In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
On Monday, February 19th, a holiday known as Presidents' Day will be observed. But did you know that the official federal holiday is also called “Washington’s Birthday”? So, why do some states call it Presidents’ Day? I'll answer that question in a moment, but first, I want to share that Congress has never declared Presidents' Day a national holiday. Presidents' Day is a federal holiday, and federal employees generally have this day off from work. Each state has the authority to determine its legal holidays. In 1971, Congress moved this yearly remembrance to the third Monday in February as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Now, as many as 41 states have declared the 3rd Monday in February a state holiday - some call it "Presidents' Day," and some call it "Washington's Birthday" or some version thereof. Therefore, this informs us that Congress has never determined or enacted a law that changed "Washington's Birthday" to "Presidents' Day." Who knew?
So, why is this holiday called Presidents' Day? As you know, President George Washington was our nation's first President. He was born on February 22nd (some will argue that he was born on February 11th, but that's a conversation for another day). Americans began celebrating George Washington's birthday several months after he died in 1799. It was not until 1879, while Rutherford B. Hayes was President that Congress declared Washington's birthday a legal holiday. President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is on February 12th, so in reverence to both Presidents born in February, the holiday became known as "Presidents’ Day" in most states.
Oh, and besides Presidents Washington and Lincoln, two other presidents were born in February. Do you know which ones? Instead of having you guess, I'll tell you. They are William Henry Harrison (February 9th), who, by the way, died just 31 days after his inauguration, and Ronald Reagan (February 6th). So, by "George," let's celebrate Presidents' Day!
Last week's Muffins with McCraney neighborhood meeting was a huge success! We covered numerous topics, including housing, infrastructure, concerns with litter/trash, and an infamous abandoned property on Calimar Drive. Louisville Metro Mayor Craig Greenberg heard constituents' concerns and committed to assisting with several of these items. We will continue to share updates in future newsletters as they become available.
Thank you, District 7, for coming out to participate in this important discussion. Working together is the only way that we will continue to create and maintain the community that we wish to see. Also, many thanks to our special guests - Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, Richard Price (Codes and Regulations), our venue host, St. Matthews Mayor Rick Tonini, and all of the suburban mayors (Brent Hagan, Becky Peak and Dr. John Roberts) and home rule city elected officials who contributed to the conversation. Stay tuned to the newsletter for future neighborhood announcements and events! Your voice matters to me, and it counts!
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The Louisville Metro Council held their regularly scheduled Council meeting Thursday, February 15, 2024.
Click the photo below to watch the meeting recap, or read the highlights below.
Old Business
- Seven appointments to the Commission for Public Art.
- R-008-24: a resolution requesting the Planning Commission review the Land Development Code regarding homeless and crisis shelters.
- O-012-24: an ordinance appropriating NDF funds for costs associated with the production, talent, stage, and sound for the Annual Forest Fest Bluegrass Festival, scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2024.
- O-297-23: an ordinance relating to the zoning of properties located at 6803 and 6805 Beulah Church Road.
- O-294-23: an ordinance relating to the zoning of properties located at 8816 West Manslick Road.
Consent Calendar – all items passed unanimously.
- R-179-23: a resolution accepting funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Fair Housing Assistance program.
- R-180-23: a resolution accepting funding from the Kentucky Department of Public Heath for the Emergency Preparedness Stop the Bleed program.
- R-181-23: a resolution accepting funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the summer feeding service program.
- R-161-23: a resolution approving the appointment of Jacqueline Lewis as the Chief Audit Executive for Metro Government.
- R-004-23: a resolution directing the Landmarks Commission Staff to begin the Landmarks review process for the historic Wheelman’s Bench, located at 3190 South 3rd
- R-005-23: a resolution directing the Landmarks Commission Staff to begin the Landmarks review process for the historic Manual Stadium, located at 1230 East Burnett Avenue.
- R-006-23: a resolution directing the Landmarks Commission Staff to begin the Landmarks review process for the historic Iroquois Amphitheater, located at 1000 Amphitheatre Road.
- R-158-23: a resolution accepting funding from the U.S. Department of Justice for the community based violence intervention and prevention program.
- R-159-23: a resolution accepting funding from the U.S. Department of Justice for the youth violence prevention program.
- O-016-24: an ordinance amending LMCO removing any impound or storage fees for stolen vehicles towed to Metro’s Tow Lot.
The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, February 29th 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).
Per the reporting of the Louisville Public Media, lawmakers on the House floor Tuesday said DEI has gone too far in higher education. They said the concepts damage the country’s unity and impinge on free speech on campuses. One GOP lawmaker compared DEI efforts to communism.
“The ideals of DEI are not much different than the ideals of Karl Marx in his fight for economic equality… an equal distribution of capital for equal outcomes,” said Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, a Republican from Smithfield. “We're seeing dividing people and separating people… which is so opposite of what the intent of DEI is.”
Opponents of the legislation implored lawmakers to consider the chilling effect the legislation would have on higher education institutions and efforts to accurately teach U.S. history.
According to a statement from Senate Democratic Floor Leader Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, "Senat Bill 6 represents an attempt to redefine the compass and execution of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within our state's public colleges and universities. At its essence, Senate Bill 6 reflects a contentious discourse on the approach to diversity and inclusion within our educational institutions. The passage of this bill lays bare the deep-seated political chasm surrounding these matters. Advocates of the bill contend that it endeavors to safeguard the "diversity of thought" by forestalling the mandatory endorsement of specific beliefs by faculty and staff."
"Nevertheless, I stand as one of the dissenting voices in the Senate chamber, voicing apprehensions about the unwarranted encroachment of government into university affairs and the potential exacerbation of divisions within our academic community. I firmly believe that the mechanisms currently in place are fully equipped to address instances of free speech without the need for additional legislative intervention. Furthermore, I underscored during deliberations that the examples cited by the Republican Majority were, at best, "scant" and founded on hearsay. We mustn't place ourselves in a position of undue governmental oversight, micromanaging the affairs of our esteemed public institutions of higher learning," said Senator Neal.
CLICK HERE FOR A BRIEF SUMMARY OF OTHER HOUSE AND SENATE BILLS OF INTEREST: Jefferson County Proposed legislation (cloud.microsoft) OR CLICK HERE: Jefferson County Bills 2024.docx
In addition to sharing information about events around the city, we love to feature the events happening in our area. If you would like to submit your event to be featured in the District 7 Newsletter, please email the flyer and details to the District 7 Office by Wednesday of each week.
We may not be able to include all submissions received, but we will do our best! Click here to submit your information: email
Fish Fry Season has officially arrived in Louisville, meaning that diners all over the city are excited to get their fill of hot and crispy deliciousness. No matter who believes in or where you live, Louisville Free Public Media has your guide to hit all the hot spots during Lent. Click to access the 2024 Fish Fry Guide on your device.
Mayor Greenberg will be joining me at the following Friday Fish Fry in District 7 on March 22nd:
St. Albert the Great
- 1935 Girard Drive, Louisville
- Feb 23, March 1-22
- Dinner: 5-7:30 p.m.
- Dine-in or carry-out
- Menu: Fried fish and chips, baked fish, fried shrimp, rolled oysters, pizza, green beans, mac & cheese, hush puppies, baked potatoes, coleslaw, applesauce, and homemade desserts
Subject Property: 1702 Ashmoor Lane
Case Number: 23-VARIANCE-0098
Case Manager: Jeremy Chesler (jeremy.chesler@louisvilleky.gov)
Meeting Type: Board of Zoning Adjustment
Meeting Date: Monday, March 4, 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)
You may also participate online, and view case material by visiting: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/upcoming-public-meetings
For meeting agenda and staff report, please visit:
https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal
More information is available in person at:
Louisville Metro Office of Planning (Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
444 S. 5th Street, 3rd Floor, Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 574-6230
If you wish to submit comments in writing on this case, please submit to the case manager by 9:00 A.M. Friday, March 1. If you would like to provide verbal testimony, please attend the meeting or participate online. Additional information or written comments submitted after applicable deadlines must be approved by the Board at the meeting; the Board may choose to not accept such information or comments.
Proposed change in zoning from R‐4 Residential to OR‐1 Office/Residential
CASE NUMBER: 23‐ZONEPA‐0056
The meeting will be held on March, 4th beginning at 6 p.m.
The neighborhood meeting is being held at the 8005 New Lagrange Road, Lyndon KY 40222. The applicant, JFK, Real Estate LLC is seeking a Change in zoning and Form District for the property located on New Lagrange Rd. The applicant is proposing to change the zoning to OR‐1. We have a plan filed a plan for preapplication review with the division of planning and design services (DPDS) that has been assigned case number 23‐ZONEPA‐0056. The case manager is:
Jay Luckett
Metro Planning & Design Services
444 South 5th Street, Suite 300
Office: 502‐574‐5159
Jay.luckett@louisvilleky.gov
The Office of Planning’s Library Hours return in 2024! City Planners from Louisville Metro’s Office of Planning will be available to answer questions about zoning (What is zoning? Why does it matter?) and discuss the ongoing LDC Reform project, including Middle Housing. We want to hear about your neighborhood and discuss what the reform means for you!
These conversations are part of the ongoing Land Development Code (LDC) Reform. The LDC Reform is an equity focused approach to revise the LDC consistently with Plan 2040 to allow for increased housing choices and opportunities in new and existing neighborhoods, to create procedures and regulations that are easier to use and increase the quality of life by reducing the concentration of environmental hazards near housing.
If you have questions or want to learn more, contact ldcreform@louisvilleky.gov or (502) 574-5860/(502) 574-8272
The Air Pollution Control District (APCD) has released its annual report, highlighting the work of Louisville’s local air quality professionals in 2023 and providing an update on local air quality.
Highlights from 2023 include:
- Announcing a $1 million award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Ambient Air Toxics and Health Action for the Rubbertown Area, a project to further examine and address air pollution impacts in west Louisville.
- Staff further expanding and refining the city’s air monitoring network, which collected over 55 million data points on Louisville’s air in 2023, including 50 million one-minute data points and 385,000 rigorously analyzed, legally defensible hourly data points, much of which is shared through real-time resources like Louisville Air Watch.
- Supporting low-cost air sensor research and use, including operating a new air sensor collocation shelter, continued research projects with US EPA, performing a sensor study at the site of a proposed Waterfront Park playground, and acquiring funding for an air sensor lending library that will lend equipment to community researchers.
- Signing up 29 businesses and organizations as Air Quality Action Partners, who made commitments to improve local air quality and provided air quality ale
- rts to over 2,700 local employees.
- Celebrating the 20th full year of the Lawn Care for Cleaner Air program, which awarded its equipment grant to YouthBuild Louisville and issued over 450 rebates on electric lawn equipment in 2023, resulting in almost 18,000 pounds of avoided emissions.
Click here for more information and to review the full report.
No School Day = Pool Day!
Join Goldfish Swim School for FREE Family Swim on Monday, February 19th from 10am-12pm.
Reserve a spot here, or find full details on Facebook.
What is Family Swim? Family Swim is what we call our open pool time. We will have our playmats and toys in the water available for use. U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are available for children to use. Best of all, our pool is heated to 90 degrees so you and your family can enjoy shiver-free fun in our tropical-themed facility!
Families should plan to bring their own towels. Note that little ones who are not potty trained are required to wear a reusable swim diaper (these are also available for sale in the facility).
Please email swimstmatthews@goldfishss.com with any questions!
Exciting news: your Louisville Zoo is making waves in the animal kingdom! We've been nominated for Best Zoo and Best Zoo Exhibit (Glacier Run) in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards! Help us "seal the deal" on a top 10 spot. Vote daily through March 4!
Dates: March 2, April 6, June 1
Times: 9 – 11 a.m.
Prices:
Members: Adult —$25 / Child — $20
Non-members: Adult — $35 / Child — $30
Age 2 and Under: $0
Intended Audience: Families with children ages 4 – 18, scout / youth groups
Advance purchase required. Wake up with some of your favorite animals in this program that brings a special look into how our animals start the day. Enjoy an exclusive keeper talk, a variety of breakfast treats like pastries and yogurt parfaits, activities, and plenty of fun as we say “good morning” to the Zoo. Subject to change based on the needs of the animals. Parking and general admission is included with your ticket!
- Saturday, March 2: Orangutans, location: Islands Gheens Room
- Saturday, April 6: Amur Tigers, location: PNC Cub House
- Saturday, June 1: Lions, location: African Outpost and Africa Zone
GET TICKETS TODAY:
Breakfast with the Beasts 2024 - Louisville Zoo
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Join Brightside and other communities across Kentucky for "Plogging Across the Bluegrass" at Atrium Brewing 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on March 2. Plogging is picking up trash while jogging, but you don't have to jog! Picking up litter is always helpful for our city!
Check your answers at the end of the newsletter.
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.
Just for Fun Answers
- Xerox
- Caustic
- Neon
- Amnesia
- Oregano
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