In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
I received the following email message last week: "As one of your constituents, I’m curious to know how you voted on the eight counts against Councilman Piagentini."
As I often do, I replied within 24 hours of receipt of the email. I informed the constituent that I voted "yes" on all eight counts levied against Piagentini. My prompt response garnered this reaction from the inquirer: "Councilwoman McCraney: Thank you for your prompt response. I am not at all surprised by your vote. Strictly partisan."
For those of you who know me best, you know that I am capable of brushing off insults - no matter how unfounded, unfair, and uninformed the accuser's remarks are. However, when my integrity is questioned, I do not take kindly to that and must speak out. I work extremely hard to deliver V.I.P. representation to District 7 by leading with Vision, Integrity, and Purpose. I have a proven track record of listening to all my constituents' views, opinions, and concerns and avoiding partisan politics when deciding what is best for District 7 and our community as a whole. Therefore, please allow me to summarize (in great detail, I must warn you) my votes related to the Metro Council vs. Anthony Piagentini Council Court trial.
Before I go further, I should remind you that on October 19, 2023, the Louisville Metro Ethics Commission rendered its unanimous verdict and found Councilman Piagentini guilty of six (6) counts of ethics violations. They wrote: "The public deserves to know that their elected public servants are not involving themselves in schemes to individually enrich themselves, and to know that, when such an actor is caught, they will be dealt with appropriately. For all the reasons cited herein, under the totality of the evidence in this case, the Ethics Commission hereby STRONGLY RECOMMENDS, pursuant to Louisville Metro Ordinance 21.99(A)(1)(d), and 21.99(3)(b), that the Louisville Metro Council take the swiftest action consistent with its existing procedures and KRS 67C.143, to REMOVE Respondent Anthony Piagentini from the office of Metro Councilperson." In addition to the recommendation to the Metro Council, the Ethics Commission fined Councilman Piagentini $500 for each intentional violation, for a total of $3,000.
As a result of the recommendations from the Ethics Commission, it was the responsibility of Metro Council to form a Charging Committee to investigate the allegations and present the entire Metro Council with its findings. The Metro Council would have been irresponsible had it ignored the findings, verdict, and recommendations of the Ethics Commission. Therefore, invitations to serve on the Charging Committee were extended to Republican and Democrat members of the Metro Council.
I serve as the Majority Caucus Chairwoman and President Pro-Tem on the Metro Council. Because of my leadership role on the Council, I was an obvious choice for membership on the Charging Committee. I accepted the invitation and the commitment to attend the Charging Committee meetings with the prosecuting attorney and read mounds and mounds of testimony and other documents associated with the trial. I took this task seriously and devoted hours of my time away from my family and other obligations to commit to understanding the facts of the case. I approached the task with an open mind and separated my friendship with my colleague and any other personal biases from the equation. If I had thought I could not serve as an unbiased participant, I would have removed myself from the Charging Committee.
TO READ MY MESSAGE IN ITS ENTIRETY AND LEARN OF DETAILS ABOUT THE CASE, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM ON THIS NEWSLETTER
OR
If you have Adobe on your computer, Click here:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:6f0fdfeb-2693-44d9-9866-528e362bfc22
This week Metro Council committees met and adopted several resolutions and ordinances, as well as held discussions on economic development, transportation, the West Louisville Norton Healthcare Hospital, Metro Parks capital budget, and from the Food Literacy Project.
-
The Planning & Zoning Committee approved changes to zonings along Woodlawn Avenue and Vaughn Mill Road as well as closed an unnamed alley and approved a Revised Detailed Development Plan along Old Heady Road.
-
The Labor, Economic Development & Appropriations Committee approved several council district appropriations and infrastructure ordinances along with a presentation from Metro’s Economic Development Department.
-
The Public Works Committee accepted state funding for bridge repairs on Goldsmith Lane, and held a discussion on forming a new Metro Department of Transportation.
-
The Community Affairs and Equity Committee approved honorary street signage for former world heavyweight champions Greg Page and Marvin Hart. They also received a presentation on the new West Louisville Norton Healthcare Hospital.
-
The Public Safety Committee heard presentations from Metro Youth Transitional Services and from Bosses Not Banger’s.
-
The Parks & Sustainability Committee discussed Metro Parks capital projects and the Food Literacy Project.
-
The Budget Committee held a discussion on LMPD’s overtime budget.
The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, April 11, 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).
The members of the Louisville Metro Council will be on spring break from March 25 through April 5, 2024. During this time, no Committee or Council meetings will be held. The District 7 office will be open and staffed for normal operation Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
CALL 574-1107 IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE!
This Week at the State Capitol
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 22, 2024) — Lawmakers are stacking bills and counting votes as they make a final push to pass legislation out of the chambers and over to the governor’s desk in the remaining days of the 2024 legislation session.
The Kentucky General Assembly is scheduled to gavel out for a veto recess next week. That leaves only four more days to tighten the screws on several prominent bills before lawmakers adjourn for the break.
Click here to read a summary of bills to be discussed this week (You may need access to the Adobe App to access):
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:35620ae1-fcc3-4653-bf32-7c2cb27b1075
Click the photo to view the latest update on the District 7 website.
Over the past few weeks, the District 7 office has heard from several concerned constituents about the land that's being developed in the City of Crossgate.
The Assistant Director for the Office of Planning has shared that the most recent zoning/conditional use plan case for that site was approved at the end of 2022. The developer, Sina Companies, LLC, is proposing two office buildings at this location. The developer did not specify whether these buildings would be exclusively medical or general, nor did they indicate a certain percentage of space being reserved for either purpose. They did, however, show an urgent care facility in one of the buildings.
That is what we know for now. We will share additional information if changes are proposed. If you have further concerns about this or other development plans in District 7, I invite you to contact the Office of Planning and Design at 502-574-6230 or click here to visit their website.
My office has also received reports about an abandoned property on Brownsboro Road. In working with Codes and Regulations this week, we had the property inspected. As a result, an Emergency Boarding Referral has been filed for the property, which has garnered several thousand dollars in fines and liens. Code Enforcement will continue to inspect the property routinely to monitor action, or lack thereof, on the violations.
For additional property maintenance questions or concerns, click the photo or call 574-2508.
|
THE LATEST UPDATE:
According to Mr. Price, the director of Codes & Regs., a sale date for the property has been set for this April and a demolition order is in place.
You may recall that the last update included talks of foreclosure. When asked for clarification, Mr. Price explained, "We will not foreclose before the sale. However, if the property sells, the owner of the property will have seven (7) days to provide a written plan of action of repair, or the house will be demolished."
We will continue to share additional information in this e-Newsletter as it is received.
Have you driven on the overpass near 264 and Brownsboro Road lately? If you have, you may have noticed pieces of particles from the median that have spilled into the street.
Here is what a constituent emailed to me (Thank you, Mr. Marx):
"The overpass at US 42 and I-264/71 is in an abysmal state of disrepair. There are small and large chunks of aggregate lying on either side of the bridge, and there are substantial sections of the concrete siding that are completely missing, exposing rebar which appears to be in an advanced state of rust. The roadway itself is full of potholes large and small. Given the incredible number of vehicles that use it each day, I am concerned that such wear might be or certainly might cause a significant safety issue."
I have observed the very same hazardous conditions around this overpass and median. Each time I notice this, I contact the State Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to make a report. Upon notification, KYTC visits the site and cleans up around the median. They also remind me that the overpass is scheduled for a major overhaul in the next year or two, as a complement to the construction of the new VA Hospital.
When you notice debris and concrete particles from the median at the overpass, please call KYTC to make a report. They have been consistent in cleaning up the area, but they just are not ready to make investments in improvements. To report a problem with a state road, contact Keith Downs, Project Manager, Kentucky Department of Highways - District 5, at (502) 764-0515 (keith.downs@ky.gov) or contact Patrick Matheny at patrick.matheny@ky.gov.
Click here: https://bit.ly/3guJSSF to review a project StoryMap of the proposed I-71 widening project.
A little birdie from Windhurst Acres told us about the neighborly deed executed by Tim Sandman. We owe a huge "Thank You" to Tim for removing all the trash cans full of limbs and debris from the Carlimar Drive property and taking them to the curbside for pickup.
Tim, THANK YOU for being a wonderful neighbor, and going out of your way to do something good for the neighborhood!
|
Last week, we shared that the new Rental Registry has been launched by the Department of Codes and Regulations. This week, they have shared the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the new system. Take a look, and click here to register your property before the deadline.
Click the photo to read the full press release.
District 7 Families have two opportunities to take Easter bunny photos close to home. Check below for details and visit The Courier Journal website for other opportunities throughout Kentuckiana.
Easter bunny photos are available now through March 30. Reservations are encouraged but not required. Reserve a spot today by visiting mallstmatthews.com or oxmoorcenter.com.
Photo Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 2:00 - 6:45 p.m.
- Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.
- Sunday: 12:00 - 5:45 p.m.
-
Pet photos: Mondays and Tuesdays, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
StageOne Storytellers @ St. Matthews Library
Authors at the Library Series
Book signings follow all author talks, with books available for purchase from Carmichael’s Bookstore. All Authors Series events are FREE, but registration is requested at www.LFPL.org/Authors or by calling (502) 574-1644.
Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness is excited to host a Free Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 30 at our headquarters, 400 E. Gray. The outdoor event will showcase a variety of vendors, family activities, a free health screening and CPR training. Food will be sold by six forks burgers co.
For more information, please call (502) 574-6675 or email louhealthed@louisvilleky.gov.
 |
 |
Admission: $8 for nonmembers; $6 for Locust Grove members & students
Event Description: Born into prestige, Serena Eliza Livingston's life unfolded in contrasts. Wed to Lt. Col. George Croghan, their Louisiana venture turned tumultuous. Amid business triumphs and personal tragedies, her journey unfolded against loss and perseverance. Discover the captivating legacy she left behind, intricately preserved at Historic Locust Grove, offering insights into her complex marriage to George Croghan.
Gwynne Tuell Potts is a historian, Louisville native, and the former executive director and former board president at Locust Grove.
The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is around the corner, and with it comes the 2024 Kentucky Derby Festival! Click the photo below to register your Derby pin, and access the full list of festival events.
The Kentucky Derby Festival is right around the corner, which means that the Tour de Lou is BACK Sunday, April 14th! Click here to register for the 20, 35, or 62.1 mile ride!
The Ken-Ducky Derby (KDD) is an annual fundraising rubber duck race held in Louisville, KY and is an official Kentucky Derby Festival event. Proceeds benefit Harbor House of Louisville, an Intergenerational Community that empowers individuals of all ages, abilities, and aspirations by providing opportunities through innovative vocational, health, and educational services. Every duck purchase helps Harbor House provide services and resources for people with disabilities in our community. Click here to learn more.
It’s $5 to put a duck in the race.
Second and third place ducks go home with cash prizes, and the first place duck wins a BRAND NEW CAR!
Every Duck in the race has a chance to win ONE MILLION DOLLARS!
Ingredients
- 2 watermelon radishes or 3 red radishes, trimmed, thinly sliced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb.), trimmed
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 8 Medjool dates, pitted, halved lengthwise
- 3 oz. fresh goat cheese
- 2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped mint
Cooking Instructions
- Toss radishes, lemon zest and juice, and ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt in a small bowl; set aside.
- Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Working in batches if needed, cook asparagus in a single layer, undisturbed, until slightly charred underneath, about 2 minutes. Shake pan to turn asparagus and cook, shaking pan occasionally, until asparagus is crisp-tender and charred in spots, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle with black pepper and red pepper flakes; season with salt. Transfer asparagus to a platter.
- Wipe out skillet. Heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil over medium. Cook dates, stirring occasionally, until charred in spots and beginning to stick to pan, about 3 minutes.
- Scatter dates over asparagus, then crumble goat cheese over. Top with mint and reserved radishes, then drizzle with oil and any liquid from radish bowl.
Source: Bon Appetit Magazine; Photograph By Emma Fishman, Food Styling By Pearl Jones, Prop Styling By Summer Moore
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.
-
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.
-
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)
-
Large household items (landfilled)
- Documents for shredding (recycled)
Prescription medication (disposed properly)
|
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.
|
