Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 12/06/2024 11:05 AM EST
COUNCILWOMAN DR. BARBARA SHANKLIN
(502) 574-1102 / 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202
Dr. Barbara Shanklin District 2 Councilwoman 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 574-1102 Barbara.Shanklin@louisvilleky.gov
Caleb Howard Legislative Assistant Caleb.Howard@louisvilleky.gov
On the third Tuesday of each month, a Community Meeting is held to give residents an opportunity to be informed, discuss ideas and share. Be part of the change we want to see for our community. Join us at 6:00PM to share with Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin.
JOIN US IN-PERSON THIS MONTH TO MEET WITH COUNCILWOMAN SHANKLIN'S OFFICE AT NEWBURG LIBRARY (4800 EXETER AVE.)
Louisville Metro Police Department 6th Division Questions? Contact Us
STAY CONNECTED:
CLICK HERE OR CALL 574-LMPD (5673) TO SUBMIT A CRIME TIP
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News from Mayor Greenberg and the City of Louisville
Louisville Sports Entertainment District proposed next to Slugger Field
Project would create vibrant connection between downtown neighborhoods
LOUISVILLE, KY (Dec. 2, 2024) - Mayor Craig Greenberg today announced a transformative new mixed-use development proposal adjacent to Louisville Slugger Field.
The proposal is a joint venture between Louisville Bats owner Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) and Machete Group, an industry leader specializing in the planning and development of sports and entertainment venues and adjacent mixed-use projects. Louisville Metro Government is working with DBH and Machete on a draft development agreement that would outline potential public participation in the proposed District.
The proposed Louisville Sports Entertainment District is part of ongoing revitalization efforts to create a more vibrant, healthy, and connected downtown and would offer a mix of housing, retail, hospitality, and entertainment options. If realized, the project would activate a currently underutilized space to create a vital connection point for the community between downtown, Butchertown, NuLu, and Waterfront Park.
“This exciting development represents our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents and visitors,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “We are being proactive about developing surface lots across our downtown; these type of lots are ripe for development that benefits our city as a whole and its residents. We look forward to continuing to work with Machete Group and Diamond Baseball Holdings to hopefully make this District a reality.”
With over 500,000 square feet of mixed-use development, the District would be a unique destination for the Louisville community, featuring well-amenitized residences, a full-service boutique hotel, office and meeting spaces, retail shops, a revitalized entrance to Slugger Field, and on-site parking – all steps away from the iconic downtown ballpark.
“The opportunity to contribute to the ongoing revitalization efforts in downtown Louisville and create a hub of energy and excitement surrounding the home of the Bats is a game-changer for our organization and our fans,” said Pat Battle and Peter Freund, Executive Chairman and CEO, respectively, of DBH, owner of the Bats. “We’re thrilled to double-down on the commitment we made to the Louisville community more than a year ago when we acquired the Bats and look forward to further enhancing the overall experience for everyone who visits Slugger Field.”
“We are thrilled to be part of a development proposal that would not only enhance the local sports culture but also contributes to the overall growth and vitality of Louisville,” said David Carlock, Principal at Machete Group. “This mixed-use space will create a new neighborhood that blends leisure, entertainment, and residential living, making it a desirable destination for all.”
The development would generate jobs, boost local business, attract new talent, and create a vibrant community atmosphere. Full details of the project are yet to be confirmed as the public review and approvals processes are set to begin imminently, and the City is still working with DBH and Machete Group on what public participation in the project could look like.
"The proposed district represents a significant investment in the continued transformation of our Downtown core,” said Rebecca Fleischaker, executive director of Louisville Downtown Partnership. “This project would add needed residential development, with entertainment and hospitality options, and would become a new destination, as well as add density to this area, improving vibrancy and perception of safety.”
Louisville Metro launching Affordable Housing Lien Forgiveness Pilot Program
Program aims to create more housing opportunities by eliminating financial barrier
LOUISVILLE, KY (November 25, 2024) – Today, Mayor Craig Greenberg announced the launch of an important program that will help create safe, quality, affordable housing, while improving the safety and health of neighborhoods.
The goal for this program is to create newly renovated, affordable homes and support the redevelopment of vacant and blighted residential structures through the forgiveness of code enforcement liens. The intention of this pilot program is to increase housing stock by rehabilitating vacant and abandoned structures, promote homeownership for low-to-moderate income families, while encouraging reinvestment in local neighborhoods. This pilot program also includes important guard rails to ensure that residents are protected and empowered to build stronger futures in the neighborhoods they love and call home.
“Affordable housing is one of the pillars of our administration’s goal to promote a safer, healthier, and stronger Louisville. This new program is another essential step toward our goal to create 15,000 affordable housing units across our city,” said Mayor Greenberg. “As we created the ‘My Louisville Home’ plan, one of the strategies we identified was to implement a lien forgiveness program. This will relieve the financial burden for families looking to sell a property and remove a costly barrier for buyers looking to redevelop a home.”
The Affordable Housing Lien Forgiveness Pilot Program established through the Mayor’s My Louisville Home Plan will:
Create homeownership opportunities throughout the Louisville Metro area for low-to-moderate income families;
Revitalize neighborhoods that are being harmed by vacant and abandoned properties;
Provide an opportunity for residents to unlock the value of a home they may have inherited and cannot afford to maintain; and
Support local homeownership and generational wealth building by preventing out-of-state developers from buying these properties.
Many vacant and abandoned homes have thousands of dollars in liens as a result of regular code enforcement activities through Metro’s Department of Codes & Regulations. A significant number of these properties are presumed to be abandoned. Currently, the city uses legal tools, such as foreclosure, to collect the fines and facilitate the return of the properties to responsible ownership.
There are instances when an owner or heir can be contacted, but due to liens placed on the property, they are not in a financial position to sell or rehab the home. For those, this pilot program can make a difference. Lien forgiveness can facilitate private market property transfer, unlock the value of a home, and save city resources for truly abandoned properties.
To qualify for the program, applicants must be Kentucky residents or registered Kentucky businesses that are majority-owned by Kentucky residents. Additionally, applicants must meet the following criteria:
All other debt attached to property must be settled, including delinquent property taxes.
The applicant must have a plan of rehab, budget, timeline, and proof of funds.
Property must be considered vacant for one year by the Department of Codes and Regulations.
Rehab must take place within a one-year timeframe.
The applicant must either occupy the home as their primary residence or agree to sell or rent the property to an income-eligible household.
If selling, property must be sold at or below a home-value limit determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
If renting, property must be rented at or below HUD-determined allowable rent limits for a 10-year period.
Each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and checks are put in place to ensure compliance. This includes the timely completion of repairs and properties are rented or sold to income-eligible households.
The Office of House and Community Development (OHCD) will be responsible for implementing this pilot program. OHCD Director Laura Grabowski says this program can be one step toward transforming neighborhoods.
“There are more than a thousand vacant and abandoned homes across the city, with most concentrated in west Louisville neighborhoods. We have witnessed firsthand how one rehabilitated home can uplift the neighbors around them,” said Grabowski. “This program supports more homeownership for low-to-moderate income families, creates generational wealth, and promotes reinvestment in neighborhoods. By taking boarded-up, empty homes, and bringing families back, communities will be improved and revitalized.”
Many of the vacant and abandoned properties are in areas that were impacted by redlining, which means that some homebuyers could be eligible for REVERT program funds. REVERT was approved by Metro Council in 2022 to provide homeownership opportunities for families disproportionately impacted by redlining in previously redlined areas. The Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund is still accepting applications for the REVERT program.
Down Payment Assistance (DPA) is another important program operated by Louisville Metro’s Office of Housing and Community Development. DPA provides low-to-moderate income homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance in purchasing a home in the Louisville Metro area. Mayor Greenberg recently proposed allocating $1.5 million of Louisville’s budget surplus for DPA.
The lien forgiveness program is expected to launch December 2, and the pilot will consist of approximately 100 homes.
There is a path forward for homeowners facing liens that don’t qualify for the pilot. They can contact the Louisville Metro Office of Management and Budget to go through the standard lien reduction/waiver program. Owners may also request property tax payment plans through the Jefferson County Attorney’s office.
For more information about the Affordable Housing Lien Forgiveness Pilot Program, visit the Office of Housing and Community Development’s website.
With a focus on ensuring safe, affordable, quality housing for all, the Office of Housing and Community Development has helped thousands of residents attain and maintain homeownership through down payment and home repair assistance programs and enhanced neighborhood revitalization through the work of the Landbank Authority. Since January 2023, the city has invested more than $145 million to the creation and preservation of affordable housing. The ‘My Louisville Home’ plan is a guide to help Louisville Metro Government achieve its goal of creating and preserving 15,000 new affordable housing units by 2027.
Louisville Metro Council News
Metro Council meeting highlights for Thursday, November 21
Below is a recap of the regularly scheduled Metro Council meeting
LOUISVILLE, KY (November 21, 2024) – The Louisville Metro Council held their regularly scheduled Council meeting tonight. Here are some of the highlights.
Old Business
Approved
O-262-24: an ordinance identifying select American Rescue Plan funded projects to swap with eligible fiscal year 2025 Public Safety operating expenditures.
O-175-24: an ordinance amending the Land Development Code (LDC) Sections 1.2.2 and 4.1.2 regarding Factory Built Housing.
O-255-24: an ordinance imposing a temporary moratorium on transitional housing in the R-5A and R-5B zoning districts for up to six months.
O-258-24: an ordinance amending the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances (LMCO) 156 regarding demolitions and retrieval of personal keepsakes.
Special Recognitions and Proclamations
President Markus Winkler accepted a donation from the Kroger Company for the Metro Council Holiday Food Drive supporting the Area Community Ministries.
Metro Council recognized the University of Louisville Interns.
Consent Calendar – all items passed unanimously
R-128-24: a resolution approving a noncompetitively negotiated professional service contract with Louisville Recovery Community Connection for an overdose response team.
R-133-24: a resolution accepting $1 million from Delta Dental of Kentucky to be used for down payment assistance to families participating in the Healthy Start Program and to sponsor warming centers throughout the winter season.
R-134-24: a resolution approving a noncompetitively negotiated professional service contract with UofL Research Foundation for wastewater monitoring.
R-127-24: a resolution noncompetitively negotiated professional service contract with Commonwealth Economics Partners for financial advice and counseling on complex financial arrangements and tax increment financing (TIF).
R-129-24: a resolution accepting $1 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Grant program for technical assistance on transit-orientated development.
R-117-24: a resolution approving funding for an animatronic dinosaur display at the Louisville Zoo.
R-131-24: a resolution accepting a donation of personal property from the Estate of Carol Cornwell Price to Parks & Recreation.
O-260-24: an ordinance amending LMCO 156.051 (Public Nuisance Law) regarding the cleanliness of real estate or properties.
R-108-24: a resolution approving the displacement assessment form and results matrix.
R-130-24: a resolution requesting the Planning Commission review the Land Development Code regulations regarding transitional housing.
O-261-24: an ordinance amending LMCO 51.503 regarding the reduction of litter, trash, and debris along the roadways.
The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
Louisville Metro Health and Wellness News
Your questions answered: Learn more about WIC
WIC – What is it?WIC stands for women, infants, and children. Our WIC program is a grant-funded program that provides supplemental foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to healthcare and social services for income eligible families
Who is eligible? Our program is for pregnant and post-partum women and children up to the age of 5. An person or household at or below 185% of the poverty level qualifies for the WIC program. Some people who have Medicaid health insurance will qualify regardless of income status.
How many women, infants, children do we serve on average each year? Last year, our program served over 22,000 participants across our four clinics.
What does the nutrition consist of? Infants can receive formula, baby foods, and cash value for fruits and vegetables. Participants aged two and up receive low fat dairy, whole grain products, cash value for fruits and vegetables, and a protein option like beans or peanut butter.
Where can people find WIC-approved foods? Participants can use their WIC cards at Kroger, Walmart, Meijer, Save-a-Lot, and a few smaller state-approved vendors.
Who do families meet with at their WIC appointments? Nutrition educators and dietitians work with individuals and families participating in our WIC program. They provide education and information about the basics of nutrition. They provide families with the tools and knowledge they need to eat healthily before during and after pregnancy. Our group of trained team members can also identify possible delays in child development, undercover additional needs outside our scope of practice, and make necessary referrals to outside programs.
National Influenza Vaccination Week highlights the benefits of flu vaccines
This year’s National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is December 2-6. There’s still time to benefit from a seasonal flu vaccination this season.
Adults with certain chronic conditions are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu.
A flu vaccine reduces the risk of getting sick with flu. For people with certain chronic health conditions, a flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of the illness worsening chronic conditions and preventing flu-associated hospitalization.
In addition to getting a flu vaccine, people with asthma should take the same everyday preventive actions the CDC recommends for everyone, including avoiding people who are sick, covering coughs, and washing hands often. This also can include taking steps for cleaner air and hygiene practices like cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
Our immunization clinics can help you stay up to date with vaccines. To schedule an appointment, call 502-574-5380.
Metro Parks and Recreation News
Louisville Parks and Recreation annual golf passes for the 2025 calendar year on sale Dec. 9
Passes can be purchased online or at parks and recreation sites
LOUISVILLE, KY (December 5, 2024) – Louisville Parks and Recreation’s annual golf passes for the 2025 calendar year will be available for purchase starting Monday, December 9, 2024.
The seven-day unlimited play pass, good for unlimited play during weekends and holidays at all ten Louisville Parks and Recreation courses, is $500. A five-day pass (Monday-Friday only) is $425.
The price of annual passes covers green fees for the 2025 calendar year (January 1 – December 31), with a user fee assessed each time a pass is used. Prices vary by course and dynamic pricing may apply during peak playing times.
Annual golf cart passes are also available for purchase and are $75. A small user fee is assessed per use. Dynamic pricing may apply at courses during peak operating times for carts as well.
New annual pass holders will be required to visit the golf desk located in the parks and recreation administration building, located in Joe Creason Park, across from the Louisville Zoo, for photo identification. However, during the week of Dec. 9-13, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. golf passes will be sold at Cyril Allgeier Community Center, 4101 Cadillac Court, due to the USA Cyclocross race being held at Joe Creason Park.
Those interested may purchase their 2025 pass online at bestparksever.com, over the phone by calling (502) 574-PARK (7275), or by visiting the reservation office at 1297 Trevilian Way Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Annual golf passes make a great gift for anyone who loves the game of golf! Other Louisville Parks and Recreation divisions with gift shops open around the holidays include Jefferson Memorial Forest, Riverside, The Farnsley Moremen-Landing and Historic Locust Grove. The Olmsted Parks Conservancy has an online gift shop.
National Cyclocross Championships return to Joe Creason Park Dec. 12-15
LOUISVILLE, KY (December 2, 2024) – USA Cycling is hosting the 2024 National Cyclocross Championships in Joe Creason Park December 12-15. Cyclists from all over the United States will travel to Louisville to compete in these coveted races, making access to the park limited to the public.
On Monday, December 2, setup will begin for the event, including the construction a flyover bridge near the entrance of the park off Trevilian Way. This entrance will close, and park goers are asked to enter the park via Illinois Avenue.
Joe Creason Park will remain open will limited access through December 8. From December 9-15, the park will close to the public as the event takes place, reopening on December 16. Those interested in attending the 2024 Cyclocross Championships as a spectator can find tickets and more information here.
4-Week Anti-Racism Challenge Beginning January 3rd
Take the City-wide 4-Week Anti-Racism Challenge sponsored by Listen Learn Act!
How it works: For 4 weeks beginning January 3rd, participants will receive a weekly email with a list of 10-12 anti-racism activities. We ask participants to complete 3 of the activities over the course of the week. It is purely personal; you don't report to anyone. By regularly participating in anti-racism activities, we naturally develop better habits of noticing and challenging racism in our daily lives. Sign up here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/cADwZWv
This dashboard shows two different types of projects:
Current Projects that have received funding and are working towards construction.
Future Projects that are not yet funded but are serious contenders to apply for future funding opportunities.
Public Works built this database to increase transparency, track data, measure progress towards meeting goals, and aid future decision-making. This data will inform which transportation projects are submitted for future funding opportunities, including federal grants. As priorities change over time, projects will be added, removed, or modified. Public Works greatly values the opinions of Metro Council members and their constituents, so feedback is important to ensure that we are addressing their needs. Currently this dashboard only shows federally funded projects, but work continues to add more information on various funding sources, project types, and data analysis.
To provide feedback on the tool itself or to request a change to the projects listed, please contact Amanda Deatherage, Transportation Planner Supervisor, Amanda.Deatherage@LouisvilleKY.gov.
Waste Management News
The Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue is open. This is a popular disposal site for large loads of unbagged yard waste, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, construction debris, and large household items. (Fees may apply.) Residents can dispose of up to four tires, up to three electronic items, and up to three large household items for FREE! Details can be found on the website. Open Tuesday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
To report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day, use Metro311 or 574-5000.
If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegal dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.), please report it on our new online form.
Keep an eye out for the vehicles our Enforcement Team is currently looking for!
Don't contribute to the problem!
If you hire someone to dispose waste for you,ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truck loads of materials costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump your items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees may apply for additional items.)
Only set out junk or bulky items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside of the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information.
Tips to Prevent Illegal Dumping on your Property
Keep your property well lit and clear of overgrown trees and shrubs.
Monitor your property - the presence of illegally dumped materials or bulky items set out too early attracts additional dumping.
Install security cameras - send your video or photos anonymously to us and enforcement officers can use identifying information to catch the perpetrator.
Cover your loads! A lot of litter ends up on the highway because of waste not properly contained in trucks
Remove vehicle debris after an accident. When a wrecked vehicle is removed, the debris must be removed with it.
Report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day to Metro311 or call 311 or 574-5000.
If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegally dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.) report it on our online form.
If you hire someone to dispose waste for you, ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truckloads of material costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees apply for additional items.)
Only set out large items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information.
Dispose of large items like tires and furniture at Pop-Up Drop-Off events – free recycling and large item disposal events for residents of Jefferson County.
If you see a streetlight out in your neighborhood (or anywhere in Louisville), please note the address and report it to LG&E for repair. Click here to fill out the online form to report broken or malfunctioning streetlights. We always recommend adding your contact information to the request, so a technician who has questions can contact you. LG&E makes repairs during the day. Make sure you follow up if the streetlight hasn’t been repaired within seven (7) days.
The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to communicate with our community partners about events and provide information you may find beneficial to have and share with your neighbors. Our monthly letter will provide you with an overview of crime trends within the division and highlight the work our talented women and men do each day serving our community. We will also provide any information that could impact our neighborhoods and travel such as construction and festivals. Please feel free and share this newsletter with your friends, family, and neighbors. Signing up will ensure they receive the newsletter as soon as it is published.
LMPD reminder: Please secure your property and stay vigilant!
The city has seen an increase of illegal activity, including vandalism, vehicle thefts, items stolen from vehicles, and gun shots reported over the past year. Here are several tips from LMPD that may seem simple but could be very effective in preventing crime in our neighborhoods!
Immediately report any suspicious person, activity (gunshots), or vehicles to (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-TIPS. This is not just for vehicle vandalism but drug activity, home/garage vandalism, gun shots - ANY suspicious activity! Make a police report!
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices, and even loose change. - Always lock your vehicle doors. - Remove garage door openers from vehicles usually parked outside. - Do not leave your keys in your vehicle. Do not warm up your vehicles without you in them! - Do not leave the windows of you vehicle open, or partially open. - Consider additional lighting around your property; try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area. - Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
Please remember to not leave your vehicle running and unattended!
Metro Emergency Repair Program
Eligibility criteria:
Must be owner occupied for at least one year.
Not available on rental property.
Must meet income guidelines (see intake staff).
May receive assistance once in a five year period.
Louisville-Jefferson County only.
Types of repairs:
Furnace repair or replacement (October-April only).
A/C unit- repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, available May-Sept. only).
Electrical repairs/upgrades.
Water line repairs/replacement.
Sewer line repairs/replacement.
Water heater repair/replacement (gas or electric).
Peace Presbyterian Church (4210 East Indian Trail, Louisville, KY 40213)
Open every 2nd Monday of the month -- 10am - 12pm
Forest Baptist Church (4500 Petersburg Road, Louisville, KY 40218)
Open every 1st Thursday of the month -- 4pm - 6pm
Information about both pantries:
Serving households in the 40213, 40218 & 40219 Zip Codes Only
First Come, First Served Basis
Picture ID & proof of residency required!
LouieConnect
Louisville non-profits have launched a new website to help connect people in need of food, shelter, and more. Metro United Way and the Family Scholar House partnered to create LouieConnect, modeling it on a similar site created in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When someone uses LouieConnect, the web-based app asks for basic information and then lists applicable resources nearby — from food pantries to shelters to career centers to financial literacy programs.
***Important Metro Services Phone Numbers***
Air Pollution: (502) 574-6000
Animal Services: (502) 363-6609 or (502) 361-1318
Brightside: (502) 574-2613
Community Services & Revitalization: (502) 574-4377
Congressman Morgan McGarvey: (502) 582-5129
IPL (Code Enforcement): (502) 574-3321
Legal Aid Society: (502) 584-1254
LG&E Business: (502) 627-3313 or (800)- 331-7370
LG&E Residential: (502) 589-1444 or (800) 331-7370
LMPD 6th Division: (502) 574-2187
LMPD Anonymous Tipline: (502) 574-LMPD (5673)
LMPD: (Non Emergency): (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-2111
