Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 03/22/2024 12:08 PM EDT
COUNCILWOMAN DR. BARBARA SHANKLIN
(502) 574-1102 / 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202
Dr. Barbara Shanklin District 2 Councilwoman 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 574-1102 Barbara.Shanklin@louisvilleky.gov
Caleb Howard Legislative Assistant Caleb.Howard@louisvilleky.gov
On the third Tuesday of each month, a Community Meeting is held to give residents an opportunity to be informed, discuss ideas and share. Be part of the change we want to see for our community. Join us at 6:00PM to share with Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin.
JOIN US IN-PERSON NEXT MONTH TO MEET WITH COUNCILWOMAN SHANKLIN'S OFFICE AT NEWBURG LIBRARY (4800 EXETER AVE.)
Louisville Metro Police Department 6th Division Questions? Contact Us
STAY CONNECTED:
CLICK HERE OR CALL 574-LMPD (5673) TO SUBMIT A CRIME TIP
Calling all 501(c)(3) organizations in District 2--Councilwoman Shanklin wants to know about you!
Do you have a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that would like to become more involved in District 2 and/or the Newburg Community? If so, please call Dr. Shanklin on her office line (502-574-1102) and leave a message with your name, organization, and your organization's mission, and Dr. Shanklin will call you back with potential opportunities to become more involved in your community!
Thank you for your consideration with this request!
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.
News from Mayor Greenburg and the City of Louisville
Updated Housing Needs Assessment shows progress but also increased demand for housing among lowest income residents
Mayor Craig Greenberg releases final My Louisville Home plan, outlining initiatives to spur housing development across the city
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 20, 2024) – Today, Mayor Craig Greenberg joined Metro Council members and housing advocates to release the final My Louisville Home housing Strategy and emphasize the growing and critical need for more affordable housing across Louisville after an update to the 2019 Housing Needs Assessment found that demand for affordable, low-income housing has continued to rise.
“For far too long, far too many people have had to pay more than they can afford for a place to live. That’s unacceptable. While I am encouraged by the signs of progress we are seeing, the updated Housing Needs Assessment shows that we have a long way to go to ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home,” said Mayor Greenberg. “We are going to keep working with urgency to create quality and affordable housing in all neighborhoods – not just other peoples’ neighborhoods.”
My Louisville Home housing strategy finalized, implementation underway
Mayor Greenberg released the final My Louisville Home housing strategy, the first of its kind in Louisville that outlines significant investment and policy actions by Louisville Metro Government to spur housing development across the city. This includes increased funding for the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support new affordable housing construction and for housing programs such as Louisville Metro’s Down Payment Assistance, Louisville Metro Housing Authority’s Section 8 to Homeownership, and the Trust Fund’s REVERT that help low-income residents like Hope Turner of Park DuValle access homeownership.
“It was such a blessing. I was able to buy a house for me and my children. They have their own rooms,” said Turner. “I am very blessed and honored for all the programs I used. I used it as a steppingstone to better myself because I wanted better for my kids.”
After releasing a draft version of the plan in October 2023, the city received hundreds of comments from residents, housing organizations, and advocates, including from a group recommending cohousing, which is now part of the finalized My Louisville Home document.
“Cohousing is an intentional, collaborative neighborhood where people know and care for each other. It combines the autonomy of compact private homes with the benefits of shared, spacious common amenities. The development process does not alone generate below market price housing. This is why we are excited to be exploring ways to partner with the City of Louisville to make this project accessible to a diverse group of people,” said Mathilde Berthe, member of Louisville Cohousing and architectural designer at STUDIO co+hab.
Louisville Metro Government has already begun work to implement the strategy, including:
Releasing new draft regulations that would allow Middle Housing, small-scale multifamily housing such as duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes, to be constructed on properties zoned for single-family homes as long as they meet certain requirements;
Partnering with Volunteers of America to provide shelter and care facilities at the new Community Care Campus;
Announcing that modular housing manufacturer MMY is locating its first U.S. operations in West Louisville;
Initiating the rezoning of three metro-owned properties so that the city can partner with developers on affordable housing projects; and
Helping low-income resident access homeownership through the city’s Down Payment Assistance and Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund’s REVERT program.
Housing Needs Assessment
The Housing Needs Assessment, which offers an in-depth analysis of housing stock in Louisville, found that from 2016 to 2021, Louisville saw an increase of nearly 18,400 housing units available and affordable for the city’s lowest income residents. The increase is due to a combination of factors, including new construction and existing housing stock that is now priced affordably for those earning 30% of area median income or less ($26,900 a year for a family of four).
Despite this, the unmet need for housing for the city’s lowest income residents grew 15 percent to 36,160 units, and more than a quarter of Louisville households remain cost burdened, meaning they pay more than 30 percent of their income toward housing expenses. More than 11 percent are severely cost burdened, paying more than 50% for housing expenses.
“We have more work to do, but I am thankful that we have made some progress. We must always remember that there are real people behind every number, and each one of them deserves a safe decent and affordable place to live,” said Christie McCravy, Executive Director of the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Housing costs citywide have continued to rise since the last housing assessment. Louisville’s median household income is up 29 percent to $64,619 a year, while home prices have risen 48 percent to $242,900, and rents are up 37 percent to $1,057 a month.
"We must, as Metro Government, community advocates, religious organizations, and neighbors, work together to reduce the barriers to accessing affordable, sustainable, and adequate housing for all, otherwise no plan will work. Every day we are laying the groundwork to do better together. Let's invest in people. Housing first means house everyone no matter their station in life or zip code,” said Councilwoman Shameka Parrish-Wright, District 3.
Councilman Andrew Owen, chair of Louisville Metro Council’s Ad Hoc Land Use Committee, noted that the committee plans to look at other cities to learn from their successes and their missteps related to housing.
“This Housing Needs Assessment is our charge. How do we, with the Mayor’s Office, make changes to our land development code and regulations to make sure as a community we can fill the gap in house,” said Councilman Owen, District 9.
Louisville Metro Government and the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund commissioned the original assessment in 2019 and the updated assessment. Both were conducted by Mullin & Lonergan Associates of Pittsburgh. The Housing Needs Assessment will continue to be updated every five years.
Mayor Greenberg unveils plan to create a pathway to universal pre-k for every 3- and 4-year-old in Louisville
501c3 Nonprofit Thrive by 5 Louisville established; Ashley Novak Butler announced as Board Chair
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 12, 2024) – Today at the University of Louisville’s Early Learning Campus, Mayor Craig Greenberg unveiled his five-year plan to create a pathway to universal pre-k. The Mayor announced that to implement the phased plan over a five-year period, Thrive by 5 Louisville, a separate 501c3 nonprofit, will be established with early learning advocate and supporter Ashley Novak Butler serving as Board Chair.
Mayor Greenberg’s plan was developed by the Mayor’s Early Learning Action Group, comprised of 23 early childhood experts and community members and led by the Mayor’s Office of Philanthropy. The group convened over a six-month period in 2023 and created the draft plan, which included the creation of Thrive by 5 Louisville as a 501c3 nonprofit to operate separately from Louisville Metro Government to administer universal pre-k for the city.
“When I took office, I promised the people of Louisville a plan to invest in our children, our workforce and our future through universal pre-k – and today we are delivering on that commitment,” said Mayor Greenberg. “This is a plan created by childhood experts that will ensure every 3- and 4-year-old in Louisville has the opportunity to access quality early learning so that they see long-term success through school and beyond. We are excited to get this program up and running because we know the benefits for our children, our economy and our future will be transformational.”
To deliver universal pre-k, Mayor Greenberg’s plan will invest in and strengthen existing early learning facilities that operate in Louisville, including private and non-profit preschools, childcare centers and family childcare homes. Thrive by 5 Louisville, which will operate separately from Louisville Metro Government, will use a combination of public and philanthropic funds to recruit and retain the early learning workforce, elevate early learning facilities and programs, and offer financial assistance to cover the cost of preschool.
Thrive by 5 Louisville will execute the following through three phases over a five-year period:
• Phase one, years 1 - 2: Create and staff Thrive by 5 Louisville; recruit private and non-profit preschools, childcare centers and family childcare homes for pilot participation; provide funding for workforce development grants to private and non-profit preschools, childcare centers and family childcare homes for program improvements; implement facility assessment and improvement processes; establish an online resource hub; initiate marketing strategies; and fundraise.
• Phase two, years 3 - 4: Initially launch financial assistance (paid directly to providers) for 4-year-olds from families making less than 300% of Federal Poverty Level (i.e., family income of $93,600 or less in 2024) to attend preschool.
• Phase three, years 5+: Expand eligibility for financial assistance to more Louisville children, measure program impact, expand workforce benefits and support and continue facility assessments and quality improvement efforts. Through this approach, financial assistance for preschool will be available initially for 4-year-olds from families making less than 300% of Federal Poverty Level (i.e., family income of $93,600 or less in 2024) in year 2026. These families are located in every neighborhood across our city.
Parents and caregivers will be able to access the one-stop online resource hub to learn about eligibility for their children. The website will also ensure easy access to the many resources—education and professional development, coaching, business guidance—already available to directors and teachers at Louisville preschools, childcare centers, and family childcare homes.
Thrive by 5 Louisville’s operations will be overseen by a Board of Directors, with Ashley Novak Butler, the Executive Director of the Lift a Life Novak Family Foundation, serving as Board Chair. Butler will announce additional Board members and solicit community input to determine the qualities needed for the executive director of the organization.
“I am committed to building a collaborative organization that will strengthen Louisville’s existing early learning ecosystem and build the additional resources needed to create access to high quality learning environments for all the children of Louisville,” said Ashley Novak Butler.
“Ashley is a proven leader who has delivered results time and time again when it comes to early childhood learning in Louisville,” said the Mayor. “She is a problem solver whose vast knowledge in this area, as well as in philanthropy, community partnerships and more, will make sure Thrive by 5 Louisville has the strong platform needed to launch a long-lasting, successful program for Louisville’s children.”
Universal pre-k has been a proven strategy to boost academic success in children, as well as improve workforce participation and positively impact the economy. The plan has seen widespread support from city and state leaders.
PARC raises parking citation rates from $25 to $30, eliminates early payment discount
LOUISVILLE, KY. (March 12, 2023) – For the first time in more than 30 years, the Parking Authority of River City (PARC) is raising rates for parking citations. Effective April 1, 2024, parking citations currently listed at $25 will increase to $30. PARC will begin issuing notices immediately to current violators of the increase.
This rate increase only impacts drivers who do not comply with parking regulations, including parking at an expired meter or parking in an area that is designated no parking such as no stopping/bus zones or blocking a fire hydrant. In addition, citations will no longer be discounted if paid within seven days.
Prior to making this change, PARC utilized studies from contracted parking vendors The Car Park, Inc., and Walker Consultants to compare best practices and parking citation rates in Louisville to peer cities, including Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Lexington, Columbus, Nashville, Indianapolis, and Atlanta. The consultants found that Metro’s parking citation rates were consistently lower than peer cities. Additionally, none of the peer cities studied offered a discount for paying early.
On average, approximately 42 percent of parkers who received a citation in 2023 paid within seven days. With more than 50,000 citations paid last year, the elimination of the discount and $5 citation increase could equate to more than $500,000 in additional revenue for Metro each year.
Louisville Metro Council News
Metro Council meeting highlights for Thursday, March 14
Below is a recap of the regularly scheduled Metro Council meeting
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 14, 2024) – The Louisville Metro Council held their regularly scheduled Council meeting tonight. Here are some of the highlights from the meeting.
Old Business
O-022-24: approved an ordinance amending the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government Code of Ordinances (LMCO) Chapter 113 allowing the Metro Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Administrator to issue emergency suspensions of alcohol licenses.
O-023-24: approved an ordinance amending LMCO Chapter 115 regulating Pop-up Parties by ensuring ABC’s inclusion in the permitting and licensing processes.
O-046-24: approved Neighborhood Development Funds to South Louisville Community Ministries Annual Families Helping Families Fundraiser on March 21, 2024.
R-011-24: approved a contract for Air Pollution Control District for new air monitoring equipment.
Special Recognitions and Proclamations
Councilman Jecorey Arthur recognized District 4 page, Shaun Cooksey.
The Council recognized Jeff Noble, District 26 Legislative Aide, in honor of his retirement.
Councilman Phillip Baker recognized Gia Combs, Miss Cosmos United States, in honor of Women’s History Month.
Consent Calendar – all items passed unanimously.
O-050-24: Neighborhood Development Funds to Kentucky Shakespeare, Inc. for their 7th Annual Shakespeare in the Parks tour.
R-016-24: resolution requesting the Planning Commission review the Land Development Code regulations regarding notice requirements for Revised Detailed Development District Plans.
R-010-24: resolution approving structural collapse rescue training for the Louisville Fire Department.
R-018-24: resolution accepting funds through the Interstate Emphasis Grant Program to target unsafe commercial driving in areas identified as high crash corridors.
R-020-24: resolution accepting Kentucky Transportation Cabinet funding for the Old Bardstown Road Realignment project.
Held at Council
R-007-24: resolution urging the United States Congress and President to facilitate a ceasefire in Palestine and Israel.
The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
Public Health and Wellness News
Older adults are now able to receive an additional dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine
The Center for Disease Control recommends that adults ages 65 years and older receive an additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose. Adults 65 years and older are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, with more than half of COVID-19 hospitalizations during October 2023 to December 2023 occurring in this age group.
The recommendation acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in older adults, along with the currently available data on vaccine effectiveness. Data continues to show the importance of vaccination to protect those most at risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19.
An additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine may restore protection that has waned since a fall vaccine dose, providing increased protection to adults ages 65 years and older.
To learn more information about COVID-19 vaccines and a list of providers, please visit our website or vaccines.gov. You can also visit our Immunizations site for available vaccines. Vaccines are given by appointment at our Newburg and Dixie clinics, which are open Monday through Thursday with evening appointments available Tuesday and Thursday. If you have questions or need assistance, call 502-574-5380. Language assistance is available.
Updated Housing Needs Assessment shows increased demand for housing among lowest-income residents
Mayor Craig Greenberg recently released the final My Louisville Home housing strategy, the first of its kind in Louisville that outlines significant investment and policy actions by Louisville Metro Government to spur housing development across the city. This includes increased funding for the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support new affordable housing construction and for housing programs such as Louisville Metro’s Down Payment Assistance, Louisville Metro Housing Authority’s Section 8 to Homeownership, and the Trust Fund’s REVERT.
“For far too long, far too many people have had to pay more than they can afford for a place to live. That’s unacceptable. While I am encouraged by the signs of progress we are seeing, the updated Housing Needs Assessment shows that we have a long way to go to ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home,” the Mayor said. “We are going to keep working with urgency to create quality and affordable housing in all neighborhoods – not just other peoples’ neighborhoods.”
After releasing a draft version of the plan in October 2023, the city received hundreds of comments from residents, housing organizations and advocates, including from a group recommending cohousing, which is now part of the finalized My Louisville Home document.
Louisville Metro Government has already begun work to implement the strategy, including:
Releasing new draft regulations that would allow middle housing, small-scale multifamily housing such as duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes, to be constructed on properties zoned for single-family homes as long as they meet certain requirements;
Partnering with Volunteers of America to provide shelter and care facilities at the new Community Care Campus;
Announcing that modular housing manufacturer MMY is locating its first U.S. operations in West Louisville;
Initiating the rezoning of three metro-owned properties so that the city can partner with developers on affordable housing projects; and
Helping low-income residents access homeownership through the city’s Down Payment Assistance and Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund’s REVERT program.
The Housing Needs Assessment, which offers an in-depth analysis of housing stock in Louisville, found that from 2016 to 2021, Louisville saw an increase of nearly 18,400 housing units available and affordable for the city’s lowest income residents. The increase is due to a combination of factors, including new construction and existing housing stock that is now priced affordably for those earning 30% of area median income or less ($26,900 a year for a family of four).
Despite this, the unmet need for housing for the city’s lowest income residents grew 15 percent to 36,160 units, and more than a quarter of Louisville households remain cost burdened, meaning they pay more than 30 percent of their income toward housing expenses. More than 11 percent are severely cost burdened, paying more than 50% for housing expenses.
Housing costs citywide have continued to rise since the last housing assessment. Louisville’s median household income is up 29% to $64,619 a year, while home prices have risen 48% to $242,900, and rents are up 37% to $1,057 a month.
Louisville Metro Government and the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund commissioned the original assessment in 2019 and the updated assessment. Both were conducted by Mullin & Lonergan Associates of Pittsburgh. The Housing Needs Assessment will continue to be updated every five years.
“We just want to help as many families as we possibly can,” says LIHEAP Supervisor Brandon O’Neal. “We’ve helped over 8,800 households already, and we’ve spent almost $2 million dollars, and I am elated for that. My goal is to see if we can get 10,000.”
The LIHEAP program assists eligible households facing a home heating emergency, such as imminent loss of heat, low fuel supply, or eviction due to unpaid utility bills. Households must meet eligibility requirements, including income eligibility of up to and including 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Click here to see if your family qualifies or to schedule your appointment.
LIHEAP is in its “Crisis Component” phase right now, and that phase will end March 29, regardless of whether all the funding has been spent or not.
“I would encourage anyone to not deny yourself,” says Neighborhood Place Executive Administrator Cassandra Miller. “Allow us to schedule you an appointment, come into one of our friendly offices, bring your documentation. After that, we will assess you and see if you are suitable for this program. And even if you’re not, we will still offer additional resources. But please, do not deny yourself. Schedule an appointment and see if you will qualify.”
Let's celebrate new and expectant families with a community baby shower! Families with children ages 0 to 5 should meet us at Alex R. Kennedy Elementary School (4515 Taylorsville Rd.), March 23 from 11am to 1pm. There will be FREE diapers, formula, and other supplies for you at this community event. Please RSVP here if you expect to attend: tinyurl.com/2p9wnbps
Haven't Done Your Taxes Yet? VITA Volunteers Have Your Back
The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program is helping thousands of Louisville families maximize their tax returns. VITA provides trained, IRS-certified volunteers who offer free tax services at 15 sites across Louisville. VITA is available to individuals and families who earned less than $66,000 in 2023. Click here for all the details: tinyurl.com/yvbbfdhb
UPDATED! The OADC Resource Guide
The best little resource guide in Kentuckiana has been updated for 2024! In here, you will find 77 pages of every single imaginable community resource, including caregiver resources, local ministries, financial assistance, food, health, and much, MUCH more. Bookmark it: tinyurl.com/yc6bfkes
Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods News
Louisville’s National Youth Violence Prevention Week!
The Louisville Metro Youth Cabinet (MYC) acts as a youth advisory body for city officials to understand local youth needs, ideas, and recommendations. During the last week in March, the cabinet will work to raise awareness of youth issues and help other local youth take a stand against violence. A large community effort that will help them achieve these objectives is the 2024 National Youth Violence Prevention Week, March 23 to 30. Each day will highlight a free community event developed to offer youth and their families a week of togetherness, deep discussions, and awareness.
Newburg Neighborhood Will Pilot an Innovative, Comprehensive Reduction Plan
The Office for Safe and Health Neighborhoods (OSHN) has been awarded $2 million from the Dept. of Justice to establish a neighborhood specific strategy to intervene gun violence in Newburg that will also expand or support other city gun violence strategies.
“The Newburg Gun Violence Reduction Project” is a pilot that will work to strengthen the city’s intervention/prevention strategy on the neighborhood level.
“This pilot will give us valuable insight into the needs of a specific geographical area,” said Paul Callanan, director of OSHN. “This is grassroots. It will help us discover how well all stakeholders work collectively as we use Newburg’s social dynamic and neighborhood characteristics.”
In addition, the grant will support professional mediation training for 75 outreach workers, the hiring of one an additional outreach case coordinator and a Newburg neighborhood-specific manager. An “interrupters” site will also be opened. Violence interrupters are credible individuals with deep neighborhood connections and whose job is to canvas and “disrupt” violence when possible.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Louisville Metro Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods
Position Title:
PROJECT MANAGER
Newburg Community Violence Reduction Initiative
Overview:
The Project Manager for the Newburg Community Violence Reduction Initiative is responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of community-based initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence within the Newburg neighborhood. This position is funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance FY 23 Office of Justice Programs Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative.
This three-year project will focus on intervening with those individuals driving gun violence as determined by their risk to be involved in violence either as a perpetrator or victim, supporting those impacted by gun violence, and building community voice and ownership in developing neighborhood-level solutions to gun violence.
This role requires a dynamic individual with a strong background in program management, community engagement, and a deep understanding of violence prevention and intervention strategies. The Program Manager will collaborate with community stakeholders, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to develop and execute evidence-based programs that address the root causes of gun violence and promote community safety.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Program Development and Planning:
• Develop and implement comprehensive community violence reduction programs in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Conduct needs assessments, community surveys, and data analysis to identify specific areas and populations affected by violence.
• Design evidence-based interventions that address the root causes of violence and contribute to long-term community safety.
2. Community Engagement:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, residents, local organizations, and law enforcement agencies.
• Facilitate community meetings, workshops, and focus groups to gather input and ensure community participation in program development.
• Collaborate with local residents to empower and involve them in the implementation of violence reduction initiatives.
3. Collaboration and Partnership Building:
• Work closely with government agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to leverage resources and support for violence reduction programs.
• Establish partnerships that enhance the overall impact and sustainability of the violence reduction initiatives.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation:
• Develop and implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of violence reduction programs.
• Collect and analyze data to measure program outcomes and make data-driven adjustments to enhance impact.
5. Budget Management:
• Manage program budgets, ensuring funds are allocated efficiently and effectively to achieve program goals.
• Prepare regular reports for funders and stakeholders detailing program expenditures and outcomes.
6. Advocacy and Public Relations:
• Advocate for policies and practices that support violence reduction efforts within the community.
• Represent the organization in public forums, media engagements, and with policymakers to raise awareness and garner support.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's or master’s degree in social work, public health, criminal justice, or a related field.
• Proven experience in program management, preferably in community-based violence reduction initiatives.
• Strong understanding of evidence-based violence prevention strategies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and community engagement skills.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and build effective partnerships.
• Possess strong ties to the Newburg neighborhood with an understanding of the local landscape, resources, and challenges
• Data analysis and evaluation skills.
• Availability to work weekends and evenings for special events and/or community meetings.
• Knowledge of local resources and services related to violence prevention.
Education Equivalency:
• Equivalent combination of work experience may substitute for the educational requirements (ex: four years of work experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree).
This position description serves as a general outline of the responsibilities and qualifications for the Project Manager for the Newburg Community Violence Reduction Initiative and may be subject to modification as the needs of the initiative evolve.
COLLIDER Arts Day celebrates seven years of LFPL’s Artist-in-Residence program
Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the South Central Regional Library
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 18, 2024) – The South Central Regional Library’s COLLIDER Artist-in-Residence Program is marking seven years of connecting the public with art and the people who make it at the first-ever COLLIDER Arts Day. On this Saturday, March 23 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.), twenty former COLLIDER artists will convene at the South Central Regional Library, 7300 Jefferson Boulevard, to showcase the work they developed in the COLLIDER studio space and conduct a day full of free hands-on art workshops, appearances, and performances.
COLLIDER Arts Day is free for all ages and highlights include:
Movement workshop with Louisville Ballet dancer Ashley Thursby
COLLIDER Arts Day is made possible through generous funding from Councilwoman Madonna Flood and Louisville Metro Council.
About the COLLIDER Artist-in-Residence program:
Launched when the South Central Regional Library opened in late 2017, the COLLIDER Artist-in-Residence program has since provided studio space, supplies, and stipends for 71 residencies. It has cultivated artists from all over Louisville, and connected the public directly with working artists through open studio hours and workshops. Generous funding from Councilwoman Madonna Flood makes the COLLIDER Artist-In-Residence program possible. More on the program and the participating artists can be found here - www.LFPL.org/COLLIDER
CALL FOR ARTISTS:
Applications for July – December COLLIDER artists are now open. All artist types are encouraged to apply, including, but not limited to visual artists, traditional craftspeople, musicians, dancers, digital artists, and writers.
District 2 (and surrounding areas) Updates and News
Have you ever thought about buying a vacant or abandoned property in the city?
The city has many vacant or abandoned lots and buildings for sale at all times. If you’re a contractor or fixer-upper, you might consider buying an abandoned home to rehab. Once you fix it up, you could live in it or sell it for a profit. Or you may want to buy a vacant lot or a property in need of demolition, and build a new home. Other properties are suitable for starting a community garden or other agricultural project.
To manage the sale of vacant or abandoned properties, the city has a program called The Landbank Authority. The program’s goal is to put these properties back into productive use. The Landbank currently has about 500 properties available for sale and some are available for as little as $1. But in order to purchase properties, you must be able to prove to the Landbank that you can pay to refurbish or demolish the property, and you must complete the project within a set deadline. To see what’s available, visit the Landbank website: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/community-development/purchase-vacant-property-landbank. You’ll see two links, one for Lots and one for Structures. Choose Lots to view empty lots for sale and an explanation of the types of programs, including “Adjacent Side Yard”; “Cut It, Keep It”; “New Construction”; and “Agricultural Projects”. Choose Structures to see a list of vacant houses and other buildings for sale. Landbank has two categories for the sale of structures: “Save the Structure” and “Demo for Deed”. To save a structure, you must prove you have funds to rehab it and you must complete renovations within six months for exterior and 18 months for interior renovations. To buy a "Demo for Deed," you must simply prove you have funds to demolish the property.
Both the Lots and Structures pages have links and instructions to apply for purchase when you’re ready. Speaking of funds, that’s where we come in. At LHOME, we can’t help you purchase a property but we can help you renovate one. Qualified property owners can borrow up to $30,000 for 12 months, paying only interest on the loan. After the year is up, you can sell your renovated property or refinance it.
To learn more, please visit lhomeky.org or give us a call at 502-882-8091. One last tip: The city has a great tool called Lojic (lojic.org). Lojic lets you search by address for a specific property you want to know more about. Just type the address in the search bar and you’ll get reports about the property owner, the assessed value, zoning, voting district and more. Happy hunting!
This dashboard shows two different types of projects:
Current Projects that have received funding and are working towards construction.
Future Projects that are not yet funded but are serious contenders to apply for future funding opportunities.
Public Works built this database to increase transparency, track data, measure progress towards meeting goals, and aid future decision-making. This data will inform which transportation projects are submitted for future funding opportunities, including federal grants. As priorities change over time, projects will be added, removed, or modified. Public Works greatly values the opinions of Metro Council members and their constituents, so feedback is important to ensure that we are addressing their needs. Currently this dashboard only shows federally funded projects, but work continues to add more information on various funding sources, project types, and data analysis.
To provide feedback on the tool itself or to request a change to the projects listed, please contact Amanda Deatherage, Transportation Planner Supervisor, Amanda.Deatherage@LouisvilleKY.gov.
Interested in serving on a board or commission?
Are you interested in volunteering? Louisville Metro Government has more than 70 boards and commissions-everything from the board of the Louisville Water Company to Metro Parks to the Louisville Planning Commission. We are always in search of Citizens willing to serve on boards. Most boards are voluntary-based and are not paid but the reward of serving pays big dividends to our community.
The Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue is open. This is a popular disposal site for large loads of unbagged yard waste, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, construction debris, and large household items. (Fees may apply.) Residents can dispose of up to four tires, up to three electronic items, and up to three large household items for FREE! Details can be found on the website. Open Tuesday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
To report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day, use Metro311 or 574-5000.
If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegal dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.), please report it on our new online form.
Keep an eye out for the vehicles our Enforcement Team is currently looking for!
Don't contribute to the problem!
If you hire someone to dispose waste for you,ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truck loads of materials costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump your items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees may apply for additional items.)
Only set out junk or bulky items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside of the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information.
Tips to Prevent Illegal Dumping on your Property
Keep your property well lit and clear of overgrown trees and shrubs.
Monitor your property - the presence of illegally dumped materials or bulky items set out too early attracts additional dumping.
Install security cameras - send your video or photos anonymously to us and enforcement officers can use identifying information to catch the perpetrator.
Cover your loads! A lot of litter ends up on the highway because of waste not properly contained in trucks
Remove vehicle debris after an accident. When a wrecked vehicle is removed, the debris must be removed with it.
Report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day to Metro311 or call 311 or 574-5000.
If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegally dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.) report it on our online form.
If you hire someone to dispose waste for you, ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truckloads of material costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees apply for additional items.)
Only set out large items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information.
Dispose of large items like tires and furniture at Pop-Up Drop-Off events – free recycling and large item disposal events for residents of Jefferson County.
If you see a streetlight out in your neighborhood (or anywhere in Louisville), please note the address and report it to LG&E for repair. Click here to fill out the online form to report broken or malfunctioning streetlights. We always recommend adding your contact information to the request, so a technician who has questions can contact you. LG&E makes repairs during the day. Make sure you follow up if the streetlight hasn’t been repaired within seven (7) days.
The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to communicate with our community partners about events and provide information you may find beneficial to have and share with your neighbors. Our monthly letter will provide you with an overview of crime trends within the division and highlight the work our talented women and men do each day serving our community. We will also provide any information that could impact our neighborhoods and travel such as construction and festivals. Please feel free and share this newsletter with your friends, family, and neighbors. Signing up will ensure they receive the newsletter as soon as it is published.
LMPD reminder: Please secure your property and stay vigilant!
The city has seen an increase of illegal activity, including vandalism, vehicle thefts, items stolen from vehicles, and gun shots reported over the past year. Here are several tips from LMPD that may seem simple but could be very effective in preventing crime in our neighborhoods!
Immediately report any suspicious person, activity (gunshots), or vehicles to (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-TIPS. This is not just for vehicle vandalism but drug activity, home/garage vandalism, gun shots - ANY suspicious activity! Make a police report!
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices, and even loose change. - Always lock your vehicle doors. - Remove garage door openers from vehicles usually parked outside. - Do not leave your keys in your vehicle. Do not warm up your vehicles without you in them! - Do not leave the windows of you vehicle open, or partially open. - Consider additional lighting around your property; try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area. - Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
Please remember to not leave your vehicle running and unattended!
Metro Emergency Repair Program
Eligibility criteria:
Must be owner occupied for at least one year.
Not available on rental property.
Must meet income guidelines (see intake staff).
May receive assistance once in a five year period.
Louisville-Jefferson County only.
Types of repairs:
Furnace repair or replacement (October-April only).
A/C unit- repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, available May-Sept. only).
Electrical repairs/upgrades.
Water line repairs/replacement.
Sewer line repairs/replacement.
Water heater repair/replacement (gas or electric).
Peace Presbyterian Church (4210 East Indian Trail, Louisville, KY 40213)
Open every 2nd Monday of the month -- 10am - 12pm
Forest Baptist Church (4500 Petersburg Road, Louisville, KY 40218)
Open every 1st Thursday of the month -- 4pm - 6pm
Information about both pantries:
Serving households in the 40213, 40218 & 40219 Zip Codes Only
First Come, First Served Basis
Picture ID & proof of residency required!
LouieConnect
Louisville non-profits have launched a new website to help connect people in need of food, shelter, and more. Metro United Way and the Family Scholar House partnered to create LouieConnect, modeling it on a similar site created in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When someone uses LouieConnect, the web-based app asks for basic information and then lists applicable resources nearby — from food pantries to shelters to career centers to financial literacy programs.
***Important Metro Services Phone Numbers***
Air Pollution: (502) 574-6000
Animal Services: (502) 363-6609 or (502) 361-1318
Brightside: (502) 574-2613
Community Services & Revitalization: (502) 574-4377
Congressman Morgan McGarvey: (502) 582-5129
IPL (Code Enforcement): (502) 574-3321
Legal Aid Society: (502) 584-1254
LG&E Business: (502) 627-3313 or (800)- 331-7370
LG&E Residential: (502) 589-1444 or (800) 331-7370
LMPD 6th Division: (502) 574-2187
LMPD Anonymous Tipline: (502) 574-LMPD (5673)
LMPD: (Non Emergency): (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-2111
