The leaves are changing colors, there is a crispness in the air and Hillcrest Avenue has begun its annual Halloween transformation into the most fun street in Louisville.  My family went to a local farm this past weekend and picked up pumpkins, a slew of other various gourds, and apple cider.  This is, without a doubt, my favorite season of the year!

Our office has been very busy this summer and I wanted to give a quick update on some of the projects we have been working on.

For those that live in and around Cannons Lane, you are acutely aware that the southbound driving lane between Rock Creek Road and Winchester Road has been closed for months and a construction crew has been installing underground stormwater infrastructure and, more recently, pouring a new sidewalk on the west side of Cannons.  We are well aware this has caused a lot of traffic and other headaches, particularly for the adjacent neighbors, and we really appreciate your patience.  We have been repeatedly told to expect a mid-November project completion date, so, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  The cherry on top of the sidewalk project will be a new crosswalk with a rapid flashing beacon to assist pedestrians at the corner of Cannons Lane and Dayton Avenue.  On a personal note, it will be very satisfying for Jasmine and I for this project to come to fruition, because the crosswalk and rapid flashing beacon for Cannons Lane was one of the first projects we identified as a priority when we came into office.  We really believe this will make a major difference for neighbors and fitness enthusiasts, providing a much safer connection from St. Matthews to Seneca Park.           

As we have discussed in this newsletter previously, since the start of the 2024 school year, we have been continuously working with neighbors, the Administration, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and JCPS to try to mitigate the traffic congestion that occurs during pickup and drop off near Chenoweth Elementary, Barrett Middle and Field Elementary Schools.  While this has been an issue for many years, a combination of changes to start/end times of the school day made by JCPS, a significant shift from bus transportation to primarily car pickup and drop off, as well as changing traffic patterns to Frankfort Avenue and Brownsboro Road, have really exacerbated the issues this school year.  While we have made some progress over the past few months, there is still much work to do and we will continue to push conversations with the stakeholders listed above, to help find lasting solutions. 

In the very near future, there will be new driver feedback signs installed in each direction on Hillcrest Avenue.  Driver feedback signs are the signs that flash your speed in real time, to indicate how fast you are traveling compared to the posted speed limit.  The intent of the signs is to remind drivers of the speed limit and encourage them to slow down.  Based on constituent feedback, this location was identified as high-traffic, from both an automobile and pedestrian perspective, and we believe these machines will serve as another tool to help make the 9^th district safer and more pedestrian friendly.

Finally, I am excited to announce that in conjunction with the Frankfort Avenue Business Association, we will be bringing back the Frankfort Avenue Trolley Hop in 2025.  For those of you that don’t remember, the Trolley Hop was started by former District 9 Councilwoman Tina Ward-Pugh and, at its height, generated an incredible amount of excitement, foot traffic and potential customers for our local businesses along Frankfort Avenue on the third Friday of every month.  It is no coincidence that membership in the Frankfort Avenue Business Association was at an all-time high during the height of the success of the Trolley Hop.  The Trolley Hop was discontinued in 2019 due to wavering interest and budget cuts.  While we are still in the planning stages, the current plan is to provide free transportation for the Trolley Hop customers four or five time per year.  Some of these dates will coincide with Louisville City and Racing game nights and other dates will leverage attendance at other popular, local events.  Ultimately, we want to continue to promote community, a healthy local economy, and strong neighborhood businesses.  Be on the lookout for a survey and more news to come!

As the seasons change and we transition into fall, it’s the perfect time to give back to our community! Join Brightside for the Fall Community-Wide Cleanup on Saturday, October 19, 2024, and help make a difference in your neighborhood.

With just a few hours of your time, you can make a big difference in maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of our public spaces. Whether you’re part of a neighborhood group or an individual looking to get involved, we encourage you to sign up for the District 9 cleanup.

Location:  Frankfort Ave & Keats (parking lot next to Con Huevos)
Date:  Saturday October 19th
Time: 9am-12pm

Signing up is simple, visit https://louisvilleky.wufoo.com/forms/z40w8ha04wjl89/ to register.  All registered volunteers will receive cleanup supplies, including gloves and bags. Brightside will also coordinate with Solid Waste Management Services to collect filled trash bags.

Let’s work together to keep our community clean and beautiful this fall!

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) has found mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in surveillance traps in the neighborhoods of Crescent Hill and Iroquois.

To prevent infections and decrease the mosquito population, mosquito fogging has recently been carried out in ZIP codes 40280 and 40211. So far, Jefferson County has reported no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus. Many individuals infected with the West Nile virus may show no symptoms or only mild ones. However, fewer than 1% of those infected could develop severe neurological issues, including encephalitis or meningitis.

While these serious conditions can affect anyone, individuals over the age of 60 are at the greatest risk. People with certain health conditions—such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease, as well as organ transplant recipients—are also more vulnerable to experiencing severe complications.

Avoid mosquito bites

• Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions. 
• When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.
• Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours of early morning and dusk. Be sure to use repellent and wear protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times. Prevent mosquito breeding grounds.
•  Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos outside. 
• Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and drain birdbaths on a regular basis.

To check if your area will be fogged, please visit the department’s website or call the mosquito hotline, 502-574-6641. To make a complaint about mosquitos in your neighborhood, please call Metro311 by dialing 311 or 502-574-5000.

On Sunday, October 20, Bardstown Road will be transformed into a vibrant, car-free playground as the Tom Owen CycLOUvia event returns. Named in honor of former District 8 Councilman and dedicated advocate for cyclists and pedestrians, Tom Owen, this event invites people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to safely bike, scoot, skate, run, walk, and roll down Bardstown Rd.

Imagine the joy of cruising down the road without a car in sight. This event isn’t just about fun; it’s about promoting mental, physical, and emotional well-being, encouraging eco-friendly transportation, and educating Louisville on important alternative transportation options.

“CycLOUvia is a celebration of our community’s commitment to sustainability, health, and togetherness. By temporarily transforming our streets into vibrant, car-free spaces, we invite everyone to experience the enjoyment of cycling, walking, and connecting with neighbors in a whole new way,” said Mayor Craig Greenberg.

“Tom Owen has been an amazing champion for livable neighborhoods and a city where everyone can get where they are going, however they want to get there. He has lived his vision, setting an example for others, and I’m excited to celebrate that legacy through the Tom Owen CycLOUvia,” said District 8 Councilman Ben Reno-Weber.

During the event, Bardstown Road will be closed to cars from Grinstead Drive to Douglass Boulevard, with the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) ensuring a smooth motor vehicle crossing at Eastern Parkway. So, mark your calendars and get ready for a day of community, health, and fun at CycLOUvia!

WHAT: Tom Owen CycLOUvia
WHEN: Sunday, October 20, 2023, from 2 to 6 p.m.
WHERE: Bardstown Road from Grinstead Drive to Douglass Boulevard

Local businesses and organizations are invited to join the festivities. Those interested should reach out to Urban Planner and cycling enthusiast Lou Lepping at lou.lepping@louisvilleky.gov or (502) 574-6776.

Fall Leaves 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. 

Leaf Drop-Off Sites (coming soon!) 

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

This service is for residents ONLY and not for businesses!!

As we go into this election season, unity for our country and community is foremost in our minds. To move our country forward, we must keep working to achieve equity for all. This requires ongoing engagement with issues of justice. That’s what the recurring Anti-Racism Challenge is all about: staying aware of the racism that still plagues us and proactively working to change it.  We want this city-wide Challenge to reach every corner of Louisville.

The ARC is sponsored by listenlearnact.org, Metro’s Office of Equity, and the Earth and Spirit Center and begins on October 4th.  Here is the link to sign up:  https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/RYVOcxz

While construction of the new addition to the campus of American Printing House is taking shape, the design of The Dot Experience is also progressing.

A member of our local prototyping team, Sandra Williams, spoke recently with WLKY news for Give for Good day, and shared her appreciation for being involved from the beginning on this important project. She and the reporter are pictured here. "It means that I am valued, not just looked at as a blind woman, but as a blind woman who has knowledge and expertise and can share that with anyone, everyone," Williams said.

Williams and others on the Inclusive Design Prototyping team have advised early and often on the methodology for creating tactile representation of artifacts. The earliest test case was an engraved silver scroll tube given to Helen Keller from the Blind Men’s Association when she visited Bombay, India in 1955. Prototypers evaluated everything from the level of detail on the replica tube to its material, its attachment points and placement. Their perspectives influenced the design of the kiosk and the placement on raised pins that allows a person to feel all the way around the object – versus an alternate positioning that would have affixed the object directly to the surface of the kiosk. The prototyping sessions also informed placement of braille, written text, the height of both the actual protected artifact and the touchable one, as seen in the image here where two individuals are talking and touching the replica scroll.

The Dot Experience aims to “Welcome Everyone” with an ethos of “touch everything”, meaning that the team is hard at work finding ways to create equitable replicas, touchable samples, tactile representations, visual descriptions, and other elements of thoughtful design to take our project to an entirely new level as a model of inclusivity.

A free recycling and large item disposal event is happening Saturday October 19^th from 10am-2pm at UofL Shelby Campus (440 N Whittington Parkway).  Items must be separated into categories for easy off-loading.  Accepted items include large household items, electronics, metal & appliances, household recyclables, prescription medication disposal, yard waste, on site paper shredding, passenger tires, gently used shoes.  Items NOT accepted include garbage/loose debris, concrete/bricks/rocks, construction materials, paint, batteries, light bulbs, hazardous waste, boats or hot tubs, tree trunks, items from businesses, trailers exceeding 10feet.