In this Issue
Hello Neighbors & Friends,
I may be on a summer break from Metro Council meetings until July 15th, but that doesn't mean I'm not still doing the people's business. This week I spoke at a press conference with several of my colleagues, participated in a tour of the construction of the new Norton Hospital being built in west Louisville for the first time in 150 years, and attended a zoning change neighborhood meeting at the St. Matthews Eline Library. It's the zoning meeting that I want to summarize for you.
The neighborhood meeting was about Docket No. 24-ZONEPA-0067, a zone change from R-4 to O-R to allow a doctor's office on property located at 4251 Westport Road in the City of St. Matthews. The doctor's office is Associates in Plastic Surgery (see the rendition of the proposed office facility in picture below). And I add, the building is quite nice looking.
R-4 is a Single-Family Residential unit; O-R zoning is Office/Residential (Educational, Professional Offices, Personal Services, Artist Studios).
This neighborhood meeting is an opportunity for the applicants and surrounding neighbors to discuss and develop an understanding of the proposal prior to a public hearing. The applicant has 90 days to file a formal
application with the Office of Planning from the conclusion of this neighborhood meeting. If the formal application is not filed within 90 days, the applicant will be required to have another neighborhood meeting.
Once the formal application is filed, a public hearing will be scheduled to consider the application. This public meeting is your official opportunity to speak in support or opposition to the proposal. If you received a notice regarding this neighborhood meeting, or did not receive a notice but signed the “sign-in” sheet, you will receive a notice of the public hearing.
If you are interested in staying informed about this proposal, or have any questions about the formal review process, you may call the Office of Planning at (502) 574-6230. Please refer to the case number in your inquiry. You may also go to https://louisvilleky.gov/government/planning-design to view meeting agendas, search case information, or to obtain of Office of Planning information. Click here for more information about the Office of Planning and Design: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-planning/ldc-reform-recommendations.
As I learn of progress on the proposed development, I will keep you informed.
Have a GREAT 4th of July!
Join community members at 8:00 am on Thursday morning, July 4th for the St. Matthews Independence Day 5K. This race has its origins back to the late 1970's (and the course unchanged) in what was then called the St. Matthews Pavement Pounder.
This fun and fast timed race begins and ends at St. Matthews Baptist Church (3515 Grandview Avenue). Walkers are welcome!
To view a course map, click here. To register, click here.
This July 4th, join community members in Graymoor-Devondale for the July 4th Patriotic Parade!
The parade will start from the St. Albert Gym parking lot, located at 1393 1393 Girard Drive and near the Playground on Mirimar Road. Judging will be before the parade at 9:45 a.m. and the parade will begin at 10:00 a.m.
WInners will be announced and prizes will be given before the parade sarts. Prize categories are as follows:
Join Steven Walker, a scholar and historian with extensive experience in defense, government, and colonial history, at Oxmoor Farm on Tuesday, July 2nd, as he talks about his book on John Brown's pivotal role in early American history.
With a keen analysis of the major issues and personalities of Colonial America, deftly illuminated with vivid details, Steven Walker has created, in this handsome volume, a fully-realized portrait of the extraordinary man whose natural reserve belied a deep and abiding devotion to his country and its citizens.
For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, click here.
COUNCILMEMBERS ARE ON A SUMMER BREAK; HOWEVER, STAFF MEMBERS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE OFFICE DAILY. PLEASE CALL IF YOU NEED THEIR ASSISTANCE.
The Metro Council is on summer break until Friday, July 12th, and the next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, July 25th, at 6:00 p.m.
While meetings will not be held during the summer break, Metro Council offices will remain open with normal hours of operation (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), with the exception of July 4th, when the office will be closed for Independence Day.
For additional information or questions, you can reach the Metro Council Clerk’s Office at (502) 574-3902.
Crisis Call Diversion Program to operate 24/7
The city’s successful Crisis Call Diversion Program (CCDP), also known as “Deflection,” will expand its service hours to 24 hours a day, seven days a week in all eight LMPD divisions beginning Monday, July 1. The program sends certain 911 calls to a non-police response and currently operates from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week.
The pilot program was initially launched in March of 2022 with a focus on LMPD’s Fourth Division. Following its success, the program expanded a year later to all LMPD divisions, and then expanded again in January of 2024 to operate 16 hours a day, seven days a week.
Since its launch, the CCDP has deflected about 4,000 calls. Just this year, the MetroSafe 911 Center has deflected more than 1,500 calls to a non-police response and the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) made more than 500 mobile runs to help individuals in need. These Deflection efforts continue to provide LMPD officers, as well as MetroSafe 911 Calltakers, with more hours of time that might have been spent on the calls, further allowing officers to focus on violent crime.
As of July 1, Seven Counties Services will have 46 staff members dedicated to Deflection response, including 13 CTWs at MetroSafe and 27 Mobile Crisis Responders responding in the field.
Here’s how the program works:
- When a person calls 911, MetroSafe calltakers initially triage the call by asking questions such as “are you experiencing a mental health crisis” and questions regarding safety, such as weapons in their possession or if they’ve taken active steps to harm themselves or others, requiring Emergency Medical Services (EMS) intervention.
- Calls from first and second parties are eligible for a possible CTW response. Calls from a third party, a person who is not physically with the individual experiencing a mental health crisis or calls where there are weapons involved, are not eligible for a possible CTW response.
- If deemed appropriate, the call is transferred to a CTW in a Behavioral Health Hub within MetroSafe.
- The CTW team functions somewhat like crisis hotline staff to de-escalate, provide emotional support, create a safety plan and problem solve with the person in crisis.
- If it’s determined that a face-to-face response would be beneficial, CTWs initiate a mobile response.
- Mobile responders, trained in mental health crisis intervention, meet the person where they are to further de-escalate and assess the situation and, if appropriate, connect the individual to services. Responders have the option of transporting the person to a treatment facility or to any other community resource including shelter.
- If the call does not meet the initial criteria for an alternative response and LMPD arrives on scene, they can self-initiate a mental health response through Deflection once they determine the scene is safe and secure.
Watch an informational video about Deflection HERE. To watch a recent press conference hosted by Mayor Greenberg about the success and expansion of the deflection program, click here: Mayor/MetroSafe/Seven Counties/LMPD Crisis Call Diversion Program presser. - YouTube.
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
State Senator Karen Berg
June 21, 2024
The interim period is now in full swing, with legislators reconvening in Frankfort again this week for a series of pivotal meetings. This vibrant and productive time provides an opportunity to engage in crucial discussions, address pressing issues, and explore innovative solutions to enhance the lives of all Kentuckians. Below is a comprehensive update on the committee meetings I attended this week, highlighting the critical topics we tackled and the progress we are making.
In our recent meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Health Services, we focused on enhancing health care services, workforce training, and addressing substance use disorders in Kentucky. The session began with an update on the landscape of substance use disorders, noting a decrease in drug overdose deaths as reported in the 2023 Drug Overdose Fatality Report. We discussed current access to substance use disorder treatment programs and the concerted efforts to align legislation, policies, insurance coverage, and resources to more effectively address these disorders. We also introduced “Braxton’s Law,” a bill aimed at improving insurance coverage for comprehensive supervised treatment programs.
We then received updates on the health care workforce, with a particular emphasis on the Primary Care Psychiatry Fellowship and the Healthcare Worker Loan Relief Program. Our discussions included initiatives to increase residency slots and expand training programs through area health education centers and graduate medical education residency programs. Additionally, we reviewed several administrative regulations related to licensure and health care data reporting, all aimed at enhancing health care delivery and access across the state.
This week’s meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee featured a presentation by officials from the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) and testimonies from family members of individuals dealing with psychological injuries. The KCTCS presentation highlighted its support for military-connected students by detailing enrollment statistics, financial support programs, and initiatives to credit military training towards academic degrees. We also discussed the “Boots on the Ground” initiative and other strategies to support military-connected students and veterans.
Emotional testimonies from family members underscored the profound impact of psychological injuries on first responders and National Guard personnel. House Bill 363, which aims to create a carve-out for psychological injuries in the workers’ compensation system for first responders, was a focal point of our discussions. This bill, which enjoys bipartisan support, addresses the gap in coverage for psychological injuries currently not covered under Kentucky’s workers’ compensation system. The committee recognized the critical importance of expanding mental health coverage for these individuals who make significant sacrifices for our safety...
In summary, this week's meetings were both productive and informative, covering a range of important topics that affect our state. For more information on the interim, I encourage you to visit www.legislature.ky.gov.
If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, or would like to share feedback on an issue, feel free to email me anytime at Karen.Berg@LRC.KY.GOV or call the General Assembly Message Line at 1-800-372-7181. Kentuckians with hearing loss can use Kentucky Relay by dialing 711.
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There will be a neighborhood meeting to present residents with a proposed zone change and Detailed District Development Plan (DDDP) to allow the development of the outlots surrounding John Knox Presbyterian Church.
The applicant is proposing to divide the property into 4 lots and rezone all lots to C-N, with the exception of the existing church on Lot 3.
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 10th, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at John Knox Presbyterian Church, located at 9104 Westport Road.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, or have any questions or comments, you can contact Nicholas R. Pregliasco of Bardenwerper, Talbott & Roberts, PLLC at (502) 777-8831 and nrp@bardlaw.net.
To view the full letter along with the full development plan, location sheet, and contact information you can click here.
To watch and participate online, you can view the Office of Planning's upcoming public meeting list by clicking here.
To view the meeting agenda and staff report, click here.
To watch and participate online, you can view the Office of Planning's upcoming public meeting list by clicking here.
For more information on zoning processes, public comment opportunities, or applications for a petition for a night hearing, you can visit the Office of Planning's website by clicking here.
To view the meeting agenda and staff report, click here.
Over the past month, the 8th Division has experienced a concerning increase in thefts from vehicles and auto thefts, particularly in our residential areas. In response, our dedicated officers and detectives, in collaboration with various units across the Louisville Metro Police Department, have worked tirelessly to address and combat this criminal activity. Their diligent efforts have led to several arrests, and investigations continue as we identify additional suspects. Although we have seen a decrease in these incidents, they remain a top priority for our patrols and enforcement actions.
We urge everyone to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding your property. Most of the recent car break-ins involved unlocked vehicles, and the stolen vehicles had keys left inside them. Additionally, several incidents involved open garages resulting in thefts from vehicles and auto thefts. By taking simple preventative measures, we can significantly reduce the attractiveness of our neighborhoods to criminals.
Please consider the following prevention tips to greatly reduce your chances of being victimized:
· REMOVE KEYS FROM INSIDE VEHICLES
· LOCK VEHICLE DOORS
· CLOSE GARAGES
· REMOVE GARAGE DOOR OPENERS FROM VEHICLES
· REMOVE ANY VALUABLES FROM INSIDE VEHICLES
Your cooperation is essential in making our neighborhoods safer and less appealing to potential thieves. By locking your vehicles and ensuring keys and garage door openers are not left inside, we can collectively deter criminal activity.
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With the Fourth of July just around the corner and firework displays set light up the night sky, now is a good time to remember key tips about firework safety.
Please remember that while explosive fireworks and ground-launched fireworks are not legal in Jefferson County, certain smaller novelties and trick noisemakers, such as smoke devices, sparklers, and spinners, are permitted for personal use.
- Use fireworks outdoors only.
- Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
- Always keep a bucket of water or a working water hose nearby.
- Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
- Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated adult operator."
- Do not use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives -- they can kill you!
- Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Read and follow all instructions on the label.
The Louisville Fire Department is hiring for the position of Fire Recruit. CLICK HERE TO APPLY!
The Deadline to apply is July 5th, 2024.
For more information about the position, benefits, and hiring process, click here: Firefighter
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Free legal assistance is available to disaster survivors and those who were affected by the April 2, severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides throughout Kentucky.
Kentuckians who need help can call 859-993-0300, 8:30 a.m. -- noon; 1:00 -- 4:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. If after business hours, survivors can leave a message and calls may be returned on the next business day. The hotline is available to connect survivors to free legal services in qualifying counties who cannot afford an attorney.
Legal Aid may be able to help survivors in the following ways:
- FEMA and SBA financial benefits;
- Home repair contracts and property insurance claims;
- Re-doing wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster;
- Price gouging, scams or identity theft;
- Landlord or tenant problems, or threats of foreclosure; and
- Disability-related access to federal, state and local disaster programs.
The Disaster Legal Services (DLS) program works with state and local partners to provide free legal help for low-income disaster survivors. The service is a partnership between the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, FEMA, and various organizations and volunteer attorneys.
Since April, cases of whooping cough/pertussis have been increasing in several counties in Kentucky. Because of this, it is important to understand the disease and the best way to protect yourself, loved ones and the community.
The most effective way to prevent getting sick with whooping cough is through vaccines. The DTaP vaccine, which provides protection from diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
Until children get all of their doses of the vaccine they are still vulnerable, so it is important to keep them separated from others if they show symptoms. A Tdap booster is recommended for adolescents and adults.
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness offers the DTaP vaccine for children as well as the Tdap booster for adolescents at their Newburg and Dixie clinics by appointment. If you have questions and would like to schedule an appointment, call (502) 574-5380. Language assistance is available.
Let’s talk Paper! This month, we will be organizing household paper with a 10 week program to refresh and revisit our paper wrangling from the beginning of the year. To register, please email patricia.christopher@lfpl.org.
Make sure not to miss out on the Riverview Independence Festival this Saturday, located at 8202 Greenwood Road!
Enjoy live music, kids' activities, a splash pad, a variety of food and beverage vendors, and a vibrant finish of fireworks at 10:00 p.m.
For more information, you can visit the Riverview Festival website by clicking here.
The next Louisville Tree Plan Community Workshops are this Saturday, June 29th, at the Iroquois Library and Wednesday, July 3rd at the Northeast Regional Library.
Discuss the Urban Forest Master Plan with TreesLouisville and Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation to see how this extensive tree canopy will benefit local communities and the plan for continually improving it across Jefferson County.
In addition to attending a community workshop, you can complete a quick survey about your thoughts on the Louisville Tree Plan by clicking here.
Kick off the final Saturday of Petal Palooza with colorful family friendly run this Saturday, June 29th! Beginning at 8 a.m., registered guests can journey through Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay while being splashed with a vibrant display of colorful powders.
Be sure to wear some sunglasses to help shield your eyes! Be sure to wear some sunglasses to help shield your eyes! After the finish line, racers can proudly display their Floral Frenzy 5K medal and enjoy light refreshments, included with registration, before the park opens at 10 a.m.
Registration is at 6:30 a.m., with the race beginning at 8 a.m.
To register, you can visit the Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay and Hurricane Bay by clicking here.
Celebrate Independence Day on the banks of the Ohio River at Louisville's Waterfront Park. This annual holiday event includes music by the Louisville Orchestra, fireworks, and food vendors.
This family-fun event will be free and take place from 5-10pm.
Soar, splash, and kick off the Fourth of July weekend with a BOOM! Kentucky Kingdom’s Red, White, and Bluegrass Bash commemorates Independence Day weekend with daily fireworks and unique food through July 6th.
Hear rich sounds by day as live music fills the air and play by night with extended operating hours. Join us for the ultimate birthday bash at Kentucky Kingdom as America turns 248!
This event is included with your park admission or Season Pass. Buy your tickets early and save more on family fun this summer!
Visit Locust Grove on the 4th of July for the Summer on the Farm event from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.!
Explore what it means to be an active citizen and how to make a difference in your community through exciting activities and interactive discussions.
Join StageOne Storytellers as they read stories of citizenship, civics, voting, and much more! Delve into the meaning of independence while reflecting on the history of the Revolutionary War and enslavement at our historic site. Engage with our community partners, enjoy family activities, and learn about the meaning of civic engagement together at Locust Grove.
Enjoy a spectacular view when you watch Waterfront Park fireworks show from the river on the Fourth of July! Enjoy a unique 2 hour cruise on the scenic Ohio River, complemented with a gentle breeze, refreshing cocktails, and live music.
For more information and to book your tickets, you can visit the Belle of Louisville website by clicking here.
In honor of Independence Day, see if you can figure out which of these four facts is off.
- The Declaration of Independence was actually signed on July 2nd instead of July 4th.
- Benjamin Franklin designed the first official American flag.
- John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both signers of the Declaration of Independence, died on the same day: July 4, 1826.
- Fireworks have been a part of 4th of July celebrations since 1777.
Having issues with high grass, illegal parking, street repairs, or other Code Enforcement concerns in the community? Contact 311!
Metro311 Service Request Information
- Submit a Service Request in the online system.
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Only service requests for the past 30 days will be accessible in the system. If you need information on an older request, please call Metro 311 for status.
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To receive email notifications of the status of your service request you must have an account and you must have included your email address when you created your account. You can create a new account and report a new issue.
- Not all issues you put a service request in for require you to login. Some issues may be submitted anonymously, such as reporting a pothole and property maintenance cases, for instance. But having an account will allow you to track the progress and status of the request.
- The outlined or highlighted area on the map indicates the area which is serviced by Louisville Metro Government.
If you do not see a category which corresponds to your issue, please call Metro311 at 311.
For all the details you need regarding the new drivers license please click the link below:
To read about the most recent VA Medical Center construction events, go to: https://www.va.gov/louisville-health-care/programs/new-robley-rex-va-medical-center
To request weekly updates about the construction events, send an email requesting updates to: LOUVAMCCONSTRUCTION@USACE.ARMY.MIL
For ALL construction-related inquiries, please email: LOUVAMCCONSTRUCTION@USACE.ARMY.MIL
Check us out on social media:
Metro Louisville now has an interactive map that will allow you to see what is happening in your neighborhood as well as others across the city. The map updates daily and if you choose you can receive alerts for your area by subscribing using the red receive alerts button on the page. Click here to try it out: Interactive Map to Track Crime.
Message from the LMPD 8th Division
Please make note of the below tips to help make sure theft doesn't happen to you.
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices and even loose change.
- Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.
- Always lock your vehicle doors.
- Remove garage door openers from vehicles when parked outside.
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle, this includes key-fobs.
- Do not leave the windows of your vehicle open, or partially open.
- Try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
- Immediately report any suspicious person, or vehicle to (502) 574-7111.
Click here to Subscribe to the 5th Division E-Newsletter
District Resource Officers (DRO's)
After more than 3 years the 5th Division is happy to announce we have 2 DRO's! DRO's are the "Jack of all Trades" for the community. They are our problem solvers, ambassadors, community representatives and anything else you can think of. Congratulations to Officers John Keeling and Brad Steller, your 5th Division DRO's.
They can be contacted at the links below.
Officer John Keeling
Officer Brad Steller
Need support now?
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Are you thinking of hurting yourself or ending your life? Text LOU to 741741
Community mental health resources:
Metro United Way's Community Resource Directory can connect you mental health and crisis intervention resources. Or call 211.
Need to dispose of unwanted bulk items? Click the link below for details regarding Pop-Up Drop-Off event dates around Louisville. Click HERE
Accepted Items:
- Up to 3 electronic items (recycled)
- Metal & appliances - no refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers or any items containing Freon (recycled)
- Up to 4 passenger tires (recycled)
- Household recyclables, follow curbside rules (recycled)
- Yard waste, follow curbside rules, wooden pallets (composted)
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Large household items (landfilled)
- Documents for shredding (recycled)
Prescription medication (disposed properly)
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Stay aware of new development in your area! Sign up for Gov Delivery notifications at:
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYLOUISVILLE/subscriber/new
On January 1, 2019, a new Comprehensive Plan, called Plan 2040, went into effect. As a resident of District 7 (or any district in Louisville), it is important to review the Comprehensive Plan if you are interested in development that is proposed for the neighborhood. The Comprehensive Plan is the guidepost for all development, and the Planning Commission must use it as one of the guiding principles and tools for making decisions regarding the approval or denial of a neighborhood development project.
Read The Comprehensive Plan (Plan 2040)
The Comprehensive Plan is representative of over 6,000 voices, including Metro staff, an advisory committee, and resident volunteers. The Advisory Committee, made up of diverse representatives from neighborhood and community organizations as well as development and business interests, finalized its recommended goals, objectives, and policies on February 21, 2018.
On April 16, 2018, the Planning Commission recommended the Comprehensive Plan for approval. The document was then reviewed by the Metro Council as well as 12 local municipalities with zoning authority for formal adoption. Those 12 local municipalities are: Anchorage, Douglass Hills, Graymoor-Devondale, Hurstbourne, Indian Hills, Jeffersontown, Lyndon, Middletown, Prospect, Shively, St. Matthews, and St. Regis Park.
Plan 2040 Survey Findings
Plan 2040 Demographic and Economic Projections
Plan 2040 Core Graphics
Louisville Metro Council livestreams all of its regular meetings and committee meetings on Facebook Live.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here.
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
To watch the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc.
Click here for more info.
Click here to read the social media policy of the Louisville Metro Council.
2. Benjamin Franklin designed the first official American flag. FALSE.
It's widely believed to have been designed by Betsy Ross, although there's some debate about who exactly created the first American flag.
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