Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 04/05/2024 11:34 AM 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 THIS 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
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News from Mayor Greenburg and the City of Louisville
Mayor Greenberg Celebrates More than $616 million in Final Budget Bills for Louisville from Kentucky General Assembly
House Bills 1 and 6 provide historic funding for downtown revitalization, parks, infrastructure, community service and cultural organizations; Mayor also recognizes important investments in the University of Louisville
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 29, 2024) – Today, after months of advocacy efforts, Mayor Craig Greenberg celebrated a historic $616 million in funding for Louisville through the Kentucky General Assembly’s passage of House Bills 1 and 6, including $413 million in funding for the University of Louisville and $410,000 to support Thrive By 5 Louisville, the 501c3 nonprofit the Mayor established to create a pathway to universal pre-K for every 3-and 4-year-old.
“I am so grateful to the leadership of the Kentucky Senate and House, President Robert Stivers, Speaker David Osborne, Sen. Julie Raque Adams, Sen. Gerald Neal, Rep. Jason Nemes, the entire the Jefferson County delegation, and every member of the General Assembly for supporting this historic investment in our city and state,” said Mayor Greenberg. “From downtown revitalization to improvements for our parks, support for community and social services, cultural organizations, education and more, every area of our community will benefit from this historic funding. By working together in a bipartisan way, we’re moving Louisville in a new direction toward a brighter future.”
Funding for Louisville
The funding bills direct more than $200 million to downtown revitalization efforts, improvements in parks and infrastructure and support for community service and cultural organizations.
“This funding is going to help us create a safer, stronger and healthier Louisville and I am so excited to see the positive things that come from this bipartisan effort,” said the Mayor.
Projects include:
Downtown Revitalization: $100 million for Louisville Metro Government to allocate among these projects: The Belvedere, Community Care Campus, Vacant Lot Revitalization, LOUMED Campus, Louisville Gardens and Butchertown Sports District.
Parks and Library Improvements: $7 million for the Shawnee Outdoor Learning Center, $2.5 million for Jefferson Memorial Forest and $2 million for the Fern Creek Library.
Community and Social Services: $20 million for KentuckianaWorks, $30 million for Home of the Innocents, $5 million for Harbor House and $3 million for the Goodwill West Louisville Opportunity Center.
Cultural and Educational Organizations: $12 million for Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, $5 million for the Kentucky College of Art and Design, $4.3 million for the Louisville Orchestra, $4 million for Waterfront Botanical Gardens, $1.5 million for Louisville Central Community Center’s Grand Lyric Theater and $400,000 for the Kentucky Science Center.
Infrastructure: $5 million for the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and $1.5 million for Riverport.
Early Learning: $410,000 to support Thrive By 5 Louisville, the 501c3 nonprofit the Mayor established to create a pathway to universal pre-K for every 3-and 4-year-old.
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.
To read more on Thrive By 5 Louisville, click here.
Funding for the University of Louisville
The budget bills also direct $413 million for several exciting projects at the University of Louisville that will drive meaningful change in our community.
“I am thrilled for President Kim Schatzel and all of UofL on this tremendous level of funding which will help this institution and our city thrive for years to come,” said the Mayor.
These projects include:
$280 million to construct the Health Sciences Simulation Center and Collaboration Hub in the LOUMED district.
$25 million to create the Center for Rural Cancer Education and Research, a new state-of-the-art cancer center in Bullitt County to expand treatment access for cancer patients across the state.
$10 million to support construction, renovation and operations for the University’s cybersecurity program.
$10.6 million for the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
$1.5 million for the Refugee Law Services Clinic.
$900,000 for the Rural Dental Outreach Program.
$85 million will support asset preservation and renovation
“This is a great foundation to build on for Louisville and we are just getting started,” said Mayor Greenberg.
Solarize Louisville 2024
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 26, 2024) - Today, the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability joined Mayor Greenberg to announce the launch of Solarize Louisville 2024, a program that connects property owners interested in going solar with vetted installers offering a discounted rate.
Louisville Metro Government has partnered with the Kentucky Solar Energy Society (KYSES) and the Louisville Sustainability Council (LSC) to launch the third annual solarize campaign, Solarize Louisville (formally known as Solar Over Louisville), to give residents and small businesses bulk-purchasing power to obtain discounted wholesale rates for solar installation through vetted installers. Going solar helps property owners save energy costs, support local clean energy jobs, and help Louisville meet its goal of 100% clean energy community-wide by 2040! In the past two years, 150+ residents went solar through Solarize Louisville. Our selected installers for 2024 are Icon Solar Power and Pure Power Solar. Both installers are reputable regional companies offering the same standard panel price with a 12-18% discount.
To sign up for solar or learn more, please visit: solarizelouisville.com. In addition, the Office of Sustainability will host two “Solar 101” workshops in April where community members can learn more about the program. Information and registration links can be found below.
Solarize Louisville Workshop with Icon SolarLocation: LFPL Main Library, 301 York St, Louisville, KY 40203 (in-person in the Board Room) Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024 Time: 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. Register for the workshop here.
Solarize Louisville Workshop with Pure Power Solar Location: Webex (virtual) Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024 Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Register for the workshop here.
Louisville Metro Council News
The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
Public Health and Wellness News
Local retina expert stresses importance of eye protection while viewing the 2024 total solar eclipse
It is almost here! A total solar eclipse, so close to home. Excitement is building and people across the country are counting down the days in anticipation of viewing the celestial event on April 8.
The last total solar eclipse the United States experienced was on Aug. 21, 2017. A totalsolar eclipse is when the moon passes between planet earth and the sun, causing the sun’s light to be either fully or partially blocked – depending on location. As you are making your plans on where to view the event, a local retina expert is stressing the importance of protecting your eyes before looking up toward the sky.
“Sun gazing is always bad for the eyes, eclipse or not,” said Dr. Singal. “Less than one minute of direct sunlight exposure can cause permanent retina damage and loss of central vision. During the eclipse when the moon moves over the sun, our eyes dilate, exposing them to far more light as soon as the moon moves away. Sun gazing injury is a photo-oxidative damage to the outer layers of the retina. Meaning it can cause serious inflammation of the retina and can lead to chronic visual complications. This is why protecting your eyes is incredibly important.”
When viewing a total or partial solar eclipse, always look through safe solar viewing glasses, aka “eclipse glasses”. Eclipse glasses are not regular sunglasses. They are much darker and should comply with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard for solar viewers. Looking through a camera lens, telescope or binoculars does not protect your eyes without a special solar filter.
Pets are equally susceptible to eye damage, so you should consider keeping them inside.
You can find eclipse glasses at stores and online for under $2. To learn more about eclipse eye safety visit NASA.gov.
Be a part of the Climate and Health Summit Community Conversation
Join the University of Louisville Envirome Institute from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16 at the Seelbach Hilton Louisville, 500 S. 4th St., for a conversation with leading health and climate scientists in the country to address some of the major climate and health issues facing our community and what we can do to lessen the impact of natural disasters and extreme weather events in the future. The evening event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
The event will feature remarks from Mayor Craig Greenberg and University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel.
Changes in the global climate are leading to an increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events and natural disasters. These events are likely to profoundly affect human health and well-being. Extreme weather events can inflict life-threatening injuries, pollution created by forest fires increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and extreme temperatures trigger heat strokes and heart attacks.
As the frequency of adverse climatic events is likely to increase in the future, it is important for us as a community to develop strategies to mitigate harm, increase resilience, and build the capacity to adapt to such climatic changes.
Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Office of Resilience and Community Services News
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
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.
New Rental Registry Information
Louisville Parks and Recreation News
Louisville Parks and Recreation seeking user feedback to make improvements
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 29, 2024) - Visitors to 30 public parks throughout Louisville will have the opportunity to weigh in on their neighborhood parks via a satisfaction survey during the month of April.
Louisville Parks and Recreation will be placing signage in high-use areas at many heavily-visited parks throughout the city’s system. The signage will include a QR code linking directly to a survey that will take approximately 5 minutes to complete and is easily finished on a phone or mobile device.
“Our goal is to provide better customer service to our users and make sure they’re having the best possible experiences at our outdoor spaces,” said Ozzy Gibson, Interim Executive Director of Louisville Parks and Recreation. “We’re committed to improving and public feedback is essential for us to get better.”
An online version of the survey will also be available at bestparksever.com for those who cannot access the signage at their neighborhood park.
Signage is expected to be installed during the first week of April and the survey period is expected to last about three weeks.
This year’s survey data will serve as a benchmark and the process will continue again next year so parks and recreation officials can measure the department’s progress, Gibson said.
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ABOUT LOUISVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION
Louisville Parks and Recreation, a nationally accredited parks and recreation agency, manages more than 120 parks and six parkways on more than 13,000 acres of land and operates recreation programs for area residents of all ages and abilities through its 14 community centers. The department’s inventory also includes 10 golf courses; the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center and four outdoor pools; the David Armstrong Extreme Park; two historic homes; the historic Iroquois Amphitheater performance venue; and the nation’s largest municipally owned urban forest, Jefferson Memorial Forest. More details on the department’s people and programs can be found at bestparksever.com.
REAL Good News virtual event - April 17
Wednesday, April 17, 7-8:30 p.m. What’s wrong with natural gas—what’s right with small hydro April forum to encourage achievement of the Louisville Metro Council’s clean energy resolution
A virtual event on April 17 will focus on continuing progress toward clean energy in Louisville. It will take a clear-eyed look at the drawbacks to relying on natural gas, and at the realistic potential for low-impact hydropower.
The series of events, titled “REAL Good News” will hold its 13th quarterly public Zoom meeting aimed at making sure Louisville implements its green energy goals.
In 2020 the Metro Council passed a resolution to move the city’s operations to 100% clean renewable electricity by 2030. That resolution also sets a goal of 100% clean energy for the entire Louisville community by 2040.
The April event will will feature a presentation on the role of natural gas in Louisville’s energy mix, by Byron Gary, Program Attorney for the Kentucky Resources Council; and on how Kentucky’s resources of hydroelectricity can achieve clean energy goals by David Brown Kinlock, president of Appalachian Hydro Associates.
The event will also show how you can attend Metro Council meetings to speak in favor of implementing Louisville's clean energy resolution. It will open and close with music by John Gage.
The REAL Good News event will run from 7 to 8:30 April 17. It is sponsored by the Renewable Energy Alliance of Louisville, Kentucky Interfaith Power & Light, and the Christian Action group of St. Paul United Methodist Church.
The event is free but registration is required. Here’s the url for the Zoom link to register: http://tinyurl.com/yc6hcd3z
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.
Waste Management News
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
