
The Human Relations Commission has announced several upcoming events to connect, assist, and educate the community, including:
- Legal Aid Society Clinics
- Know Your Rights: Fair Rights Friday (February 16)
- LGBT Discrimination in the Workplace: Unlock the Power of Inclusivity
- 2024 Dr. Ralph de Chabet Trustees I.E. Awards
Dates, times, and locations for these events vary. For full details, descriptions, and registration, please visit www.louisvilleky.gov.
Tax, Small Claims, Debt Defense, and Student Loan Clinics:
Housing and Employment Discrimination Clinic:
Louisville Free Public Library’s 2024 Authors Series features bestsellers, NPR alums, a debut author… and Barbie!
(Louisville) Starting in February, Louisville Free Public Library is bringing six nationally renowned authors to the Main Library this season. The lineup features new fiction from two New York Times bestsellers, along with nonfiction from four award-winning journalists on topics as varied as race relations in America, the secret history of Barbie, the industry behind climbing Mt. Everest, and business advice for women.
2024 Series Schedule:
All events will be held at 7:00pm at the Main Library
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Friday, February 16: Carmichael's Bookstore presents award-winning journalist and author Michele Norris in conversation with Charles Booker
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Monday, February 26: Carmichael's Bookstore presents New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Makkai in conversation with Katy Yocom
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Thursday, March 14: The Craig Buthod Author Series presents NPR correspondent Stacey Vanek Smith
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Friday, April 12: Cultural critic, investigative journalist, and first-generation Barbie owner M.G. Lord
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Tuesday, April 23: The Craig Buthod Author Series presents award-winning writer and journalist Will Cockrell in conversation with Dr. Tori Murden McClure
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Thursday, May 16: The Craig Buthod Author Series presents New York Times bestseller Craig Johnson
All Author Series events are FREE, but registration is requested -- simply click here.
Book signings follow all author talks, with books available for purchase from Carmichael’s Bookstore.
The Louisville Sports Commission's 14th annual Paul Hornung Award ceremony will be held on March 8 at the Galt House Hotel. Colorado sophomore cornerback / wide receiver Travis Hunter will attend. The featured speaker will be Laura Rutledge, host of ESPN’s year-round weekday NFL news and information show NFL Live and SEC Network’s SEC Nation. For more information, go to www.louisvillesports.org/paul-hornung/.
To purchase tickets, contact Julie Howell at 502-587-6742 or JHowell@Louisvillesports.org.
March 23 to May 19, 2024 (Thursdays – Sundays)
starting at 7:00 p.m.
Open nightly for Spring Break: April 1 – 7
Our popular lantern festival is back and brighter than ever!
Dive deep and celebrate the vibrant colors of the coral reefs, see nature come to life with interactive moving displays and explore ancient Chinese myths and legends, including magnificent dragons and a breathtaking phoenix tunnel. The festival includes all-new illuminated archways and larger-than-life displays allowing you to become part of the magic. The wonder of Wild Lights is sure to create glowing smiles and bright memories for all. We’ll see YOU at sundown!
For ticket prices and purchasing, visit: www.louisvillezoo.org
Save this recipe for your Super Bowl Party, and future gatherings with the ones you love!
Photo & Recipe Source: Southern Living Magazine
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Find the full recipe on SouthernLiving.com
Ingredients
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2 cups finely chopped rotisserie chicken breast (from 1 rotisserie chicken)
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1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
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2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
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1/3 cup finely chopped scallions (from 3 scallions)
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3 tablespoons buffalo-style hot sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot)
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
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All-purpose flour, for work surface
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1 (17.25-oz.) pkg. frozen puff pastry sheets (2 sheets), thawed
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Blue cheese dressing and chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 425°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper, and set aside.
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Stir together chicken, cream cheese, blue cheese, scallions, hot sauce, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined.
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On a lightly floured work surface, roll each thawed puff pastry sheet into a 15- x 12-inch rectangle. Spread half the cream cheese mixture on each pastry rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch pastry border on all sides. Beginning with 1 long side, roll up each rectangle, jelly-roll style, just to opposite long pastry border. Brush long pastry border with water; roll to close, pinching pastry to secure. Place rolls, seam side down, on a large baking sheet, and chill 10 minutes.
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Place chilled rolls on a work surface. Using a serrated knife, cut each into 20 (1/2-inch-thick) slices, and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake in preheated oven until pastry is puffed and light golden brown, 13 to 15 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature, drizzled with blue cheese dressing, and sprinkled with parsley, if desired.
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Having issues with high grass, illegal parking, street repairs, or other Code Enforcement concerns in the community? Contact 311!
Metro311 Service Request Information
- Submit a Service Request in the online system.
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Only service requests for the past 30 days will be accessible in the system. If you need information on an older request, please call Metro 311 for status.
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To receive email notifications of the status of your service request you must have an account and you must have included your email address when you created your account. You can create a new account and report a new issue.
- Not all issues you put a service request in for require you to login. Some issues may be submitted anonymously, such as reporting a pothole and property maintenance cases, for instance. But having an account will allow you to track the progress and status of the request.
- The outlined or highlighted area on the map indicates the area which is serviced by Louisville Metro Government.
If you do not see a category which corresponds to your issue, please call Metro311 at 311.
For all the details you need regarding the new drivers license please click the link below:
To read about the most recent VA Medical Center construction events, go to: https://www.va.gov/louisville-health-care/programs/new-robley-rex-va-medical-center
To request weekly updates about the construction events, send an email requesting updates to: LOUVAMCCONSTRUCTION@USACE.ARMY.MIL
For ALL construction-related inquiries, please email: LOUVAMCCONSTRUCTION@USACE.ARMY.MIL
Check us out on social media:
Metro Louisville now has an interactive map that will allow you to see what is happening in your neighborhood as well as others across the city. The map updates daily and if you choose you can receive alerts for your area by subscribing using the red receive alerts button on the page. Click here to try it out: Interactive Map to Track Crime.
Message from the LMPD 8th Division
Please make note of the below tips to help make sure theft doesn't happen to you.
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices and even loose change.
- Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.
- Always lock your vehicle doors.
- Remove garage door openers from vehicles when parked outside.
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle, this includes key-fobs.
- Do not leave the windows of your vehicle open, or partially open.
- Try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
- Immediately report any suspicious person, or vehicle to (502) 574-7111.
Click here to Subscribe to the 5th Division E-Newsletter
District Resource Officers (DRO's)
After more than 3 years the 5th Division is happy to announce we have 2 DRO's! DRO's are the "Jack of all Trades" for the community. They are our problem solvers, ambassadors, community representatives and anything else you can think of. Congratulations to Officers John Keeling and Brad Steller, your 5th Division DRO's.
They can be contacted at the links below.
Officer John Keeling
Officer Brad Steller
Need support now?
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.
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