|
Daylight savings will begin in a couple of weeks and we'll be basking in days filled with more sunlight soon. I'm very excited about brighter days on the horizon, especially because springtime in Kentucky is so magical.
There are a few things in this newsletter I want to highlight:
- Lucky Horseshoe residents have until March 5th to fill out our resident survey to request services for the big event on April 6
- We've launched an Emerson Park survey to gather feedback for improvements to the park
- TreesLouisville will be hosting a free tree giveaway at Churchill Downs on March 30
- We're hosting another animal vaccine clinic on April 6 for anyone in D15 interested in discounted vaccinations, microchips, and free name tag engraving
- We need volunteers for a tree planting in Lucky Horseshoe on April 6
- I'll be at the Jim King Senior Center on March 22 talking to seniors about improvements to the center
I have been placed on Metro Council's ad hoc committee for land use. We're examining Louisville's Land Development Code and exploring changes to it. Our first meeting is next week.
Anthony Piagentini's ethics trial started on Monday. It has started at 5 pm every day and goes until ~10 pm every night. We aren't allowed to be on our phones and laptops during the trial, so it's greatly impacted my ability to work. The trial is paused next week and will resume on March 11 (tentatively). It's always difficult juggling work, meetings, events, and a personal life while on Metro Council and this trial has really added to that difficulty. Luckily, I have a wonderful and understanding support team to help me get through these long days. Thanks to anyone who has had to exercise patience on my behalf.
As always, we're here to help you, so please don't hesitate to reach out.
See you around D15,
Yesterday, Metro Council hosted the 22nd Annual Black History Month Program and I’m so proud of D15’s honoree, Zion Smith.
Zion is no stranger to D15. He’s served the last year+ as the district’s Youth Cabinet delegate. He’s a frequent visitor in our office and he’s always enthusiastic to help in any way he can.
He’a a very impressive young man, so I’ll let his bio speak for itself:
“Zion Smith is a native of Louisville, who routinely works in youth development, working to develop community partnerships and programs, and collaborating with other youth serving organizations. In 2022, Zion was appointed as Youth Commissioner for Serve Kentucky by Governor Andy Beshear. In this role, Zion works to develop resources, implement a service plan for the state and approve, and administer AmeriCorps grants. In addition, Zion currently directs the Central Louisville Coalition, where he aims to reduce substance abuse amongst youth within the 40202 and 40203 zip codes. On January 1st, 2023, Zion was appointed to the inaugural Louisville Metro Youth Cabinet. Where he represents Louisville Metro Council District 15. In this role, Zion aims to increase youth voice and civic engagement across District 15th and the greater Metro Area.”
Congratulations to Zion and the other 25 honorees!
 |
B.O.B. stands for Building Our Blocks and is an event that seeks to ✨transform✨ a neighborhood in one day through projects such as tree plantings, home repair, street safety improvements, beautification, and more. The event is community-led, Louisville Metro-supported, and non-profit partnered. The goal is to be proactive in solving issues our community members face daily by bringing city services to their doorstep.
The Lucky Horseshoe neighborhood was chosen as the pilot neighborhood because of its smaller size and centralized location in the district (see: the area with the greatest need). Lucky Horseshoe is bound by Central Avenue to the north, Oakdale Avenue to the east, Longfield Avenue to the south, and Taylor Boulevard to the west. The hope is to replicate this in every neighborhood in D15.
We have a TON of stuff planned for the big day on April 6th and we've already had a couple neighborhood meetings to gather input. Over the last few weeks, volunteers have knocked on every door in the neighborhood, asking what residents need/want. Every door received a door hanger with a menu of services to choose from and we've created a digital version of that menu for Lucky Horseshoe residents to fill out. Click here to access the digital menu. Hurry! The deadline for responses is March 5th!
 |
As we explore updates to Emerson Park, particularly the playground area, we want to gather the community's input on how we can make Emerson Park better. We already have some great things planned, like sun sails, game tables, and fencing around the playground, but we you to let us know how we can make Emerson Park is a destination for everyone. We've created a short survey so you can give your feedback on the future of this little Schnitzelburg park. Click here to take the survey.
 |
|
In February, Metro Technology Services completed the installation of a free public Wi-Fi network in Watterson Lake Park, so all parkgoers can enjoy free wifi! 
This is a part of Louisville Metro's larger Connected Parks initiative and we're honored that Watterson Lake Park was the 5th park to be completed! They're hoping to have 30-40 parks online by summer. |
There are plenty of fish frys around the city this Lenten season, including 3 great ones here in D15:
 Our Mother of Sorrows (760 Eastern Pkwy)
Most Blessed Sacrament (3509 Taylor Blvd)
|
|
 |
You are invited to a neighborhood meeting for a proposed change in zoning from R-7 to C-1 to allow a Taco Bell Restaurant on property located at 3409, 3411, 3415, 3419 & 3421 Taylor Blvd (case number 24-ZONEPA-0018).
The proposal calls for a 1736 sq ft Taco Bell restaurant with a drive-thru. Access will remain through the existing curb cut on Taylor Blvd.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at South Louisville Community Center located at 2911 Taylor Blvd., Louisville, Kentucky.
If you are unable to attend the meeting or have any questions or comments, please email the case manager, Jay Luckett (jay.luckett@louisvilleky.gov), or the attorney representing the applicant, John Talbott (johnp@bardlaw.net).
Community members are invited to Meet the Beat with LMPD's 4th Division on Wednesday, March 16th from 6 pm to 8 pm at The Summit Wellness Center (600 Presidents Blvd). You'll have the opportunity to interact with 4th Division command staff, detectives, and officers. You can also get a tour of The Summit Wellness Center, LMPD's wellness center located in D15.
BTW, you're invited to join the 4th Division for their roving roll call on Tuesday, March 5th from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Wilder Park Community Center (120 W. Fairmont St). Come and go as you please—even if it's just to pop by and say hello!
Join the Cloverleaf Neighborhood Association invites neighbors to join them for an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 16th at 1 pm at Gutermuth Elementary School's playground (1500 Sanders Lane). There will be door prizes and pictures with the Easter bunny.
Join Councilwoman Chappell for a visioning session at the MUSCL Jim King Senior Center (1020 E. Burnett Ave) on Friday, March 22 from 11 am to noon. It will be a casual conversation with our seniors to see what changes they would like to see at the center so that it can better serve our seniors. We'll take the feedback from that session to create a plan that we will put into action!
Volunteer for the Mill Creek Sweep this spring! In honor of World Water Day, MSD will be hosting volunteer trash cleanups at several locations throughout the Mill Creek watershed in an attempt to “sweep” the creek on Saturday, March 23rd from 9 am to noon. It’s an opportunity to make a big impact and remove hundreds of pounds of trash from local waterways in a single day! MSD staff and partners will be on-site at each location with cleanup supplies (trash bags, grabbers, gloves, etc). Register to volunteer here.
TreesLouisville next Tree Adoption event will be on March 30th from 9 am to noon at Churchill Downs (700 Central Ave). Adopters can take home up to 2 new trees. Trees will be distributed on a first come first served basis with the option to only take home 1 "C" tree per person/household.
Trees can be picked up on the backside of the Downs in the Turquoise Parking Lot.
This tree adoption event will precede a HUGE tree planting event in the following week along Longfield Avenue!
We're planting 33 trees in the Lucky Horseshoe neighborhood on April 6th and you can help us put trees in the ground! No experience is necessary. We'll provide all the necessary tools and you'll get a free breakfast! Sign up to volunteer.
On top of super cheap vaccines, you’ll have the ability to license your pet and we’ll be giving away free pet supplies to those who need it. First come, first serve. THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO EVERYONE.
Owning a pet can be cost-prohibitive, but we don’t want that to stop you from experiencing the joys of having a furry best friend (or a few!). I’m so grateful for the unconditional love and companionship my critters bring me every day.  
We’re also asking that all who are able to bring a donation to help our neighbors. We’re specifically looking for dog and cat food, litter, and blankets/towels. That last one is a great opportunity to clean out your closets! 
Derby may be Churchill Downs event, but Derby is our day! As the eyes of the world fall upon Louisville during Derby week, we want to make sure that the neighbors around the track have the information, tools, and resources to have a safe and productive Derby.
Join us on Tuesday, April 16th at 6:30 PM at Sojourn Carlisle on Taylor Boulevard to discuss Derby 150.
Louisville Metro representatives from Metro Council, the Mayor’s office, Codes & Regulations, and LMPD will be on hand to answer questions, as well as representatives from Churchill Downs. We will be focused on what we can do this year, although we will use this conversation to help guide how we can do better in the coming years.
Answer questions, such as: What are the legal exemptions? Can I drive my golf car in the street? Where can people park? Can I sell hot dogs in my yard?
Food and refreshments will be provided.
We’ll be giving away tickets to #502sday at Churchill Downs to attendees. These tickets are on a first come, first serve basis and will be prioritized for those who live near Churchill Downs. Thanks to Churchill Downs for providing those tickets.
The new year is here, and with it, the 2024 Cafe LOUIE season. The panel-series kicked off on January 13 and continues through March at Louisville Free Public Libraries around town. Saturdays at 9 am is your opportunity to sip on Heine Brothers Coffee, discuss local matters, and make your voice heard.
Come see me on March 16th at the Shively Library!
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.
- Tuesday, March 5, Southwest Regional
- Tuesday, March 19, Crescent Hill
- Tuesday, April 16, Northeast Regional
- Tuesday, May 7, Western
- Tuesday, May 21, Fairdale
- Tuesday, June 4, Main Library
- Tuesday, June 18, Shawnee
- Tuesday, July 30, Iroquois
- Tuesday, August 13, South Central Regional
- Tuesday, August 27, Bon Air
- Tuesday, September 10, Newburg
- Tuesday, September 24, Shively
All sessions are from 3 pm to 7 pm.
If you have questions or want to learn more, contact ldcreform@louisvilleky.gov or (502) 574-5860/(502) 574-8272
The Louisville Free Public Library is celebrating seven years of the COLLIDER Artist-in-Residence program with a free event on Saturday, March 23rd from 10 am to 2 pm at the South Central Regional Library that features arts workshops, appearances, and performances with COLLIDER artist alums.
 Volunteering offers numerous benefits, both for individuals and the community at large. Beyond the selfless act of giving time and skills to help others, volunteering provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Engaging in volunteer work can enhance one's social and interpersonal skills, fostering connections with diverse groups of people.
Louisville Metro has launched a new page on the website that helps connect community members with volunteer positions. Find a volunteer opportunity.
Join Louisville Metro Government at their Career Fair on Monday, March 11th at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center (3029 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd) from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. All 39 agencies will be attending with over 130 open positions. Learn more here.
TreesLouisville will be coordinating the Urban Forestry Master Plan Project for Louisville Metro that will inform the processes for creating a robust and sustainable urban forest.
We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join our efforts in developing an Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP). The UFMP is a community-driven strategic initiative aimed at investing in the long-term well-being of Louisville’s trees and its people.
Over the coming decades, this plan will serve as a roadmap for prioritizing, preserving, and expanding our city's tree canopy. The plan will ensure that we are using the best management practices for air and water quality improvement, stormwater management, urban heat island effects, and social cohesion.
Why Urban Forestry Matters:
-
Urban Forest Definition: Refers to all trees within a city, spanning both public and privately-owned lands.
-
Tree Canopy: The shaded area of a city covered by trees. In Louisville, 39% of the city is graced by trees, providing numerous health benefits to the community.
We are looking for 100 (or more!) individuals to participate in the Urban Forestry Advisory Group that will hold three workshops in late spring/early summer 2024. These sessions will delve into current conditions, challenges, and future goals for Louisville's urban forest. The "Discovery Through Self-Assessment" workshops will involve data analysis, discussions on challenges and priorities, and collaborative brainstorming, all facilitated by experts.
For those in historically excluded areas or neighborhoods redlined in the 1930s, we have reserved 10-15 positions on the Advisory Group for an Equity Council. Members will contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, guiding the development of strategies and policies. We understand the importance of this participation and offer stipends to cover transportation, childcare, and other costs to facilitate your involvement.
Register to participate: https://form.jotform.com/233515066069053
 Some people might find a "Be Cart Smart" tag on their garbage cart that includes tips that will help extend the life of their, keep the neighborhood clean, and are based on Solid Waste ordinances:
🗑 Bring it in! Carts are often stolen, damaged, or used by others if left out. Bring your carts back onto your property and store in a secure location after collection.
🗑 Don’t overload! The cart shouldn’t be too heavy and the lid must be able to close. This helps keep it from getting damaged during collection.
🗑 Identify it! Write your address on your cart and take a photo of the serial number located on its side so you can easily identify it as yours.
🗑 Keep it clean! Simply rinse your cart with soap and water from time to time.
🗑️ Repairs are free! If your cart gets damaged, request a repair at Louisvilleky.gov/Carts. If it’s beyond fixing, it’ll be replaced instead.
Visit Louisvilleky.gov/Carts for cart purchases, exchanges, and policies. Contact the Solid Waste "kNOw Waste" Education Department if you have questions.
 The Jefferson County Law Library (Old Jail building, 514 W. Liberty St.) now offers walk in civil legal assistance on Tuesdays from 10 am to 2 pm.
On January 29, TARC debuted the Operational Schedule Adherence Program to improve on-time performance along Routes #4, #10, #23, and #28. When two buses along these lines bunch, the late bus may receive a call from the Control Center to switch to a "Drop Off Only" operation. The bus will no longer stop for pickups until it is told to switch back to standard running or as it drops off passengers.
Passengers can be assured that when a bus switches to "Drop Off Only," the next bus is less than five minutes away. This little one-time delay will mean fewer extensive delays up and down the line.
TARC is implementing this program in response to feedback from their first annual Customer Experience Survey. On-time performance is noted as one of the most important elements of bus service to our customers, and one of the success factors our riders are currently least satisfied with. The Operational Schedule Adherence Program follows the successful pilot program focused only on #23.
For more information please visit https://www.ridetarc.org/tarc-launches-new-initiative-for-more-reliable-buses/
Thanks to a partnership with Mental Health Lou, the Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) will offer free workshops for adults focused on mental health and wellness starting in March. The Mind-Body Wellness Series is a 4-part series that focuses on the ways in which our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs can positively or negatively impact our bodies, and vice versa. Taught by licensed experts from Mental Health Lou’s partner groups and providers, the series will be offered at six library locations: Southwest, Northeast, Newburg, Main, Western, and Bon Air.
Each workshop in the series addresses a different topic:
-
Discovering the Mind-Body Connection: Learn ways to identify and connect feelings, thoughts and somatic responses and develop tools to help manage stress, anxiety, depression and more.
-
Movement & Mental Health: Explore the impact of movement on your mental health by using yogic practices and breathing techniques as a means of self-care – deepening your connection with your body.
-
Practical Mindfulness for Stress Management: Learn basic tools to help identify stressors and implement Mindfulness techniques to manage/decrease stress response. This will be an experiential workshop that focuses on skill building of stress management tools.
-
Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing: Begin developing a realistic and easily executable self-care plan with the help of a mental health therapist.
|
