In this Issue
Dear District 7 Residents,
As your Metro Council representative, I encourage you to tune in to our committee and full Council meetings to witness firsthand the debates and decisions shaping our city. The discussions taking place impact your daily lives, and it is essential that you stay informed about the legislation being proposed.
Recently, three significant ordinances have been debated, and I want to bring them to your attention:
Cigar Bars in Louisville
There is currently a push to allow cigar bars in Louisville, with the argument that it would boost tourism, as surrounding cities already permit them. While this ordinance passed out of committee and will be considered for final passage at Thursday’s meeting, I stand firmly in opposition and will vote No.
Years ago, the Metro Council overwhelmingly passed a smoking ban in response to strong advocacy from the community and health organizations. The American Lung Association has warned that granting an exemption for cigar bars could lead to costly legal challenges, as it may violate equal protection rights under the Kentucky Constitution—just as a previous exemption for Churchill Downs was ruled unconstitutional in 2007. Furthermore, health experts confirm that cigar smoke contains even higher levels of carcinogens and toxins than cigarettes, with secondhand exposure posing serious health risks, including heart disease, stroke, emphysema, and cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has made it clear: there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
I must ask—what is the real motivation behind weakening our successful smoke-free ordinance, which was passed in response to the will of the people? When I inquired whether the general public had advocated or rallied in support for cigar bars, the ordinance sponsor stated that he did not have any support letters to present. That speaks volumes.
Lead Abatement Ordinance
A recent amendment to our lead abatement ordinance, which significantly weakens the original ordinance by removing many landlords’ responsibility to address lead exposure in rental properties, was presented under the claim that, if not passed, the state legislature would enact a law banning Louisville’s lead protections altogether. In fact, supporters of this amendment went so far as to say that the state legislators also suggested that the weakened legislation must receive at least 20 votes from Councilmembers.
Let me be clear: I do not take kindly to idle threats from state legislators, particularly those who do not even represent Jefferson County. It is deeply troubling that many Council members accepted this threat instead of challenging it, stating that a weakened lead ordinance is better than no ordinance. But who is to say that the state legislators would have actually followed through on their threat? Instead of standing firm to protect the health of Louisville’s children, the majority of the Council chose to back down.
I refuse to support harmful legislation that compromises your health and safety. You elected me to stand up for what is right, not to surrender to political pressure.
Mask Ordinance Amendment
I recently introduced an amendment to the city's mask ordinance to protect individuals who are immunocompromised or vulnerable to respiratory illnesses. This amendment would lift the ban on mask-wearing to allow residents to prioritize their health and safety without fear of penalty.
Unfortunately, this amendment faced opposition in committee, failing by a vote of 7-2. One Council member, the same individual behind the cigar bar ordinance and the weakened lead abatement amendment, argued that masks should remain banned and even referenced a 1983 ordinance related to the KKK’s mask-wearing practices. I countered that a mask ban would not prevent the KKK from wearing masks during their demonstrations, but it would prevent individuals from making personal health choices that protect their wellbeing without the fear of retribution or being profiled.
Despite lacking the necessary votes for passage, I will continue to fight for this amendment when it is presented at Thursday’s full Council meeting. Many constituents asked me to advocate for this change, and I will not be deterred by opposition.
These debates underscore the importance of staying engaged with Metro Council proceedings. The decisions made by your elected officials impact public health, individual rights, and overall quality of life. I urge you to tune in, listen, and make your voices heard—whether by attending meetings, watching online, or reaching out to your representatives.
As always, I remain committed to serving you—fighting for policies that protect your health, safety, wellbeing, and quality of life. Thank you for your continued trust and engagement.
Sincerely,
Councilwoman Dr. Paula McCraney
The Louisville Metro Council held its regularly scheduled Council Committee meetings this week.
The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, March 27, at 6:00 p.m.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here. To watch Metro Council Meetings live on YouTube, you can visit the LouisvilleMetroTV channel by clicking here,
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live-streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
For additional information or questions, you can reach the Metro Council Clerk’s Office at (502) 574-3902.
It’s been a huge week in Louisville as we celebrate some new investments, launch first in Kentucky emergency programs that will save lives, and raise awareness about important issues. You can feel the momentum as we’re moving Louisville in a new direction. I appreciate all you do to make our city safer, stronger and healthier. Have a great weekend and check out this week’s Mayor’s Minute on Youtube. ---Mayor Greenberg
Dear community,
In an effort to keep you informed about the construction of the new Louisville Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District is happy to share details on major activities planned for the coming week.
Construction activities scheduled for the next month include:
•Work continues on the water tank next to the water tower.
•Work is scheduled to begin on paving roads on the south end of the construction site soon.
•Work continues on the guard shack near the entrance of the construction site.
•Drywall, insulation and paint are being installed in the West Bar of the medical facility.
•Interior framing and utility rough in is taking place in the East and West Bars of the medical facility.
•Work on the loading dock and laundry facility on the west side of the medical facility continues.
•Utilities and equipment installation at the Central Utility Plant continues, as well as exterior masonry.
•Exterior metal wall framing continues on the West Bar of the medical facility.
•Utility and elevator installation continue in the North Parking Structure.
•The installation of photovoltaic (solar) panels continues at the North Parking Structure.
•Work continues on both the Eastern Electrical Building near the USACE trailer and the Western Electrical Building just north of the North Parking Structure.
For the most recent information on the project, please visit www.va.gov/louisville-health-care/programs/new-robley-rex-va-medical-center.
In 2012, President Obama signed a presidential proclamation, designating March 29 as the annual observance of Vietnam War Veterans Day. The signing of the proclamation marked the 50th anniversary of the departure of the last American troops from Vietnam — March 29, 1973.
You might know that millions of birds migrate over Louisville every spring and fall. But did you also know that billions of migrating birds are hurt or killed each year in the U.S.—and it’s due to artificial light at night pulling them off course or causing them to fly into windows and buildings?
With your help, Lights Out Louisville—a Louisville Audubon Society conservation initiative—aims to change that.
The solution is simple, and anyone can be a part of it:
This April and May, between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., turn off non-essential lights—both indoors and outside—and close your blinds, shades, and curtains.
By reducing artificial nighttime light during the two biggest migration months in our area, we give migrating birds a better chance of surviving their long journeys.
With a few simple actions, you’ll help save birds—and save money on your electricity bill at the same time!
Visit www.lightsoutlouisville.org to learn how going Lights Out is good for birds as well as people, and how you can be a part of the solution.
The Louisville Audubon Society thanks you for making the choice to go Lights Out!
World TB Day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the global impact of tuberculosis (TB). Observed annually on the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch revealed the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis—the bacteria responsible for TB—this day aims to educate the public.
Tuberculosis is primarily an airborne disease that mainly targets the lungs but can also affect other organs. Individuals infected with TB often experience no symptoms and do not feel ill, and they are not contagious until the infection progresses to active TB disease. Infected individuals can release TB bacteria into the air when they sneeze, cough, or speak.
Symptoms of TB:
- A bad cough lasting more than two weeks
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pains
- Fatigue or weakness
- Fever
- Poor appetite and weight loss
- Night sweats
- Chills
Who should get a TB test?
You should be tested for TB infection if:
- You have spent time with someone with infectious TB.
- You are from a country where TB disease is common, such as countries in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia.
- You have HIV infection or another condition that places you at high risk for TB disease.
Our TB Clinic, 400 E. Gray St. is open by appointment only. Call 502-574-6617 to schedule an appointment.
Starting January 1, 2025, all Kentuckians must undergo a vision screening to renew their license. Multiple states also have adopted mandatory vision screenings, including Indiana, Ohio and Missouri, to ensure drivers have the visual acuity required to operate a vehicle safely. "Driving is a privilege many of us enjoy and this best practice is one way we look out for each other on the road to make our highways safer for everyone," said Gov. Andy Beshear. House Bill 439, signed into law by Gov. Beshear after the state legislature passed it three years ago, now takes effect on January 1, 2025. Key details of the new vision screening process include:
- Vision screenings can be completed at no cost at any Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Driver Licensing Regional Office at the time of license renewal and, on average, takes less than 1 minute to complete.
- Drivers also have the option of conducting a vision exam with their vision specialist (optometrist/ophthalmologist), or a vision screening with a KYTC-credentialed osteopath, physician, or advanced practice registered nurse in advance of their license renewal visit.
- If a driver does not pass the vision screening at a regional office, they will be instructed to see a vision specialist for corrective measures before proceeding with license renewal.
- Kentuckians are encouraged to bring corrective lenses if conducting a vision screening at a regional office. A restriction will be placed on your license if you pass the vision screening while wearing glasses.
- Vision screenings can only be performed once at a regional office during each renewal cycle.
Q. When can I renew my license?
Kentuckians may renew their driver’s license up to 180 days (roughly 6 months) before their card expires. We strongly encourage Kentuckians to renew early should they need corrective vision measures if they do not pass the screening before their card expires.
Q. Is there a cost to get a vision screening?
The vision screening at Driver Licensing Regional Offices is performed at no cost to applicants. Vision specialists and Transportation Cabinet credentialed medical specialists will charge for their services.
Q. What are the minimum vision requirements needed to renew a license?
Drivers must have a visual acuity of 20/40 or better. They must also have a horizontal visual field of at least 30 degrees to both the left and right of fixation, and a vertical visual field of at least 25 degrees above and below fixation in their better eye.
10 Warning Signs of Hearing Loss
If you experience these warning signs repeatedly or in combination, they may indicate a hearing loss, and a need to visit to your Doctor:
1. People seem to mumble more frequently.
2. You experience ringing in your ears.
3. You often ask people to repeat themselves.
4. Your family complains that you play the radio or TV too loudly.
5. You no longer hear normal household sounds, such as the dripping
of a faucet or the ringing of a doorbell.
6. You have difficulty understanding a conversation when in a large group or crowd.
7. You have trouble understanding all the words in a conversation.
8. You find telephone conversation increasingly difficult to understand.
9. You have trouble hearing when your back is turned to the speaker.
10. You have been told or asked why you speak so loudly.
Once Upon An Orchestra: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 3:00 p.m.
St. Matthews Eline Library - 3940 Grandview Ave., Louisville, KY
The Louisville Orchestra and the Louisville Free Public Library are proud to present the 2024-2025 season of Once Upon an Orchestra. Through this free, public family concert series, multigenerational families are invited to join Louisville Orchestra ensembles for fun, interactive storytelling through-music performances at every library branch across Metro Louisville. Participants of all ages will enjoy a 30-minute music instrument making activity followed by an approximately 30-minute music program that weaves together storytelling adventures with creative music making. Prior to each performance, LO staff will lead a craft activity using recycled materials – and children can play their homemade instruments during the show.
A violin and viola reimagine the famous story of that very hungry caterpillar. With interactive elements throughout the story, the youngest members of the audience will make music as we watch the caterpillar transform into a beautiful butterfly. If there is time, the audience can help create the story of the butterfly. Please click this link:
https://www.lfpl.org/once-upon-orchestra-very-hungry-caterpillar-1
Please join us for the Grand Opening of Waterfront Park Playport
Wednesday, March 26
Dedication ceremony begins at 11:00am, 1105 Rowan Street (between 10th and 12th street, under the overpass).
The first component of Waterfront Park’s Phase IV westward expansion, designed in partnership with Kentucky Science Center, features authentic river and construction-themed play equipment and STEM based educational experiences for children of all ages.
Contact 502.574.3768 or info@ourwaterfront.org with questions.
Shakespeare in the Libraries: A Midsummer Night's Dream
March 29, 2025
Northeast Regional Library * 15 Bellevoir Circle
"The course of true love never did run smooth” in Shakespeare’s comedy of mistaken identity, magical mischief, and best laid plans gone awry. Two Kentucky Shakespeare actors bring you a fast-paced, 50-minute, family friendly performance suitable for all ages, featuring puppets, masks, and laughs. Please click this link to visit the Louisville Free Public Library site.
Shakespeare in the Libraries: A Midsummer Night's Dream | Louisville Free Public Library
We're celebrating 40 in a big bold way! Step into the spotlight for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate Kentucky Derby Museum with the grand debut of our new and reimagined signature exhibit, The Greatest Race presented by Kroger® and Stock Yards Bank & Trust®, in breathtaking 360°. Be among the first to experience cutting-edge technology, never-before-seen footage, and a dynamic light show that bring Derby Day to life like never before.
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Doors Open 6:30pm | Open Bar & Small Bites | Live Entertainment
To purchase tickets, click here. Your electronic ticket will serve as your access pass to the Rooftop. All tickets will be scanned and wristbands provided upon entry. Rules and Regulations will be sent to you electronically the week prior to the event. Parking passes (if applicable) will be shipped in advance.
Please consider supporting the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation, the charitable arm of the Kentucky Derby Festival. Simply add a donation at checkout. Donations are 100% tax deductible. Through funding and support for charitable, educational, cultural activities and historical preservation, the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation fosters inclusive experiences for the community that inspire individual and community growth.
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