I thought it might be a good time to reflect on the last 20 months and to take stock of a few of the things we have accomplished together in the 9^th district. I came into office wanting to focus on improving public infrastructure and on that front, we have all benefitted by the timing of some significant transportation projects that were in the pipeline long before I became your Councilman. 

• Very early on, we spent a considerable amount of time discussing the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) plan to resurface and restripe Frankfort Avenue with the goal of slowing down traffic and improving safety for both automobiles and pedestrians. While we have significant work left to do, particularly in the area of improving pedestrian mobility and safety, I am proud of the fact that we were able to discuss the merits of the “right-sizing” project in a respectful manner and end up with a plan that achieved broad consensus.  We were also able to complete what was a complex, primarily overnight construction program, with as little inconvenience as possible.   
• At around the same time we were able to partner with Evolve Kentucky and the Sierra Club of Kentucky to install a new EV charging station in the Metro-owned parking lot at Frankfort Avenue and Keats. While it is still a modest number, we now have 6 free EV charging ports available for drivers along Frankfort Avenue in Clifton and Crescent Hill.  Two each at the Irish Rover, Crescent Hill Public Library, and the public parking lot mentioned above.
• Earlier this summer, the CSX Railroad company finally implemented its long awaited “at grade” crossing improvement project from New Main Street out to St. Matthews. These crossings had been in terrible disrepair for years, and despite what was a very difficult few weeks of street closings, logistics and constituent communications, we now have rails crossings that are safer for cars, bicycles, pedestrians and wheelchairs.
• In the past few weeks KYTC finally broke ground on and completed the resurfacing and restriping of Brownsboro Road from Mellwood Avenue to Chenoweth Lane. While there have been some difficulties with traffic congestion in the area near Chenoweth Elementary School, that traffic has primarily been related to the increased student enrollment and more car riders at the school.  Through the joint efforts of JCPS, KYTC, Metro Public Works and our office, we are making incremental progress on both morning and afternoon drive times and I am confident we can continue to improve the situation.  Otherwise, I believe the rightsizing has been a tremendous success.       
• In the next few weeks we will see the completion of a new section of sidewalk on Bickel Road between S. Ewing Avenue nearly to the intersection of S. Jane Street. This new sidewalk required, among other things, a public easement agreement with property owners and makes our neighborhoods that much more connected.

We have quite a few more infrastructure improvements currently in the pipeline including the repair and or replacement of almost $150,000 worth of sidewalks in the 9^th district and numerous sets of driver feedback speed signs and speedhumps aimed at slowing traffic and two-way street transitions.

Indeed the most important lesson I have learned from my short time in office is that government and public service are primarily about coalition and consensus building, facilitating a safe platform for stakeholder communications, and the management of people and expectations.  That is not to say there is no room for visionaries in this role or that cutting edge ideas aren’t welcome, but the meat and potatoes of the job is simply improving people’s lives incrementally by focusing on the simple task at hand.  

As hundreds of thousands of people head to the 120th Kentucky State Fair to enjoy the food, sights and sounds, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) has boots on the ground reminding fairgoers and vendors of some important health safety tips.

“Not only are our food safety inspectors at the fair daily making sure fair foods are safe to eat, but we also have employees staffing a quiet place for families to care for children and distributing important health information,” said Connie Mendel, Louisville’s chief health strategist. “In addition to the work our team is doing onsite, we are also encouraging people to take precautions of their own.”

Wash your hands after petting animals 

State fair season also brings an increase in interactions between people and livestock. According to the CDC, there are many types of germs that can spread between animals and people, but some of the most common illnesses people can get from petting livestock at fair exhibits are E. coli, cryptosporidium and salmonella.  

“Children 5 years of age and younger, people with weakened immune systems as well as adults over 65 years of age are more likely to get sick from the germs animals can carry,” Mendel said. “Everyone should take precautions at the animal exhibits, like avoiding taking food, drinks, toys, pacifiers, cups or baby bottles into those areas. You should also wash your hands right away or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer after visiting animal exhibits.” 

Food safety  

For the Kentucky State Fair’s 11-day run, Public Health and Wellness’ Food Safety team will inspect around 300 food vendors several times, which means they will conduct more than 1,500 inspections before the fair ends.

To help prevent foodborne illness, inspectors verify food safety knowledge, check for good hygienic practices, make sure food is cooked and stored at the right temperatures and that cross-contamination is prevented.

Each year before the fair kicks off, vendors are required to obtain both local and state temporary food service permits and complete a food safety training class.  

To learn more about our Food Safety Program, visit our webpage.

Support for families - Rock N Relax 

For the 32nd year, LMPHW is teaming up with Baptist Health to sponsor the Rock N Relax area at the fair. Rock N Relax is a quiet, comfortable place where families can feed their babies, change diapers and regroup. It has rocking chairs, changing tables, and free wipes and diapers in various sizes. As families take a break in the room, they can also learn more about breastfeeding, child health, nutrition and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program. 

The Rock N Relax area can be found in section C111 in the lobby area of the South Wing at the fairgrounds. 

Protect yourself from the COVID-19 “summer surge”

According to data from the Kentucky Department for Public Health, COVID-19 cases are increasing both in the state and locally in Louisville Metro. Take these steps to avoid the COVID19 “Summer Surge”.

• Stay up to date with vaccines
• Stay home, if sick
• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Consider wearing a mask if you’re at high-risk for serious illness

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (August 20, 2024) – The Louisville Zoo has welcomed a 1 ½-month-old infant male western lowland gorilla named Abeo (ah-bay-OH) to our award-winning Gorilla Forest habitat. His name means “bringer of happiness” in Yoruba, a language spoken in West Africa. Born on June 28 at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington., the infant is the offspring of Akenji, a first-time mom. When Akenji was unable to bond with her infant and when training another foster didn’t progress fast enough, Woodland Park officials moved into quick action to find suitable care for the infant gorilla.

Woodland Park Zoo collaborated with the Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP) to secure a new home. The SSP, a cooperative breeding program managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) aims to ensure a healthy, self-sustaining population of gorillas. The program maintains a list of potential foster gorillas across the country.

The Louisville Zoo’s 40-year-old female gorilla, Kweli, was selected to be the baby’s foster mom due to her success with Kindi – our now 8-year-old, sub-adult female gorilla. Kindi was orphaned after her mother, Mia Mojo, died the day after giving birth.

“While we always hope for a natural mother-infant bond, circumstances sometimes require alternative solutions for the well-being of the gorilla,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “Our Gorilla Forest care team’s successful work with Kindi and Kweli stands as a testament to their expertise. Kweli is a dedicated mother, and Kindi is thriving in her family group, showing all the proper, healthy gorilla behaviors. I look forward to seeing this young gorilla flourish with his new family.”

The Gorilla Forest keeper team will provide round-the-clock care for the infant, including feeding, socializing, and using behavioral cues, including vocalizations like those of a gorilla mother. This approach will mirror the successful process implemented with Kindi in 2016. The team will work to ensure that the infant can navigate the habitat and respond to training cues, including coming to the habitat mesh on request to receive a bottle. Initially, interactions with the adult gorillas will occur through a mesh panel, known as a “howdy door,” to facilitate gradual introductions. Once these key milestones are met, the infant will have closely monitored bonding sessions with Kweli, his foster mother, before being integrated into the existing gorilla troop. This troop includes silverback Casey (42 years old), adult females Paki (35 years old), Kweli (40 years old), young female Kindi (8 years old) and recently added Patty (11 years old). The group will rotate with bachelor gorillas Bengati, Jelani, Cecil, and Kicho.

The infant gorilla’s highly anticipated public debut in the Gorilla Forest will occur after he has been successfully introduced to his new home and introduced to Kweli. The Zoo will provide updates on his progress through a dedicated blog at louisvillezoo.org/gorillafoster and via its social media channels.

Guests can also “adopt” Abeo through a special ADOPTS package which includes a plush gorilla, an adoption certificate, an animal fact sheet, a Zoo magnet, the adopter’s name listed on the Zoo’s website, a Fahlo bracelet that tracks gorillas in the wild and two admission passes to visit to the Louisville Zoo — all for $99. Visit louisvillezoo.org/adopts for more information and to purchase.

Gorilla Conservation Status

Only found in the dense forests of west central Africa, gorillas are critically endangered and could face extinction if stronger efforts are not mounted to protect them. The primary threats to their survival are illegal poaching, civil unrest, disease, and habitat destruction due to extractive industries such as mining.

Zoo Hours

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Summer hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (stay until 6 p.m.) through Sept. 22, 2024. The Zoo will close early on Saturday, August 24 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m., exit by 3 p.m.) for Brew at the Zoo with Wine and Food, Too! The Zoo is open year-round except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information.

LOUISVILLE, KY (August 9, 2024) – Feeders Pet Supply is excited to announce a new partnership with Metro Animal Services (MAS), designed to increase pet adoption rates and improve animal welfare across the community. Starting in August, MAS will establish satellite adoption centers within Feeders Pet Supply stores on Preston Highway, Hikes Point, and Valley Station. A dedicated satellite dog adoption center will also open in mid-August at the Valley Station location.

This collaborative effort aims to make pet adoption more accessible and convenient for Louisville residents. By integrating MAS adoption services within Feeders Pet Supply’s popular store locations, prospective pet owners can meet and adopt cats and dogs while shopping for their pet care needs.

“Our mission at Feeders Pet Supply has always been to support and enhance the lives of pets and their families,” said Brannon Dixon, CEO of Feeders Pet Supply. “By working with MAS, we are making it easier for animals in need to find forever homes and for our customers to make a meaningful difference in their lives.”

Adam Hamilton, Interim Director of MAS, echoed this excitement: “This partnership with Feeders Pet Supply represents a significant step forward in our mission to connect animals with loving homes. We are grateful for Feeders Pet Supply’s commitment and support, which will help us expand our reach and provide more opportunities for pet adoptions. Together, we hope to make a lasting impact on our community and the lives of countless animals.”

The satellite adoption centers will feature a selection of cats and dogs for adoption. The Animal House Adoption Center, located at 3516 Newburg Road, will still offer regular adoption events and educational resources to the community.

Feeders Pet Supply and MAS invite all pet lovers to visit the adoption centers, explore the wonderful pets available for adoption, and support this meaningful initiative.

For more information about the satellite adoption centers and adoption process, please visit Feeders Pet Supply’s website, feederspetsupply.com or Metro Animal Services’ website, louisvilleky.gov/government/animal-services. 

About Feeders Pet Supply

 Feeders Pet Supply began in Louisville, Ky., in 1959 and is a premier retailer of pet foods and pet supplies with over 67 collective locations. Since 1988, the company has partnered with more than 30 local pet rescue organizations to assist with pet adoption events in-store. More than 130,000 animals have been adopted through these partnerships. In addition to pet adoptions, Feeders Pet Supply helps raise money for animal charities and donate pet food and cat litter to animal rescues and shelters. The company operates neighborhood stores in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Learn more at feederspetsupply.com.

About Metro Animal Services (MAS)

Metro Animal Services (MAS) is the only open intake shelter in Jefferson County. Serving as an authority for public safety and the humane treatment of animals, MAS provides a wide range of services including adoption, foster, and volunteer programs, animal care and control enforcement, and collaborative efforts with local partners around our city. MAS strives to create a safer and more compassionate environment for all residents, human and animal alike.

For more information about Metro Animal Services, please visit www.lousivilleky.gov/government/animal-services

Travel the world in downtown Louisville on the Belvedere

August 30 -September 2, 2024 

The 22nd annual WorldFest, Louisvilleʼs premier international festival, attracts more than 150,000 attendees over the four-day Labor Day weekend. WorldFest celebrates and showcases the international cultures and communities that make up the city of Louisville and neighboring areas. WorldFest is free to attend and open to all ages, featuring entertainment stages, Parade of Cultures, Global Village, and more!

For more information, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/city-events/worldfest

CHEESEBURGERS IN PARADISE Friday, September 6, 2024 | 6:00-10:00 p.m. Mellwood Art Center - Picasso Room - 1860 Mellwood Avenue Please join us for an evening of dinner, margaritas, and music. There will also be a silent auction and speakers.

For more information please visit: http://givebutter.com/twCRKY

“We hope you can join us at the ultimate Jimmy Buffett/Margaritaville-themed dinner, where every moment is a celebration of island life and laid-back vibes! Step into a world where the sun always shines, the drinks are always cold, and the music never stops.

The venue is transformed into a tropical paradise, with palm trees swaying in the breeze and colorful beach umbrellas dotting the landscape. Tiki torches cast a warm glow, illuminating the scene with a flickering light that dances across the sand.

Guests arrive dressed in their best Hawaiian shirts, flip-flops, and straw hats, ready to embrace the carefree spirit of the islands. Leis are handed out at the door, welcoming everyone with a burst of floral fragrance.

At the center of the party, a vibrant bar awaits, stocked with an array of margarita mixers. Guests can sip on classic margaritas as they mingle and soak up the atmosphere.

Throughout the evening, there will be KSB student speakers and entertainment, and the beach/island tunes by SandBarSoul transporting guests to a beachside paradise. 

As a tribute to Jimmy Buffet the cuisine will showcase a mouthwatering selection of dishes, from cheeseburgers and hotdogs to smokey baked beans, garden tossed salad with assorted dressings, loaded baked potatoes, and coleslaw. Dessert will include fruit cobbler.

For those feeling adventurous, a silent auction to benefit the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation will take place featuring a diverse range of items to appeal to different interests and tastes. Meanwhile, a photo booth provides the perfect opportunity to capture memories with friends!

It's a night filled with fun, laughter, friendship, and the unmistakable feeling of being transported to a tropical paradise, if only for a few hours.”

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Subsidy is here to help Kentucky households offset summer cooling costs. Enrollment starts July 16 and runs until September 13, 2024, or until designated funds are depleted, on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

The Summer Subsidy Component provides households with incomes up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines a one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $250 depending on income levels and housing category. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s electric vendor.

Jefferson County residents wishing to apply may schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502.991.8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. The toll-free service is currently open and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

All applicants will be required to supply the following documentation at time of application:

• Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
• Proof of income from the preceding month for all members of the household.
• Most current electric bill, statement from your landlord if electric is included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.
• The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.

The Summer Subsidy does not require a disconnect notice or past due bill. The benefit can be applied as a credit on your account. Assistance received during previous LIHEAP components does not affect a household's eligibility.

For more descriptions about LIHEAP income eligibility and other instructions, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP. Residents may also call the automated LIHEAP information line at 502.991.8391 or visit www.louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.

Trees are one of the most effective ways to deal with heat stress and improve air quality and public health. Louisville is in the process of developing an urban forest master plan to improve its trees and tree canopy so that all Louisville residents have access to the benefits that trees provide.  Please consider providing input this summer - here's how.  (Link: https://www.louisvilletreeplan.org/get-involved.html)

We've also provided a link to the survey (bypassing the project website) as well.   You can use this link: https://form.jotform.com/240705565650153

The White Cane Day Committee is sponsoring the annual Rider/Shaw White Cane Day Award. This award recognizes a local visually impaired citizen that has made a significant contribution to the community either on a local, regional, or national level. The ideal candidate should have demonstrated commitment, dedication and service to the community and achieved or excelled in a field, sport or other role.

If you would like to nominate someone, please print and complete the form HERE and return by September 20th to:

Office for Aging and Disabled Citizens

701 West Ormsby Avenue, Suite 201

Louisville, KY 40203

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Darrell at 502.718.5778. We look forward to your submission of nominations to help us celebrate these outstanding citizens through this event.

High quality public transit is crucial to Louisville's vision of zero roadway deaths by 2050. By offering service that is frequent, reliable, and accessible, transit can reduce car trips and spur demand for walking and cycling.

TARC 2025: Moving Forward Together is an important opportunity to redesign Louisville's transit network to update and innovate service to better match the current and future needs of the Louisville region.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY

We are excited to inform you about our upcoming after-school program United Learning at United Crescent Hill Ministries designed to provide a safe, engaging, and educational environment for your child in grades K-8. 

From the Cannons Lane Project Team:

1. Please remind everyone to watch for and obey the traffic signage. We have had a few people try to turn the wrong way onto Cannons and I don’t want to see anyone get in a wreck.
2. Speed limit is 25mph through the construction zone. This is posted and enforceable by LMPD.
3. Cannons will be completely closed this weekend 8-24 to 8-25 for a major storm water tie in at Cannons and Canterbury. We will be putting up new signage Friday for this closure and will subsequently remove it next Monday. We will make sure to accommodate local residents as much as possible. We ask that residents be patient during this weekend shutdown as it will be less of an impact than a weekday shutdown on commuting.
4. We are currently installing lots of storm water infrastructure on the South end of the project that should help not only a lot of roadside drainage but also take care of several low areas in yards with added catch basins to direct water away from the new project. Storm water infrastructure installation will begin on the North side of the project in September.
5. We have removed several driveway aprons in anticipation of the new sidewalks. We will pour those back when we pour the sidewalks. We will reach out to homeowners and try our best to work around their schedules.

.

The Office of Planning’s Library Hours return in 2024! City Planners from Louisville Metro’s Office of Planning will be available to answer questions about zoning (What is zoning? Why does it matter?) and discuss the ongoing LDC Reform project, including Middle Housing. We want to hear about your neighborhood and discuss what the reform means for you!

Calling All Small Businesses in District 9!

Are you a proud small business owner in District 9? We want to feature YOU in our upcoming biweekly newsletter! Showcase your business to our engaged community at absolutely no cost.

To apply, simply send us:

- Your logo

- Business name

- Business email

- Business phone number

- Website URL

- A small blurb about your business, upcoming events, & discounts you may have for newsletter readers

- (Optional) 3-5 photos of your amazing space, products, or something related to your business

Don’t miss this opportunity to shine a spotlight on your business. Hurry, spots are limited! Send your details to regina.garr@louisvilleky.gov today. Let’s celebrate and support our local businesses together!