The Rosie the Riveter Awards: Honoring women making an impact today and those who came before

Above, left to right, were Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell , Councilwoman Dr. Paula McCraney, honoree Meka Kpoh, and Councilwoman Raymond. 

The Women’s Caucus of the Louisville Metro Council yesterday celebrated Women’s History month with the second annual presentation of the Rosie the Riveter Awards, Women in History – Then and Now.

The Women’s Caucus also introduced a new Co-Chair to the Caucus: Councilwoman Raymond! She joins Co-Chairs Councilwoman Dr. Paula McCraney (I-7) and Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell (D-15) to further the work of the Women’s Caucus.

This year, ten remarkable women from Kentucky were presented with the Rosie the Riveter Award and compared to women in history who made a lasting impact on society.

Councilwoman Raymond honored District 10 resident and Health and Wellness leader Meka Kpoh, founder of Black Birth Justice. The mission of Black Birth justice is advocating for maternal health rights and providing superior support for postpartum persons. The vision is to combat the maternal and infant mortality rate, and focus is to protect the birthing people of the Black community with integrity, compassion and boldness.

Kpoh was honored along with Margaret Charles Smith, a longtime Eutaw, Alabama, midwife who delivered more than 3,500 babies and never lost a mother. She obtained a permit to practice midwifery in 1949 for families who paid what they could, sometimes in produce.  

Rosie the Riveter Awards Categories and Honorees: 

• Law and Order - Gerina Whethers (Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney) and Alberta Odell Jones
• Author and Writer - Emily Bingham and Harper Lee
• Athletics - Anna DeBeer (UofL Women's Volleyball player) and Flo Hyman (U.S. Olympic Volleyball player)
• Education - Diane Porter and Mary McLeod Bethune
• Civil Rights - Rhonda W. Mathies and Fannie Lou Hamer
• Women’s Rights - Marsha Weinstein and Elizabeth Cady Stanton
• First Lady and Literacy - Rachel Greenberg and Laura Bush
• Fashion and Beauty - Heather French Henry and Phyllis George
• Philanthropy - Christina Lee Brown and Melinda French Gates

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Monday is St. Patrick's Day, and we hope you have the luck of the Irish, both in general, and on your NCAA basketball brackets!

Spotlight on Alley Cat Advocates

Our D-10 Spotlight shines on a not-for-profit organization within the Louisville Metro Animal Services campus: Alley Cat Advocates!  Incorporated in 1999 as a 501(c)3, ACA's mission has been and always will be to provide for the humane treatment of unowned cats in the metropolitan Louisville, Kentucky area. Alley Cat Advocates has been recognized as a national model for developing best practices and successful programs to: Implement Trap-Neuter-Return and key programs to reduce community cat over-population. Improve the health and safety of community cats by providing a gold standard of medical care to community cats. Improve outcomes for community cats that end up in  local shelters.

At left, that's Karen Little, founder of Alley Cats with a friend from the Alley Cats Facebook page. There are many volunteer opportunities, and ACA will be having a volunteer orientation this Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m. at the Community Cat Complex, 3524 Newburg Road, so come see how you can make a difference.

Norton Pool at Camp Taylor Memorial Park update

Thanks to Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation for the latest photo update of the Norton Pool at Camp Taylor Memorial Park.  The build continues, with this bed of gravel and concrete forms creating the groundwork for the new pool. We look forward to spending an afternoon at the Norton Pool.

It's...it's...The Pothole Blitz!

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Works launches the Pothole Blitz every spring to patch potholes along city roads that have been damaged by winter weather. Last year, PW filled 46,000 potholes. Due to extreme weather, snowfall, and low temperatures in January and February, crews are expected to fill more potholes this spring. Louisville has an average of 35 Public Works Roads & Operations crew members working everyday filling potholes along hundreds of miles of streets and roadways across the city. PW crews will be popping up in their brightly colored safety vests to continue patching potholes. PW also patches potholes year-round in response to service requests: 1. Report online. An online map shows the current status of reports to Public Works.  2. Use X (Twitter) to send the location of the hole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole. 3. Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues.

KYTC repaired pumps being installed at the Breckenridge Pump Station 

We're glad to hear that repaired pumps are being installed at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet facility near Breckenridge and Six Mile Lane. A three-month delay in getting parts for the pumps slowed the process.

Many thanks to a Breckenridge Estates Neighborhood Association member for calling and asking us to dig into this! This is the only viaduct in Jefferson County not controlled by MSD. 

Longtime Camp Taylor teacher honored as 2025 ExCEL Award recipient

March 15 - Superheroes spring into action at the Louisville Zoo

The Louisville Zoo is springing into its summer season with Super Spring Kick-off featuring popular superheroes to launch its “Meet Me at the Zoo” event series on March 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kids (and kids at heart) will be able to meet some of their favorite heroes from comic books, movies, and more. Character meet and greets are free with Zoo admission or Louisville Zoo membership.

While at the Zoo, guests can also learn about some of their favorite animals and the amazing adaptations they harness as their own wild “superpowers.”

Additional character appearances include:

• May 17: Meet Me at the Zoo: Storybook Character Day featuring Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Pete the Cat, the Bernstein Bears (Brother and Sister Bear), Llama Llama, and Paddington Bear.
• June 8: Meet Me at the Zoo: Royal Rendezvous
• August 9: Meet Me at the Zoo: Pirate Party

Sunday, March 16 - Fundraiser for the Americana Community Center

For more than 30 years, Americana has been a pillar of hope and empowerment for refugee, immigrant, and underserved families in Louisville. Through education, youth and family development, mental health support, crisis case management, a women’s fiber arts program, and community gardens, we provide holistic services that help families not just survive—but thrive. Each year, we serve more than 5,000 people from over 100 countries in their pursuits of better days and brighter futures.

Due to downstream effects of several federal policy changes, we are facing an urgent financial crisis. Our programs are 100 percent reliant on grants, donations, and sponsorships. The center needs to raise $150,000 by the end of March to keep their doors open. 

Louisville Area Women Musicians and the B.A. Colonial are hosting a fundraiser Sunday, March 16 at 7 p.m. at the B.A. Colonial, 818 West Kenwood Drive. Live music by Alisha Nikole, Leigh Ann Yost, Song Sparrows, and Sight Unseen, for a $10 donation at the door. 

Know your rights

Know your rights if you are approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Information is available in ten languages. 

Join the Complete Streets Coalition - D-10 needs a Coalition member

Become a member of Louisville's Complete Streets Coalition! The Complete Streets Coalition was mandated in 2022 through updates to Louisville's Complete Streets ordinance. The primary function of the Complete Streets Coalition is to review a Complete Streets Checklist for publicly-funded projects to ensure those projects meet or exceed design guidelines outlined in Louisville's Complete Streets Design Guide. There are currently two open positions with the Complete Streets Coalition, which encourages passionate individuals from all backgrounds to apply . 

LIHEAP Winter Crisis enrollment continues

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Winter Crisis enrollment continues, with appointments required in advance to apply. Eligible households can apply for one or both LIHEAP Winter Crisis and MSD’s EWRAP (Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program) with one single appointment. Read more about EWRAP here.   Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis through March 31, or until designated funds have been expended. Jefferson County residents meeting eligibility can call the automated scheduler at 991-8391 or visit online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.

Sign up for Parks' Spring Break Camps for youth March 31 to April 4

Louisville Parks and Recreation is offering opportunities for kids to stay active while on spring break. Centers that will offer traditional Spring Break Camps March 31 to April 4, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., are Metro Arts, Molly Leonard Portland, Sun Valley, Beechmont, Berrytown, Douglass and Cyril Allgeier. Participants must be 5-12 years of age for all camps except Metro Arts, which is for ages 9-12. The cost of Spring Break Camp is $60 per camper. Youths will enjoy a range of activities including athletics, games, crafts and a field trip. Spots are limited, register a child here.

District 10 events

March 15 - Division 8 Train Show & Sale at Holy Family Parish Saffin Center

Louisville’s Largest Train Show in the 35th year, the Train Show and Sale features model trains in all scales, operating layouts and displays, and more than 110 tables of retail sales. Learn about model railroading at this family friendly event. Admission is $6 per person, kids 12 and under get free admission with an adult. This event will be at the Holy Family Parish Saffin Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 15. 

March 15 - B4U BUY Workshop: All about Insulation

At the All About Insulation workshop, March 15, you'll learn how to insulate your home effectively (DIY or by a contractor) and cut your utility bills year-round. Bring questions and photos of your home, preferably attic and roof shots. Workshop is at the Highlands-Shelby Park Library and begins at 2 p.m. Registration is requested by scanning the code above. 

March 15 - St. Patrick's Day Bierhalle at the German American Club

The German-American Club turns a bit green Saturday for their annual St. Patrick's Day Bierhalle. Doors open at 4, dinner served 6 to 8 p.m. and the Polkatz will play. The German-American Club is at 1840 Lincoln Avenue.

March 19 - Mind-Body Wellness Series continues at Bon Air Library

Mental Health Lou has launched its series, Mind-Body Wellness, and there’s still time to participate in the upcoming event on Wednesday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bon Air Library, 2816 Del Rio Place. Participants will discover techniques to recognize and connect their feelings, thoughts, and physical responses, along with tools to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and more. For more information, please visit Mental Health Lou's website.

April 13 - Parade Day for Germantown Baseball, Softball, and Tee Ball

Mark your calendars for the traditional parade on April 13, which starts at 2 p.m. at Audubon Elementary and ends at Germantown Ballfield, 1537 Poplar Level Road.  Support the kids of our community starting their spring season of baseball, softball, and tee ball.

April 19 - Brightside Community Cleanup save the date, plan to join us, and help us decide what District 10 areas need a cleanup

The District 10 staff will be ready to work on Saturday, April 19 as part of the Brightside Community-Wide Cleanup, so please save the date and plan on joining us!

We also want to hear your ideas on which parts of of District 10 need Brightside cleanup the most. Please email Councilwoman Raymond at josie.raymond@louisvilleky.gov with your location ideas and to sign up. 

We're encouraging established groups to continue their cleanup plans, but ask that you let us know when and where you'll be working (and be sure to invite your councilwoman!).

Register your team or community group online here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/brightside/brightside-wm-community-wide-cleanup

If April 19 doesn’t work for your group, you can organize a cleanup anytime throughout the year and Brightside will provide gloves and bags. Call Brightside at 574-2613 or register online about two weeks prior to your event to schedule your cleanup.

May 10 - Shakespeare in the Park at George Rogers Clark Park

Cyril Allgeier Community/Athletic Center calendar

The Cyril Allgeier Community and Athletic Center, at 4101 Cadillac Court, has so much to offer: basketball, volleyball, pickleball, karate, yoga, senior chair yoga, visual arts programs and more! See the latest schedule, or download here.

Louisville Free Public Library event highlights

Highlands-Shelby Park Beginning Bridge II Lessons with Sandy Spears, Tuesday, March 18, 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. Sharpen your bridge with learning more about Stayman/Transfers, preemptive bids, doubles of many types, overcalls, and general competitive bidding. This 14 week course is taught by Sandy Spears, ACBL - certified Bridge Teacher. Call 502-574-1672 to register. Bon Air English for Speakers of Other Languages, Tuesday, March 18, 10 to 11 a.m. English for Speakers of Other Languages offers guided English practice led by a library staff member. The ESOL Instructor leads students through grammar exercises every week. Students have the opportunity to practice their English and ask questions in a supportive environment. Ages 18+. Mind-Body Wellness Series: Digital Detox: Reclaiming Focus and Mental Space, Wednesday, March 19, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. A workshop taught by Mental Health Lou's team of mental health professionals and certified teachers. Explore how technology impacts mental well-being and learn strategies to create healthier digital habits. This insightful session will include: Understanding the effects of screen time on sleep and anxiety Practical strategies for reducing digital overwhelm A guided mindfulness exercise to promote digital balance Questions? Email hello@mentalhealthlou.com. No sign-up required—drop-ins welcome! Link to a full listing of all Louisville Free Public Library events.

Joe Creason parkrun walk and run every Saturday at 9 a.m. 

The Joe Creason parkrun is free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! Meet at Joe Creason Park at 9 a.m. Saturdays. More information can be found at parkrun.us/joecreason.

Zoning updates

Alcoholic Beverage Control ad run February 20 for 1022 Clarks Lane

An Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) ad ran February 20 in the Louisville Courier-Journal for Angelica Pizzonia, 1022 Clarks Lane, as Member of Dirty Bird, LLC, applying for a NQ2 Retail Drink License Special Sunday Retail Drink license(s) 2am extended hours.

Any person, association, corporation, or body politic, may protest the granting of the license(s) by writing the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 500 Mero St 2NE33, Frankfort, KY, 40601, within thirty (30) days of the date of legal publication, March 22.

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. 

March 17 - Public hearing regarding 1442 Cardinal Drive

A public hearing regarding 1442 Cardinal Drive will be Monday, March 17 beginning at 1 p.m. The case number is 25-VARIANCE-0008, application for a variance from LDC, Section 5.1.12 to allow a principal structure to encroach into the front setback on .27590 acres in the R5 zoning district.

March 25 - Neighbor meeting regarding 3522 Capri Drive

A neighborhood meeting will be held March 25 at 6:30 p.m. at 3522 Capri Drive regarding that address becoming a non-owner occupied Short Term Rental. 

March 26 - Neighbor meeting regarding 2127 Bashford Manor Lane

A neighbor meeting will be held Wednesday, March 26 regarding 2127 Bashford Manor Lane, a zoning change application to allow a drive-through oil change facility with two bays at that address. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. at the City of West Buechel Assembly Hall at 3705 Bashford Avenue. The case number is 25-ZONE-PA-0022 for a zoning change from OR to C-1 and DDDP to allow an oil change drive thru facility on .48 acres.

25-CUPPA-0025, 3118 Harmon Court, application for a Conditional Use Permit for a non-owner occupied accessory dwelling unit on 0.2116 acres in the R5 zoning district. 

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. Revisions submitted.

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. Revisions required.

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. Public meeting.

25-DDP-0004, 1821 Taylor Avenue, a Revised District Development plan application to bring site into compliance on 1.1 acres in the CM zoning district. Accepted

24-DDP-0076, 4642 Jennings Lane, a revised district development plan for transitional housing on .48 acres in the C2 zoning district. Pathways to Hope. Accepted

24-LANDSCAPE-0159, 1800 Newburg Road, a revised landscape and tree preservation application on 6.104 acres in the R1, R5, and R7 zoning districts. St. Agnes Catholic School. Application accepted.

25-LANDSCAPE-0006, 4023 Poplar Level Road, application for a landscape and tree preservation plan for a drive thru coffee shop on 0.7 acres in the C1 zoning district.7 Brew - Poplar Level. Revisions required. 

24-LANDSCAPE-0175, 6400 Six Mile Lane, a landscape and tree preservation application for multi-family residential use on 1.1877 acres. Six Mile Homes. Revisions required. 

24-LANDSCAPE-0160, 6718 Six Mile Lane, a clearing and grading application to remove trees and stumps on 0.9656 acres in the R4 zoning district. Agency review. 

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

25-PARKWAIVER-0001, 4023 Poplar Level Road, a parking waiver application to increase the maximum parking allowed from 6 spaces to 11 spaces on 0.7028 acres in the C1 zoning district. 7 Brew Coffee. Accepted. 

25-VARIANCE-0008, 1442 Cardinal Drive, application for a variance from LDC, Section 5.1.12 to allow a principal structure to encroach into the front setback on .27590 acres in the R5 zoning district. Public meeting.

2814 Newburg Road

19-WAIVER-0112, 2814 Newburg Road, a waiver for the sidewalk requirement along Newburg Road. Agency review.

19-WAIVER-0113, 2814 Newburg Road, a waiver to allow detached houses to abut a private street. Agency review.

1300 Belmar Drive

24-WAIVER-0165, 1300 Belmar Drive, an application for a Landscape Waiver from section 10.2.3 to waive the required landscape buffer between CM and M2 zoning districts on 0.2798 acres. Dean's Classic Auto Sales. Accepted.

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. Application accepted. 

24-ZONEPA-0153, 4217 East Indian Trail, application for a change in zoning pre-application from from R-4 to M-2 to allow the existing building to remain as a contractor's shop with proposed outdoor storage and contractor lay-down yard on 2.8123 acres. Completed

Short Term Rental cases

25-CUPPA-0036, 3522 Capri Drive, application for a Conditional Use Permit for a Short Term Rental on 0.18 acres in the R-5 zoning district. Application accepted. 

25-CUPPA-0013, 1021 Greenleaf Road, a Conditional Use Permit pre-application for a non owner occupied Short Term Rental on 0.11 acres in the R5 zoning district. Completed. 

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. Completed.

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

20-CUP-0147 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. Public meeting. 

Check on Planning and Design Services cases

Locate legal Short Term Rentals with Metro's 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.

What's happening in your community?

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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