 It’s official! On March 27th, the Metro Council passed a resolution to rename Windsor Park to Nick Rodman Legacy Park. This significant change honors Officer Nick Rodman, who gave his life in service to our city. Now, his name will live on in the heart of the South End, serving as a lasting tribute to his bravery and dedication.
The renaming ceremony was a heartfelt event, attended by Nick Rodman's wife, Ashley Rodman, their children, and his parents. The presence of his family added a deeply personal touch to the proceedings, highlighting the profound impact Nick had on those around him.
Ashley Rodman, who leads the Nick Rodman Legacy Foundation, was also recognized during the event. She received the S.E.R.V.E. Award for her continued service to our community, a testament to her unwavering commitment to carrying on Nick's legacy. Her leadership and dedication through the foundation have made a significant difference, ensuring that Nick's spirit of service and sacrifice continues to inspire and support others.
This renaming is more than just a change of name; it is a celebration of a hero's life and a reminder of the values he stood for. Nick Rodman Legacy Park will now serve as a place where the community can come together, reflect, and honor the memory of a true public servant.
The park is set to open next month. When the date is confirmed, we will send a special notice to all newsletter subscribers and share the information on our social media channels. Stay tuned for more updates!
The S.E.R.V.E. Award is about celebrating the everyday heroes in our district—those who make a difference, not for recognition, but because they genuinely care. If you know someone whose service deserves to be honored, please fill out this nomination form: S.E.R.V.E. Nomination Form (Click Here)
 Recently, I had the honor of attending the ribbon cutting at New Life Directions Ministries' new housing and training facility for single moms and their kids. This facility is a significant milestone in our community's efforts to support and empower single parents, providing them with essential resources and training.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by many partners who played a crucial role in making this facility possible. Their contributions have made a lasting impact on our community. We are thrilled to welcome New Life Directions Ministries to District 25.
Following this event, I moved on to the 1st Annual Earth Fest at the newly revitalized Alberta O Jones Park. This city-wide initiative celebrated our commitment to sustainability and the revitalization of our parks. As Chair of the Parks & Sustainability Committee, I was proud to be present at the event. The Earth Fest featured various activities and educational opportunities, promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
The newly revitalized Alberta O Jones Park served as the perfect backdrop for this event. The park's transformation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Louisville Parks Alliance and the Office of Sustainability.
Congratulations to New Life Directions Ministries, the Office of Sustainability, and the Louisville Parks Alliance for organizing such fantastic events and achieving these accomplishments. Your efforts are making a significant impact on our community, and we are grateful for your dedication and hard work.
South and Southwest Louisville need more representation on Louisville Metro Government's boards and commissions. We need dedicated individuals from our area to step up and make a difference.
By joining a board or commission, you have the opportunity to influence important decisions and initiatives that impact our city. We have approximately 65 boards and commissions covering various aspects of community life. Your involvement can help shape the future of Louisville and ensure that our community's needs and perspectives are heard.
Why Apply?
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Make a Difference: Your input and expertise can help guide policies and projects that benefit our community.
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Gain Experience: Serving on a board or commission provides valuable experience in governance and community leadership.
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Build Connections: You'll have the opportunity to work with other passionate individuals and build lasting relationships.
How to Apply: Please complete an online application here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/mayor-craig-greenberg/interested-serving-board-or-commission. Our Office of Boards and Commissions will contact you when your interests and qualifications match specific vacancies. After applying, please send your resume to Steven.Goodman@louisvilleky.gov.
We encourage all residents of South and Southwest Louisville to consider applying. Your involvement is crucial to our continued success and growth. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community.
Let's ensure that South and Southwest Louisville are well-represented and that our voices are heard. Apply today and make a difference!
At the last Metro Council Meeting on March 27th, the Council voted to create an exemption to the city's smoking ordinance by a vote of 20-6. This new measure allows patrons to smoke inside businesses that generate at least 15% of their revenue from selling cigars or tobacco products.
Proponents of the ordinance believe it will significantly boost tourism in the city. Louisville Tourism President and Chief Executive Officer Cleo Battle expressed strong support for the exemption.
"We know from countless conversations with visitors that there is demand for a venue where they can enjoy a premium bourbon alongside a cigar," Battle wrote. "Currently, guests looking for this experience are leaving Louisville and taking their business to Southern Indiana, which puts our hospitality industry at a disadvantage."
Councilman Anthony Piagentini, the sponsor of the ordinance, also highlighted the potential benefits for the community. "I think this is going to be a tremendous benefit to our community, aligned with our tourism industries, particularly around bourbonism, horse racing, and others," Piagentini said.
This exemption aims to enhance Louisville's appeal as a destination for tourists seeking unique experiences, ultimately supporting the local hospitality industry.
(Quote sourced via Courier-Journal)
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Metro Council is currently on a two-week break. During this period, all committees and meetings are paused. This break provides an opportunity for council members to recharge and prepare for the upcoming sessions (including budget).
The Metro Council will resume its regular schedule next week, with all committees and meetings returning to their usual times. We look forward to continuing our work and addressing the needs of our community.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Check out this photo from Riverview Park (Greenwood Boat Docks) from the top of the flood wall after the 1997 flood.
Credit: Courier-Journal
 Exciting Developments in District 25: The 25 for 25 Plan
Councilman Khalil Batshon is excited to announce the “25 for 25 Plan,” a bold roadmap to transform District 25 with 25 actionable goals that will enhance community life and foster growth. Here are ten key goals from this ambitious initiative:
1. Enhance Safety with Streetlights: Lease 20 strategically placed streetlights over the next five years to improve visibility and safety across District 25.
2. Open Nick Rodman Park: Launch Nick Rodman Park with a new playground, splash pad, and walking trail, creating a vibrant recreational space for families in District 25.
3. Expand Nick Rodman Park: Acquire land from MSD to quadruple the size of Nick Rodman Park, providing room for future development and new amenities for residents.
4. Improve Library Visibility: Install a new sign on Dixie Highway to make the community library more accessible and easier to locate.
5. Strengthen Community Connections: Establish two new Neighborhood Associations to empower residents and foster stronger local ties. *NOTE* Neighborhood Associations are voluntary and are different that HOAs.
6. Standardize Recovery Housing: Develop an ordinance to align recovery housing in the district with state regulations, ensuring consistency, accountability, and the elimination of bad actors in the space.
7. Adjust Transitional Housing Zoning: Update zoning language to protect neighborhoods and eliminate loopholes, while ensuring that transitional housing is located near essential resources for those in need.
8. Launch a Public-Private Partnership: Initiate at least one public-private partnership project to bring innovative solutions and resources to District 25.
9. Increase Representation: Identify and encourage 50 South End residents to serve on city boards and commissions, amplifying the district’s influence in decision-making.
10. Combat Predatory Lending: Draft and introduce legislation to define and limit predatory lending, protecting our community and its values.
Councilman Batshon has also established a newly formed District 25 Advisory Panel to guide and collaborate on the development of the remaining 15 goals. However, we need your input to ensure this plan reflects the priorities and needs of our entire community.
We encourage residents to share their ideas and feedback to help complete this transformative vision. Together, with your involvement, we can make the 25 for 25 Plan a success and create a brighter future for District 25.
Help Shape the Future of District 25: Take Our Survey!
Your feedback is crucial in ensuring that the initiatives we implement truly reflect the needs and aspirations of our community. By participating in this survey, you will have the opportunity to voice your opinions and contribute to the future development of District 25.
Survey Link: https://forms.office.com/r/xaZZqqxKWw
The recent rainstorms and freezing temperatures have taken a toll on our roads, creating a surge in potholes across Louisville. Here in District 25, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly these road hazards can form, making travel difficult and potentially damaging vehicles.
I have worked hard to ensure that many of the potholes in our district have been addressed as quickly as possible. By coordinating with Metro Public Works, we’ve already made significant progress in repairing affected roadways. However, this is an ongoing effort, and I remain committed to advocating for continued road maintenance and improvements.
How You Can Help?
If you encounter a pothole that still needs attention, please report it:
• For city roads, contact Metro311 online HERE or call 311 or 502-574-5000
• For interstates, report them to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 1-877-FOR-KYTC (1-877-367-5982)
I appreciate your patience as we continue working to improve road conditions in District 25. If you have concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I will keep pushing for faster and more effective repairs to ensure safer roads for everyone.
        
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