District 17 Newsletter

Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 11/21/2025 04:34 PM EST

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November 21, 2025

Friday Thoughts

Happy Friday! I hope you've had a great week and are looking forward to some special time with friends and loved ones over the Thanksgiving holiday.

I want to begin my comments today by giving an update on the data center process I've mentioned previously. As a reminder, I sponsored legislation a couple of months ago asking the Planning Commission to review our Land Development Code (LDC) and suggest potential amendments where these facilities are concerned. This is not a statement on data centers generally, but simply an effort to make the LDC more reflective of current conditions. 

The Office of Planning's listening sessions, five in-person and one virtual, have concluded. We had hundreds of people attend those meetings and almost 3,000 surveys completed to date (thank you to those who participated)! Planning staff is sorting through all the feedback and hopes to have a draft ready for public review next month. They plan to have public hearings regarding the recommended changes, and I will share those details as soon as I can.

Shifting gears, now is the time shopping really starts to pick up - in our district and throughout the city. 8th Division leadership wants to remind you to stay vigilant, secure valuables by locking them in the trunk of your vehicle while shopping, and be aware of your surroundings. LMPD has deployed additional resources (including technology) to identify those engaged in criminal activity, but they can use our help as well!

Finally, I wanted to say a word about the recommended facility changes recently announced by JCPS, specifically the proposed closure of Zachary Taylor Elementary School. My first thought was of all the kids, teachers, principals, etc. who poured so much of themselves over the years into making that school one they could be proud of. I imagine they are experiencing quite a range of emotions right now.

I should note that closure is still a proposal at this point. There are three community forums scheduled if you'd like to comment on the recommended changes. Those details, a link for commenting online, and other related information can be found here. A final vote is expected to occur at the December 9 meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Education.  

Again, I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving, taking advantage of the opportunity to pause just for a bit this season to simply enjoy being with those important to you and reflect on what there is to be thankful for.

Our office will be closed Thursday and Friday, which means there will be no newsletter next week. As always, please let me know if my office can assist you in any way.      
       

Contact the District 17 Office

Markus Winkler
17th District Councilman
Louisville Metro Council
502.574.1117
Contact Councilman Winkler

Kip Eatherly
Legislative Aide
502.574.3462
Contact Kip

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Important Numbers

Animal Services  473-7387
Charmoli NP  574-5787
Codes & Regulations  574-2508
EACM  426-2824
Health & Wellness  574-6520
Jefferson Co. Clerk  574-5700
KY Science Center  561-6100
LG&E  589-1444
LMPD (8th Division)  574-2258
Louisville Water  583-6610
Louisville Zoo  459-2181
Mayor's Office  574-2003
Middletown Library  245-7332
MSD  540-6000
NE Regional Library  394-0379
Parks & Recreation  574-7275
Planning & Design  574-6230
Public Works  574-5810
TARC  585-1234

Office of Planning Weekly Activity Report

Each week, the Metro Office of Planning issues a report listing all new land use applications in Jefferson County. These can include requests for changes in zoning, variances, waivers, landscape plans, and more. There is no case in this week's report within District 17, though there is one just outside our district. A conditional use permit has been requested for a baseball and softball training facility at 401 N. English Station Road. Feel free to contact my office or email the case manager at jude.mattingly@louisvilleky.gov with any questions or comments. 
  

Metro Council Holiday Food Drive

food drive


As I mentioned earlier this week, the Louisville Metro Council has partnered with the Association of Community Ministries to host a food drive this holiday season to collect essential items for those in need. The collection lasts until December 9 after which all donations will be distributed among the 13 area ministries. There are more than 20 locations for those interested in dropping off food, with the closest sites for most of us being the Berrytown Recreation Center (1300 Heafer Road), the Middletown Library (12556 Shelbyville Road), or Anchorage Fire & EMS (9514 Featherbell Boulevard). The ministries really need our help, so I hope you'll consider lending a hand. Click here for more information.

Light Up Louisville

One of our city's biggest events, Light Up Louisville, is just around the corner. Attendees will step into a winter wonderland as we kick off the holiday season on December 6 from 3-9 p.m. at Jefferson Square Park. Admission is free and will include some great experiences: 

  • Video-mapping holiday show on Metro Hall
  • Local, holiday-themed shopping along the Mistletoe Market
  • Delicious bites at Frosty’s Food Court
  • Live entertainment on two stages
  • The Lots of Lights Parade (starting at 6 p.m.)
  • Free photos with Santa and friends
  • Free trackless train rides aboard the Jolly Jingle Express

Click here for a map of Light Up Louisville festivities and more information.  

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