 I want to tell you what a special day it was opening Nick Rodman Legacy Park here in District 25. Hundreds of people came out on a beautiful, sunny day to celebrate together. Families brought their kids, neighbors connected, and there was such a great sense of community.
We handed out free ice cream, and it was so good to see kids playing in the splash pad and climbing all over the new playground. Hearing their laughter and seeing them enjoy a park named in honor of Officer Nick Rodman really drove home why this project matters. It’s exactly the kind of space our families deserve.
This is the first Metro park in District 25, and it’s more than just a playground or a splash pad. It’s a lasting tribute to Officer Rodman and everything he gave to our city. It’s a place where families can spend time outside, relax, and just enjoy being together.
I’m proud of what went into making this park a reality. It took two phases and a total of $2 million in investment for our community. Phase I finished last year with $1.3 million in funding, including $500,000 from American Rescue Plan funds and $800,000 from the general fund. This year we finished Phase II, adding the big new playground, walking paths, benches, and an improved parking lot. I fought to make sure we secured $700,000 in general funds for this second phase.
Standing there on opening day, seeing Nick’s children Mason and Ellie playing with their friends in a park that honors their dad, was one of the most meaningful moments I’ve had as a councilman. It’s a reminder of what public service is really about: creating something lasting and good for the people who live here.
This land was originally gifted by the Windsor Forest neighborhood so it could be used for a school or a park. After years of changing hands, it’s finally serving the purpose it was meant for.
And this is only the start. We have already added another 28 acres north of the current park. Once that transfer is done, Nick Rodman Legacy Park will grow to nearly 39 acres of green space for our community to enjoy.
I’m thankful to the Rodman family for letting us honor Nick’s legacy this way, and to everyone who helped make the opening such a great day. This is the kind of investment the South End needs and deserves, and I’m proud to see it finally happen.
Beyond the budget, I helped develop and sponsor two important pieces of legislature that will help our community in immense ways.
Transitional Housing Amendment Passed
Last night, Metro Council approved an amendment to make sure transitional housing in our neighborhoods matches the scale of single-family homes. In some areas with patio homes or similar housing, the old rules allowed a lot more transitional occupants because limits were based on lot size. The new rules treat these areas just like single-family neighborhoods, with the same occupancy limits. It’s about keeping things balanced and maintaining the character of our communities.
I've also sent a new ordinance for the Jefferson County Attorney's Office to review that would bring stronger oversight to recovery houses. This will help keep out bad actors who exploit vulnerable people. By improving how these houses are registered and regulated, we can make sure those who truly need help can get it in a safe, well-run environment.
Smoke Shop Amendment Passed
Council also passed our amendment to close loopholes that some smoke shops have used to get around local rules. Too often, these shops have applied as convenience stores or provided false information to avoid zoning laws.
The new rules make it clear what products define a smoke shop and require more accurate, detailed floor plans when applying for a tobacco license. This will help us enforce the rules better and revoke licenses when businesses lie or fail to comply with the law.
Ultimately, it’s about holding bad actors accountable, ensuring fairness for honest businesses, and protecting the quality of our neighborhoods.
 It might be summer but it will turn cold before you know it and my office is already planning the annual Chase Gavin Coat Drive. With our partners we were able to collect over 600 BRAND NEW COATS for JCPS students last year. Please call or email my office if you are interested in helping!
 Earlier this month, I had the honor of celebrating an incredible milestone with an incredible woman. Ms. Mary Phaire turned 100 years old on Tuesday, and our community made sure it was a day she’ll never forget.
Who else gets the red carpet rolled out for them along with proclamations from one U.S. Senator, two State Senators, the Mayor, and four Metro Council members (and yes, all four of us were there in person)? Ms. Mary!
She was also honored by the U.S. Army for her service as a proud veteran of the Korean War. The celebration was full of love and smiles, with sweet little faces delivering a birthday card bigger than they were and even a visit from Tank the Comfort Dog.
It was truly special to see so many people come together to honor a woman who has given so much. Mrs. Phaire’s service, strength, and spirit are an inspiration to all of us. I’m so grateful I got to be part of this celebration and help show her just how loved and appreciated she is by our community.
Happy 100th Birthday, Ms. Phaire! Thank you for everything you’ve done and for reminding us all of the power of service and community.
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!
 Property reassessments have been mailed out across Louisville.
The Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) is an independent office that is required by state law to reassess property values every four years based on current market conditions. These assessments are not set by Metro Council. However, I believe taxpayers deserve fairness, transparency, and accountability throughout the process.
If you believe your property assessment is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal. The first step is to file an Online Conference with the PVA before May 19. You can submit documentation such as comparable sales, photographs, or a private appraisal to support your case. More information is available here: https://jeffersonpva.ky.gov/property-assessment/conference/
My office is available to assist residents who have questions or need help navigating the appeal process. We remain committed to serving the taxpayers of District 25 and beyond.
Check out this story from 1997 speaking on the then-new back nine at Sun Valley Golf Course.
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
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.
My office will have a table set up at tomorrow's market. The South End Community Market is open every Saturday from 8 am to Noon! And Lasts from May 24th - Oct 25th. Please come and check it out!
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