About Binturongs Also known as bearcats, binturongs live in the rainforest of Southeast Asia. These arboreal mammals are known for a unique scent, which resembles buttery popcorn, and is produced by their scent glands to mark their territory. Their main diet consists of insects, birds and fruit, although they are considered carnivores. Binturongs are primarily nocturnal. They have a prehensile tail (which means it is capable of grasping objects), and the animals often use it like a fifth limb to navigate through the forest.  Binturongs are listed as vulnerable in some parts of their range and endangered in others. They face threats from habitat destruction, poaching for traditional Asian medicines, and the fur and pet trades. In some areas, they are also considered to be a delicacy and are hunted for food. Palm oil production is also a challenge for the rainforests where binturongs reside.  The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through March 14, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guests exiting by 5 p.m.

Street sweeping planned for Monday includes parts of District 10 and nearby areas

Street sweeping continues Monday, October 21. “No Parking” notices have been posted on streets scheduled to be swept.

Sweeping will take place weekly, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless extreme weather conditions occur. We ask the public to heed the “No Parking” notices to ensure the work is conducted without vehicles blocking the streets.  See attached maps for Area 12 Route 1, Area 12, Route 2, and Area 12 Route 3.

Reminder: Avoid fines – Parking Authority of River City (PARC) will be enforcing parking violations and towing if necessary.

Congratulations to our Boo at the Zoo ticket giveaway winners! 

The D-10 office has given out all our Boo at the Zoo tickets, and we hope everyone enjoys the "merry, not scary" event! More information on Boo at the Zoo is below under District 10 events. 

New Metro Parks Ranger Program aims to enhance safety of Metro Parks

Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Tuesday that Louisville Parks and Recreation is officially launching its park ranger program devoted to enhancing accessibility and safety within Metro parks.

In 2023 Louisville Metro was one of ten global cities selected for the Bloomberg Harvard Cross Boundary Collaboration Program to enhance park safety through cross agency partnerships with LMPD, Metro Parks & Recreation, Olmsted, Parks Alliance, West Louisville Tennis Club and Wilderness Louisville.  Through this partnership Metro piloted an intervention in Iroquois Park, where today’s announcement was held. The pilot’s evaluation demonstrated the benefits of focused enforcement of park hours, which are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

In June 2024 Mayor Greenberg and Louisville Metro Council worked together to pass a budget that included $300,000 in funding for a park ranger program.  Equipped with the funding and evaluation data from the Iroquois Park pilot, Metro Parks is now ready to hire its first park ranger.

Those wishing to apply for the position of senior park ranger will have three weeks to do so before the application process ends.  The position is currently posted, and those wishing to apply can do so by visiting bestparksever.com.

Qualifications for the position include having a high school diploma or GED equivalent along with five years of experience as a law enforcement officer, including two years of management experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Applicants must also be KY POPS certified (Kentucky Police Officer Professional Standards).

The chosen candidate will manage the Park Ranger program, park security and enforcement of laws and ordinances relating to Parks and Recreation facilities and public spaces. This position will also be responsible for developing protocols, procedures, and policies for the work unit. 

Application for mail-in absentee voting open to October 22 for November 5 election

Through October 22, Jefferson County residents who qualify for mail-in absentee voting may apply through the online portal. 

Voters who receive their requested mail-in ballot can mail it in or deliver it to an official secure Jefferson County Clerk’s Office election drop box. All ballots must be turned in by 6 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5.

Are you up to date on COVID-19 and flu vaccines?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending everyone ages 6 months and older receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines to protect against respiratory viruses that can cause severe illness. COVID-19 recommendations Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available from Moderna, Novavax and Pfizer. The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, is always changing and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States. COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration. Flu vaccine recommendations Most people need only one dose of the flu vaccine each season. While CDC recommends flu vaccination as long as influenza viruses are circulating, October  remains the best time for most people to get vaccinated. Contact your healthcare provider or visit your local pharmacy to schedule your COVID-19 or flu vaccine appointment. The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness also offers immunizations to adults and children. Call 574-5380 to schedule an appointment

Be cart smart! 

Public Works' part-time educators will be in District 10 next week placing Be Cart Smart tags on garbage carts.  It's easy to request a free repair for your garbage or recycling cart!  Jot down or take a photo of the serial number found on the side of your broken cart.  Contact Metro311 through their website or use the Metro311 app. (You can also dial 311 to speak to the call center.) Choose "Waste Container Request." Choose "Damaged" as the issue and fill in the rest of the form. Common issues are broken lid hinge, missing lid, broken lift bar, cracked cart body, broken wheel, etc. Leave your cart out at least till 4 p.m. on the day of collection so the contractor can repair the cart after it's been emptied by the collection crew.  The number one reason why carts aren't repaired after a request is submitted is that the cart is on private property. It must be in the collection location for the contractor to repair it. They will replace the cart if it is broken beyond repair.  How can you keep your cart in good condition? Be Cart Smart!  Bring it in! Carts are often stolen, damaged, or used by others if left out. Bring your carts back onto your property and store in a secure location after collection. Don’t overload! The cart shouldn’t be too heavy and the lid must be able to close. This helps keep it from getting damaged during collection. Keep it clean! Simply rinse your cart with soap and water from time to time. Identify it! Write your address on your cart and take a photo of the serial number located on its side so you can easily identify it as yours.

Leaf drop off to begin November 5

Mowing over leaves to mulch them back into your lawn is a great option for reducing waste. Mulching not only returns vital nutrients to the soil, but experts say that it can help your grass grow even better the following year!

Never blow leaves into the street! If you see Street Sweeping signs posted on your street, please make sure to move your vehicle so any leaves that fell naturally on the street can be properly cleaned. 

The Metro Public Works free leaf drop-off sites will be open Tuesday-Saturdays, November 5 through December 7. Drop-off will not be available on November 28 and 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Only leaves will be accepted. Leaves can be loose, in paper/compostable bags, or reusable containers. Containers used to bring leaves to the drop-off sites must be taken back by residents.

Locations and hours starting Tuesday, November 5:

• Public Works Yard, 10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane), Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Public Works East District Operations Center, 595 N Hubbards Lane, Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Shawnee Park, 230 Southwestern Parkway (Athletic Complex), Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue, Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This service is for residents ONLY and not for businesses.

Housing & Mixed Use Development Study DRAFT Analysis Map and recommendations available for review and comment

In conjunction with the ongoing Land Development Code (LDC) Reform process, the Office of Planning was tasked by Metro Council to study the existing development patterns in Louisville Metro and identify areas where new housing opportunities can be unlocked. Working with the planning and urban design firm Opticos Design, the Office of Planning has developed the Housing & Mixed Use Development Study. The study analyzed existing conditions like land use, zoning, lot sizes, and infrastructure to identify areas that can support more housing, shown on the Analysis Map. After the Analysis Map was presented for public review in February 2024, the planning team worked to refine the map and develop a series of implementation strategies to help realize the identified potential for new housing. Drafts of the final materials for the study are now available for review and comment on the Office of Planning website, including a Story Map, the Analysis Map, and the draft Implementation Strategies Report.

The Office of Planning intends to adopt the Housing & Mixed Use Development Study and the Analysis Map as an amendment to Plan 2040, the comprehensive plan, after integrating public comment and feedback on the draft materials. The comment period will be open until at least November 1, with the option to extend if necessary.

You can access all of the Housing & Mixed Use Development Study draft materials, including the comment form, on the Office of Planning website: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-planning/housing-mixed-use-development-study.

October 12 to 20 - Tree Week 

Tree Week 2024 is a week-long event taking place across the entire city of Louisville. This celebration is an opportunity for community members to come together and learn more about and appreciate trees and all they provide us.

Organizations around the city and surrounding counties will host a number of tree-centric events including volunteer opportunities through tree planting and maintenance projects, tree adoptions and plant sales, family friendly arts and crafts, story times, guided hikes, educational talks, yoga and bike rides in the park, among other activities. Tree Week continues through Sunday, October 20. This year, more than 30 organizations are coming together to host over 60 different events around Louisville. To learn more, click here.

Louisville Grows is leading a Five Senses Walk in Iroquois Park on Saturday, October 19.

Nominations are open through November 30 to honor exemplary youth through the AMPLIFY 502 Award

Nominate and honor youth making it against the odds - amplify their achievement! Please help us honor exemplary youth. They can be nominated by teachers, counselors, coaches, mentors, religious leaders, advisors and more. 

Louisville's Amplify 502 youth are Jefferson County residents, ages 13-24 who are serving as examples of good citizenship and volunteer community service and who have overcome challenges brought by life, such as disabilities, violence, or society. 

Scan the QR code above to place your nomination, or nominate here. 

For more information, email yes@louisvilleky.gov or visit the OSHN website at louisvilleky.gov

Deadline to nominate is November 30. 

Shelters are full - consider fostering a dog or cat

Remember the Camp Taylor Elementary School pantry as you shop

Tiffany Bolling from the Family Resource Center has reached out to request food donations for the school pantry at Camp Taylor Elementary School. 

Not only do we feed our students and their families at Camp Taylor and Audubon Traditional Elementary Schools, we also have a food pantry in front of the school to feed the community. 

Our pantry is usually stocked through Dare to Care, but the food goes so quickly. Our homeless demographic has doubled from last school year. I am trying to keep up with the nutritional support I can provide, but it's a struggle.

If you are able to assist in getting us food to fill our pantry, donations can be sent to: Camp Taylor Elementary School, The Kid Connection FRC, 1446 Belmar Drive, Louisville, KY, 40213. 

Monthly Food Pantry at St Agnes Parish in partnership with Dare to Care

The monthly Food Pantry at St. Agnes Parish, in partnership with Dare to Care, distributes food to approximately 150 guest families the fourth Saturday of each month. The pantry operates from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and is open to all Louisville residents. Guests are served via a drive-through format.

Reminder of leash law for all public dog walkers

District 10 events

Through October 27 - Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer

The Louisville Zoo’s ever-popular Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer is celebrating 43 years of merry, not scary fun! Tickets are available now at louisvillezoo.org/boo. This Louisville tradition runs through October 27, on Thursday through Sunday nights. Tickets are all-inclusive and include Boo at the Zoo admission, parking, Spooktacular Carousel, “not-so-itsy-bitsy” Spider House and the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow attraction. Children and adults are invited to dress up in their wildest costumes for the after-hours event, which is rain or shine.  Tickets are $13.50 for all non-members three and older and $7 for all members three and older. Children two and under are free and do not require a ticket . Members and guests can purchase tickets online at louisvillezoo.org/boo, with their chosen date and arrival time. Ticket capacity is limited each night with popular nights expected to sell out quickly. On event days, the Zoo will close early for regular daytime visitors. Gates will close at 3 p.m. with guests being allowed to visit until 4 p.m. The party starts at 5 p.m. and Halloween guests will enter the Zoo at their ticketed time until 9 p.m., with closing at 10 p.m. Special Dates: Sensory-Friendly Hours at Boo at the Zoo, Sunday, October 20, enter 5 to 6:30 p.m., enjoy until 7 p.m. This night will feature a sensory-friendly trick-or-treating experience during these special hours with fewer lights, lower music and smaller crowds. Tickets are very limited so purchase early to reserve your spot. Allergy-Friendly Night, Wednesday, October 23, features peanut-free treat booths and added non-food treats like stickers, pencils and more.

Events at Highlands-Shelby Park Library

Teen Chess Club, Monday, October 21, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Never played? A tournament veteran? A casual player? All skill levels are welcome. We'll teach you the basics of the game, general strategy, popular moves, advanced rules, and how to record your games. And we'll play lots of chess! Ages 10-19. Kid's Club, Tuesday, October 22, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Drop in every Tuesday for .some afternoon fun. Each week will be a different activity. Crafts, board games, LEGOs and more! Ages 4-10.  Beginning Bridge Lessons with Sandy Spears, Tuesday, October 22, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sharpen your bridge by learning Stayman/Transfers, preemptive bids, doubles of many types, overcalls, and general competitive bidding. Call 574-1672 to enroll in this 12-week course. Taught by ACBL certified Bridge Teacher Sandy Spears. Teen Post-Up, Tuesday, October 22, 6 to 8 p.m. Join us at the Outpost for a weekly night of board games, video games, and snacks! Ages 10-19.  Baby Storytime, Thursday, October 24, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. A storytime for developing pre-literacy skills and a love of reading through books, songs, movement and activities. Ages 0-24 months. Toddler Storytime, Thursday, October 24, A storytime for developing pre-literacy skills and a love of reading through books, songs, movement and activities. Ages 2-3. Teen Lounge, Thursday, October 24, 3 to 4:30 p.m.  Come play games, watch movies and even use Oculus VR! Teen Lounge is a time to hang out, have fun, and try something new. Ages 10-19.

Louisville Nature Center

Louisville Nature Center Events - view complete list

Owl Prowl, December 7, $15. (Both November dates have sold out)

Holly and Ivy, December 14, from $30. Make this holiday event a tradition with your family and friends. Enjoy hot chocolate and snacks while making your own wreath, swags and table decorations from live greenery. Ribbons, gloves, and wire cutters are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own tools.

Celebrate our vision for the future of LNC

Our center has become too small, outdated, and worn out. We are undergoing a new Site Capital Improvement Planning process and interior renovations so that we can continue to provide the community with the quality environmental education people need to be good stewards of our earth, and to be informed community members shaping our future. A city the size of Louisville needs a high-quality nature center, and LNC is ready to cement our role as the hub of environmental education in Louisville now and in the future. We invite you to help shape the future of conservation in Louisville!

October 24 - Planning Study public meeting set for KY 61/Preston Highway improvements in Jefferson County

KYTC seeks comments on potential safety, mobility changes

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will hold a public meeting on Thursday, October 24, at the South Central Regional Library, 7300 Jefferson Blvd., to update citizens on the next phase of the Preston Transportation Plan, which identifies short-term and long-term improvements for the roughly seven-mile corridor on Preston Highway between I-264 (Watterson Expressway) and I-265 (Gene Snyder Freeway). 

A public meeting was held May 21 to inform the community on the Preston Transportation Plan and to gather feedback regarding the study. The project team listened to the concerns and suggestions from attendees and are now seeking input on improvement concepts that have been developed for the next phase of the study. During the upcoming Oct. 24 meeting, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will showcase design concepts that reflect the input received from the initial phase of the study.

The October 24 meeting will be from 5 to 7 p.m. and will be conducted in an open-house format, allowing attendees to view various exhibits, talk to KYTC representatives and ask questions about the study.

Written surveys will be available at the meeting to make it easier for the public to provide feedback directly to the project team. Surveys can be submitted by mail before Thursday, November 14 to the KYTC District 5 Office, 8310 Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40242. An online survey will be available following the public meeting.

Displays and materials will be available for review at the KYTC District 5 Office in Louisville beginning Friday, October 25. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All responses will become part of the official meeting record. Once compiled, the meeting record and supporting documentation will be made available for review and copying only after an Open Records Request has been received and approved. All Open Records Requests must be submitted to the Transportation Cabinet, Office of Legal Services, Transportation Office Building, 200 Metro St, Frankfort, KY 40622, or via kytc.openrecords@ky.gov.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), anyone with a disability requiring assistance is asked to contact Morgan Woodrum at KYTC, no later than Thursday, Oct. 17. Please call (502) 764-0481, or mail your request to 8310 Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40242. Additionally, in compliance with Title VI, translation services are also offered upon request. 

* This meeting is not sponsored or endorsed by the Louisville Free Public Library.

Free 5K run/walk every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Joe Creason Park

The Joe Creason parkrun is a free 5K that meets every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Joe Creason Park. Come join your friends and neighbors - parkrun is family and dog friendly and you can walk, jog or run or volunteer. More information can be found at parkrun.us/joecreason. They're also on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Louisville Metro events

October 19 - Forest Adventure and Campout at Jefferson Memorial Forest

Through November 2 - Jack O'Lantern Spectacular at Iroquois Park

The event draws tens of thousands of guests nationwide for this one-of-a-kind immersive pumpkin experience.

It's time for the Parks Alliance of Louisville's largest fundraiser! Jack O’Lantern Spectacular, presented by Thorntons! An annual tradition for Louisvillians and visitors alike, last year’s event welcomed more than 110,000 visitors, the majority from outside of Louisville, contributing to more than $2.9 million in economic impact and more than 7,000 hotel room nights.

Jack O’Lantern Spectacular is celebrating its 12th year through November 2 at Iroquois Park. This year’s theme is “Trivia Night: Pumpkin Edition,” and will test guests' knowledge as they meander through the woods, lined with thousands of artistically carved and locally sourced pumpkins. Guests will be quizzed on art history, music, folklore, and more. They can challenge their friends and family while experiencing the magic that is Jack O’Lantern Spectacular.

Sensory Night – Presented by PNC Bank will be held on Monday, October 21, with gates opening early at 6 p.m. During this special sensory-friendly hour, pumpkins will light up the woods but there will be low music and no special effects. Designed for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), sensory processing differences, and their families.

October 19 is Brightside Fall Community Cleanup

Brightside Fall Community Cleanup is set for October 19.  Held in the spring and fall, the events are a great service opportunity for boy/girl scouts, sports teams, faith groups and community organizations. It could also be a corporate team bonding opportunity!  Cleanups are an integral part of Brightside's mission and without the help of volunteer groups, and many other volunteers throughout the year, Brightside could not achieve their goals of a cleaner, greener Louisville. Register online.

October 19 - Pop-Up Drop-Off at UofL Shelby Campus 

Our next Pop-Up Drop-Off event will be Saturday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at UofL's Shelby Campus. Please follow the guidelines. 

October 20 - CycLOUvia Returns to the Highlands on Sunday, 

CycLOUvia is back Sunday, October 20! This time Bardstown Road will be closed off to make room for cyclists, skaters, walkers, and dancers. The Tom Owen CycLOUvia event of 2024 will be held on Sunday, October 20, from 2 to 6 p.m. on Bardstown Road from Grinstead Drive to Douglass Loop.  Streets account for a massive amount of public land in all cities. CycLOUvia repurposes these public spaces by temporarily replacing traditional vehicular traffic with pedestrian traffic. Streets become paved parks where people of all ages, abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds can come to improve their mental, physical, and emotional health. In addition, CycLOUvia allows residents to enjoy our great local businesses along some of Louisville's most iconic corridors! Starting in 2012, CycLOUvia events have attracted tens of thousands of people to various neighborhoods across the city. For updates, follow CycLOUvia on Instagram Bardstown Road will be closed from Douglass Boulevard to Grinstead Drive from 1:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday.  There will be no parking along Bardstown Road from Douglass Boulevard to Grinstead Drive from noon to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

November 2 - Family S.T.E.A.M. Day returns to the South Central Regional Library

The Louisville Free Public Library’s annual Family S.T.E.A.M. Day returns to the South Central Regional Library (7300 Jefferson Boulevard) on Saturday, November 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This FREE family-friendly event offers amazing presentations and hands-on activities to get kids excited about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

Family S.T.E.A.M. Day brings educational institutions together for a wide variety of learning opportunities for the whole family. Activities include Southland Dairy’s mobile classroom (with a real cow), a look at how animals adapt with the Kentucky Science Center, student-led hands-on learning with STEMY, paleontology and geology activities with the Falls of the Ohio State Park, local wildlife with Louisville Nature Center, a water filtration demonstration from the Louisville Water Company, sun-gazing with the Louisville Astronomical Society’s solar telescopes, face-painting, the mobile gaming truck, and more from Brightside, American Printing House, KET, and the Frazier History Museum. S.T.E.A.M. Day concludes with a free bluegrass concert from Good River String Band from 2 to 3 p.m.

Family S.T.E.A.M. Day is made possible with support from the Library Foundation and Genentech. For more information, visit LFPL.org/Kids or call 964-3515. Free parking and shuttle service will be available from the Target parking lot. 

November 6 - next "Once Upon An Orchestra” event, providing free musical storytelling performances for families at Louisville libraries

The Louisville Free Public Library and the Louisville Orchestra are again bringing “Once Upon An Orchestra” public performances to all LFPL locations through March. 

Presented free, each branch will host one of six different, unique family programs that weave music and storytelling together in an interactive experience. Louisville Orchestra musicians perform original music created around familiar and beloved children’s books. The hour-long experiences include a 30-minute small ensemble performance preceded by a hands-on activity to build a musical instrument from recycled materials, so everyone can play along.

For “Once Upon An Orchestra,” composers from the LO Creators Corps have developed original musical scores to accompany a number of beloved children’s books, including Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. In addition, this year’s series features two new compositions – Laura Numeroff’s If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson.

“Once Upon An Orchestra” is funded with support from Louisville Metro Government. For more information, contact your local LFPL branch, or call the Louisville Orchestra at 587-8681.

Once Upon an Orchestra

• Wednesday, November 6, 6 p.m., Main Library, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
• Thursday, November 7, 6:30 p.m. Northeast Regional Library, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
• Thursday, November 21, noon, Shively Library, Llama Destroys the World
• Saturday, November 23, 11 a.m., Newburg Library, Llama Destroys the World
• Wednesday, December 11, 10:30 a.m., Fairdale Library, Bunny's Book Club
• Thursday, December 12, 10:30 a.m., Bon Air  Library, Bunny's Book Club
• Saturday, January 11, 10:30 a.m., Iroquois Library, Bear Snores On
• Saturday, February 8, 2 p.m., St. Matthews Library, The Very Hungry Caterpillar
• Saturday, February 15, 2 p.m., South Central Regional Library, The Very Hungry Caterpillar
• Thursday, February 20, 6 p.m., Shawnee Library,, Llama Destroys the World
• Wednesday, March 19, 11 a.m., Southwest Regional Library, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
• Tuesday, March 25, 10:30 a.m., Crescent Hill Library, The Very Hungry Caterpillar
• Saturday, March 29, 10:30 a.m., Jeffersontown Library,  Bunny's Book Club

Louisville Metro news

Apply to be an Ambassador through the Louisville Metro Office for Women 

LMPD Citizens Police Academy begins in January, apply now

How to report a pothole

Residents have three ways to report a pothole: By calling Metro311, (502-574-5000) On social media using #502pothole On Public Works' website at gov/government/public-works/services/report-pothole-or-other-city-services-issue

Jefferson County Legal Help Center offering hours Tuesdays

Assistance

The Office for Aging and Disabled Citizens' newest edition of the OADC Resource Guide is available now. The updated resources guide connects aging and disabled citizens, along with their caregivers, to a variety of service providers, government agencies and non-profit organizations in the city of Louisville. View or print the updated resource guide.

Kentucky's Employee Child Care Assistance Partner Program

The Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership (ECCAP) helps employers meaningfully  contribute financial assistance directly to employee child care costs by matching their contribution up to 100 percent, potentially doubling the value of their employer-provided benefit. All funds from the employer and the state are paid directly to eligible child care providers. Various program restrictions apply. Learn more at the Kentucky Chamber's ECCAP resource page, Kentucky's ECCAP program page, or by email.

Help with prescription medication copays may be possible through the Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program. Call 1-800-633-8100, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Louisville Metro Down Payment Assistance Program provides low- to moderate-income homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance for purchasing a home in the Louisville Metro area.

The Team Kentucky Homeowner Assistance Fund is a program that can help homeowners impacted by the pandemic rebound and avoid foreclosure. Qualifying homeowners can apply for up to $46,350 in assistance to help with delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner’s and/or flood insurance, homeowners association fees and utility costs. 

If you're 65 years old, own and occupy your primary residence, you may qualify to exempt the first $39,300 of your home value from property taxes through the The Homestead Exemption. Vets with service connected disabilities and totally/permanently disabled civilians may also qualify.

Locate Dare to Care food assistance locations, which include St. Stephen Martyr at 3015 Greenup Road, from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays. Please call before visiting sites to verify hours of operation. 

Meals on Wheels is available to qualified seniors in Jefferson County, 60 years or older, who are homebound with no one available to help prepare meals. Call 574-6325 to begin the qualification process. For information on the senior congregate sites for more active seniors, 60 and older, call the number above or sign up at the RCS page. Sites require a one-day advance reservation. See the updated list of open congregate sites.  The Senior Nutrition Program seeks volunteers all year long to help in a variety of capacities. For more information, call 574-6420.

It's okay to not be okay - help is available so connect 

Mental health experts recommend connecting with others and talking about how you're feeling. Don’t isolate yourself. Dial 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Text “LOU” to 741741 Crisis Text Line Community Wellness Hub Mental Health Lou 502-414-4380 The Black Counseling & Consulting Collective 502-589-4313 Seven Counties 24/7 Adult Crisis Line 502-589-8070 Seven Counties 24/7 Child Crisis Line 502-583-3951 Seven Counties 24/7 Addiction Help Line 502-792-7011 Collective Care Center at Spalding University 502-588-2008 NAMI Louisville 1-800-273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-888-843-4564 LGBT National Help Center

Trauma-trained mental health specialists are available at all eight Louisville Neighborhood Place locations for immediate and free assistance for any Louisville resident dealing with violence or other trauma. Appointments and walk-ins are accepted. The city has also set up a trauma hotline that is free to call: 901-0100.

Contact Congressman Morgan McGarvey's office

LMPD - which numbers to call for emergencies, non-emergencies, and ongoing criminal activity complaints

The most efficient manner to report crime and/or request to speak to an officer is to call Metrosafe Dispatch at 574-2111 (5) Furthermore, if the efforts of the officer were not reasonably adequate to address the concern or issue, a citizen can immediately call Metrosafe back and request for an LMPD supervisor to contact them.  For non-emergencies, dial 574-2111 (5)  for non-violent crimes, non-injury auto accidents, or to report a crime that has already occurred.  For emergencies, dial 911 for violent crime in progress, serious injury auto accidents, or immediate threat to human life.  To report ongoing criminal activity, dial 574-5673, the LMPD Tip Line, for drug dealing, prostitution, gang activity, or any information that may help close open investigations.

LMPD Public Review of Policy

From the Louisville Metro Police Department:
The LMPD is committed to engaging the public when revising our policies. The LMPD seeks feedback from the public. Below is the process the Department has implemented to ensure a deliberate and thoughtful process when revising policies.

Process

• Policies that have been revised each quarter will be posted for review and public comment.
• Changes that have been made to the previous policy will be highlighted.
• Comments will be reviewed and considered by appropriate personnel and leadership during the next policy review process.

Policy/Standard Operating Procedure updates: 

General Order #24-002 - March 2024 SOP Updates

Links to updates and online comment forms: 

https://www.louisville-police.org/882/LMPD-Public-Review-of-Policy

News you can use

District 10 CIF and NDF appropriations

Councilman Mulvihill-initiated D-10 Capital Improvement Funds (CIF) appropriations documentation dating to 2016 is linked here.  The D-10 Neighborhood Development Funds (NDF) appropriations document is linked here.

Louisville Metro Planning and Design Services District 10 cases

Note: short term rental is the general term used to describe vacation rentals including AirBNB, VRBO, and Tripping. 

Recent applications and revised submittals to Planning and Design Services

24-MPLAT-0129, 2230 Buechel Avenue, a Minor Subdivision Plat to dedicate right-of-way.  Buechel Train Depot. 

24-LANDSCAPE-0045, 2230 Buechel Avenue, a Landscape Plan for proposed improvements to historic train depot on 3.86 acres in the R5 and R4 zoning districts. Buechel Train Depot.

24-CUP-0154, 2988 Newburg Road, revised submittal of an application for a Conditional Use Permit for a private school expansion on 7.01 acres in the R5 zoning district. Louisville Adventist Academy. 

24-LANDSCAPE-0124, 3417 Community Horizon Circle, revised submittal of a Landscape Plan for DaySpring's additional parking expansion.

October 21 - Public Hearing regarding 1568 Belmar Drive

A public hearing regarding 1568 Belmar Drive will be Monday, October 21 starting at 1 p.m. The case number is 24-CUP-0228, a Conditional Use Permit application for a non-owner occupied Short Term Rental on 0.4825 acres in the R5 zoning district. Scan the code above for more information. 

24-CFR-0003, 4201 Illinois Avenue, Application for a Community Facility Review for a zoo expansion on 15.09 acres in the R5 zoning district. Kentucky Trails at the Zoo. 

1225 Gardiner Lane:

• 24-CAT2-0033, 1225 Gardiner Lane, category 2B application for the construction of a gas station on 5.6159 acres in the M2 and OR1 zoning districts.
• 24-WAIVER-0130, 1225 Gardiner Lane, A waiver application from section 5.6.1.C.1. to have less than 50% of the street facing facade without clear windows and doors.
• 24-WAIVER-0131, 1225 Gardiner Lane, a landscape waiver from section 10.2.4.B.1 to encroach into the landscape buffer area in the northwest corner of Poplar Level Road. 
• 24-PARKWAIVER-0013, 1225 Gardiner Lane, a parking waiver to increase the maximum parking allowed from 24 spaces to 32 spaces.

24-CUP-0063, 6500 Six Mile Lane, a Conditional Use Permit to construct a gym and building addition for a private institutional use on 7.1 acres in the R4 zoning district. NUR Islamic School.

4730 Champions Trace Lane:

19-DDP-0077, 4730 Champions Trace Lane, a Revised District Development Plan for a medical office and dialysis center on 1.4 acres in the C2 zoning district. 

19-VARIANCE-0076, 4730 Champions Trace Lane, a variance from section 4.8.1 of the Land Development Code to allow the proposed pavement to encroach into the middle and outer 100-foot stream buffer for a medical office on 1.4 acres in the C2 zoning district.

24-LANDSCAPE-0136, 1300 Eastern Parkway, a landscape plan to remove existing garage/shed and replace with a new one on 0.3916 acres in the R5A zoning district.

23-MPLAT-0165, 2221 Bradford Drive, revised submittal for a minor plat to dedicate right of way on 5.46 acres in the R6 zoning district.

2988 Newburg Road

24-VARIANCE-0118, 2988 Newburg Road, application for a variance from table 5.4.3 to allow a maximum building setback of approximately 550 feet from Schuff Lane. Louisville Adventist Academy. 

24-VARIANCE-0119, 2988 Newburg Road, application for a variance from table 5.3.2 to allow a building setback of 20 feet from an adjacent residential use. Louisville Adventist Academy. 

24-VARIANCE-0141, 4408 Petersburg Road, application for a variance to permit a deck to encroach two feet into the required five-foot setback.

2814 Newburg Road

19-WAIVER-0112, 2814 Newburg Road, a waiver for the sidewalk requirement along Newburg Road. 
19-WAIVER-0113, 2814 Newburg Road, a waiver to allow detached houses to abut a private street.  

24-ZONE-0080, 1300 Belmar Drive, application for a Change in Zoning from M2 to CM/M2 to permit auto sales on 0.2798 acres. Dean's Classic Auto Sales.

24-ZONE-0038, 6400 Six Mile Lane, a Change in Zoning from R-5 Single Family to R-7 Multifamily
with a Detailed District Development Plan with Binding Elements.

Short Term Rental cases

LIC-STA-24-00735, 3018 Louisa Avenue, Waiver of 115.516 (D) (1) of Metro Code of Ordinances to allow the registration of a Short Term Rental within 12 months of being issued a citation. 

23-CUPPA-0062, 3709 Willmar Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit Pre-Application for a non-primary residence Short Term Rental on 0.2602 acres in the R-4 zoning district.

23-CUP-0149, 1628 Belmar Drive, a Conditional Use Permit for a Short Term Rental on 0.1357 acres in the R-5 zoning district. 

22-CUP-0066, 1607 Orchard Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit for a Short Term Rental on .14 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

20-CUP-0147 for 1500 Lincoln Avenue, a Conditional Use Permit for a short term rental at a non primary residence on 0.18 acres in the R5 zoning district.

Check on Planning and Design Services cases.

 Locate legal Short Term Rentals with interactive map

Short term rental enforcement continues in large part to be complaint-driven, based on public reporting of alleged violations to administrators.

An interactive map tool contains all of the registered short term rentals in Louisville having an active permit to rent their property out to paying customers on STR websites like Airbnb.

If you believe someone is using a property as a short term rental but it does not show up on this registry, or if the registry indicates a non-owner occupied property does not have a CUP, then please report the issue here (select “Zoning and Business Concerns,” “Zoning Concern,” “Short Term Rental,” complete the form and submit). Or contact our office. 

An easy way to find out where Louisville Water is working

Is Louisville Water working in your area? Our website offers an easy way to find out. An interactive map shows not only construction locations but also details on the projects, including the status, type, and even the project manager's phone number. While the map shows all planned projects, please note that it currently does not display repairs on water main breaks.

Driver licensing - REAL ID enforcement date extended to May 7, 2025

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID Act enforcement date by two years offering Kentuckians, and residents of other states, more time to request a compliant driving or identity credential that maintains air travel access and military base entry. The enforcement date has been moved from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025. Read details on REAL ID.

Be informed about crimes with LMPD's crime mapping website

The Louisville Metro Police Department uses a Crime Mapping website to display crime on a map in Jefferson County. 

Zoom in to see crimes in an area, or put an address in the address bar at top left to search. You may sign up for auto email alerts for crime around an address. Reports are made available to the public after a process of internal review, often in the same day as the report taken. Due to the nature of some crimes, reports are made available to public upon the completion of a thorough investigation and will be made available as soon as practical.

These LMPD divisions serve sections of District 10:

• Link to LMPD Fourth Division 
• Link to LMPD Fifth Division
• Link to LMPD Sixth Division

Know the signs of human trafficking - you could save a life

Do you know the indicators of human trafficking? You could save a life. 

If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-373-7888 to speak with a specially trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocate. Support is provided in more than 200 languages. We are here to listen and connect you with the help you need to stay safe.

Callers can dial 711 to access the Hotline using TTY. Or text at 233733. Message and data rates may apply.

You can also email at help@humantraffickinghotline.org  or submit a tip online here.

Veterans Crisis Line 

Some offices and VA hospitals offer a "Health Promotion Disease Prevention Program" that includes treatment methods including acupuncture, tai chi, and meditation instead of opioids, and they work with the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, Press 1) to provide support and treatment for PTSD and depression, the leading cause of suicide for veterans.

Additional references for VA material and assistance or 1-877-WAR-VETS. Lifestyle changes for better health, or sexual trauma.

"Embrace the Journey" website for parents of LGBTQ+ children and adolescents

For LGBTQ+ children and adolescents,a parent’s support makes all the difference. The Embrace the Journey website is designed to educate the parents of LGBTQ+ children and adolescents about how to give children the emotional support they need.

Streetlight out? Report it. 

Please report non-working streetlights to LG&E.  Report a hazard on a state road or highway, such as non-working highway lighting or potholes.

Reporting potholes

• Report online. 
• Use Twitter by sending the location of the hole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole.
• Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues. 

Report litterers

Get directly involved in making Louisville a more litter-free community through the Report-A-Litterer program aimed at motorists who throw fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, soda bottles or any type of litter out their car window.

Help stop wire theft along Kentucky's highways

• Report any information about wire thefts at Kentucky interchanges to the KYTC Office of
  Inspector General (OIG) Office at 502-330-7506. If your information leads to an arrest and conviction, you may be eligible for the $5,000 reward.
• Report active crimes or suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
• Report dark intersections to the KYTC Traffic Operations Center at 877-FOR-KYTC

Would you like to serve on one of Louisville Metro's Boards or Commissions? 

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.

To complete an application, please visit   https://louisvilleky.gov/government/mayor-craig-greenberg/interested-serving-board-or-commission

If you know of a community event you'd like to be considered for inclusion on the District 10 enews, let us know. Please email our office: sara.feltner@louisvilleky.gov or call 574-1110.

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