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Greetings District 21 neighbors,
As we steadily slide away from snow and ice and into, hopefully, pleasant spring weather, many of us will be getting outdoors again to enjoy the fresh air of our beautiful parks, including one of our city’s gems, Iroquois Park.
Most of us – citywide – have heard of Iroquois Park, and many of us enjoy a peaceful walk or a brisk run on its tree-covered roads. But you may not know about the dedicated volunteers who work behind the scenes to help keep it looking its best. Today, I want to give a shout out to an amazing group of people who run an effective grassroots organization.
Meet the Friends of Iroquois Park (FOIP), a passionate group of regular park users who deeply care about the park’s well-being. Their dedication to helping Iroquois Park continue to thrive is keenly reflected in their advocacy and ongoing community efforts.
They notice when something isn’t right and work with city agencies, nonprofits, and various groups in Louisville to get it fixed. Their day-to-day efforts can be as seemingly simple as picking up litter or contacting the park supervisor about a downed tree or an instance of dumping. This volunteer-based group has accomplished many things:
At the annual Olmsted Parks fundraising breakfast, they hosted a table and advocated for Iroquois Park’s needs – because the shade of Iroquois Park’s trees, its pleasant pathways, and its scenic overlook of Louisville bring joy to many people across our city and beyond.
Their advocacy also gave me and my colleagues at the Metro Council the support needed to help secure $645,000 for a new playground. This kind of thoughtful and persistent community activism shows that the true power lies within people when they unite for the common good.
In collaboration with Foxing Books, they opened a little nature library with wildlife-themed books and field guides for all ages. They also led free public events such as a tree identification hike, Sun and Shadows, and Monarch butterfly presentations for young children.
Their successful 2025 projects also included planting additional trees with the Iroquois Amphitheater, adding five bike racks, working with my office and Metro Parks to address erosion and drainage issues, and partnering with Derby City Disc Golf members to help ensure our second-busiest course in Kentucky remains a high-quality space for play.
FOIP’s impressive accomplishments will continue helping our beautiful Iroquois Park flourish for many years to come. They have already established goals for 2026 and will share their meeting announcements soon. I encourage you to follow them on Facebook (@IroquoisPark502) or email Iroquois@olmstedparks.org to learn more about their public service and upcoming meetings.
As I reflect on the timeless words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I wish you a weekend full of joy and love:
“…[E]verybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don’t have to know Einstein’s theory of relativity to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”
Sincerely,
Betsy
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 Be an active Neighbor, Join us for the following Meetings:
Friends of Iroquois Park
Feb 23 | 6:30pm - Iroquois Library
Beechmont Neighborhood Association
Feb 23 | 6:00pm - 205 W Wellington Ave
Freight Mobility Action Plan Meeting
Feb 24| 5-7pm- 701 W. Ormsby Ave.
Friends of Bike Highland Park meeting
Feb 25 | 6:00pm - 205 W Wellington Ave
Chat with Ruhe
Feb 25 | 6:30pm - Lynnview City Hall
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District 21 is proud to highlight the work of Officer Travis Tracy and his therapy dog, Odin—both now familiar and friendly faces throughout our community.
If you or your neighbors are interested in starting a Block Watch on your street within LMPD’s 3rd Division, you can contact Officer Tracy directly at: travis.tracy@louisvilleky.gov
Please visit the 3rd Division’s website to view their patrol map. Within District 21, the 3rd Division patrols the following neighborhoods: Auburndale, Iroquois, Kenwood Hill, and Southside.
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Our first chat has been rescheduled!
Join us, along with special guest Wesley Sydnor, the new Director of Public Works.
We’ll be discussing public works matters including paving, sidewalks, and other neighborhood infrastructure concerns. This is a great opportunity for residents to ask questions, share feedback, and learn more about ongoing and upcoming projects.
Event Details
• Wednesday, Feb 28
• 6:30 PM
• Lynnview City Hall- 1241 Gilmore Ln
All community members are welcome to attend.
Lunar New Year — Year of the Fire Horse!  
Join us this Sunday for an unforgettable celebration featuring traditional food from incredible local chefs, unique retail vendors, and a full lineup of cultural performances.
 Sunday, Feb. 22
 2 PM – 7 PM
 The StrEatery – 304 W Woodlawn Ave
 Performance Schedule:
• 2 PM – Lion Dance kickoff
• 4 PM – Vina Dance Crew: Traditional Vietnamese fan dance
• 5 PM – Taiko drum performance by Hiroko
• 6 PM – Lion Dance finale
Come eat, shop, celebrate, and welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with us! District 21 is proud to be a Sponsor!
A small section of Woodlawn Avenue between 3rd Street and the alley will be closed on Sunday to vehicular traffic. Please follow the marked detour signs.
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 You've Got Questions, We've Got Anwsers
If you’ve ever stood over your recycling cart wondering “Does this actually help?” or hesitated with an item in your hand thinking “Is this recyclable… or wishful thinking?”—you’re definitely not alone. Recycling can feel confusing and complicated.
That’s why kNOw Waste Louisville is hosting a friendly, informative Recycling Q&A session on Feb. 22 at the Iroquois Library. This is your chance to bring all those lingering questions — big, small, or oddly specific — and get clear, practical answers from people who work directly in waste reduction and recycling education.
What to expect
- A relaxed, judgment‑free conversation about what actually belongs in your recycling bin
- Insight into where Louisville’s recycling goes and how the process works
- Tips to avoid common recycling mistakes
- Space to ask anything you’ve always wondered about waste, sorting, or sustainability
Whether you’re a seasoned recycler or just getting started, you’ll walk away feeling more confident, informed, and empowered to make a real difference in reducing waste in our community.
Event details
📅 Date: Sunday, Feb. 22
📍 Location: Iroquois Library, 601 W. Woodlawn Ave.
🕒 Time: 2 - 3 p.m.
Registration
The event is free, but registration helps us plan for the right number of attendees.
Recycling doesn’t have to be confusing — and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join us, get your questions answered, and become part of Louisville’s growing effort to kNOw Waste and recycle smarter.
 2026 Bourbon & Beyond
Announces Largest Lineup In History For Festival’s 8th Year:
Featuring 100+ Music Artists On 5 Stages, Along With Premium Spirits And Culinary Experiences
September 24-27 At Kentucky Exposition Center In Louisville, Kentucky
All Pass Types, Including 4-Day, Single Day, GA, Mint VIP & Angel’s Envy Beyond VIP Passes On Sale Now At BourbonAndBeyond.com
Bourbon & Beyond 2026 will feature 100+ artists on 5 stages, topped by superstars including:
Thursday, September 24: Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Goose
Friday, September 25: Mumford & Sons, Kacey Musgraves, Foster the People
Saturday, September 26: Chris Stapleton, The Red Clay Strays, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Sunday, September 27: Dave Matthews Band, Hootie & the Blowfish, Counting Crows
Looking for a new opportunity or know someone who is?
Louisville Metro Government will host a Career Fair on Tuesday, March 10, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Louisville Slugger Field, 501 East Main St.
More than 25 Metro agencies will be in attendance, with over 70 open positions available across city government. Attendees can learn about current openings, speak directly with hiring teams, and explore career paths in public service.
Free parking will be available at the venue, and the location is accessible via TARC routes for added convenience.
Interested applicants can view current job postings and apply online at:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisvilleky
Please see the attached flyer for more information and share this opportunity with family and friends who may be interested.
 Share your Art
COMPETITION: The Congressional Art Competition is an officially sanctioned bipartisan event designed to encourage the artistic talents of high school students nationwide. Winning artworks from each congressional district hang in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year. With millions of visitors passing through the Capitol each year, the exhibition is among the most viewed student art displays in the country. For the KY-03 competition, a runner-up Community Winner will have their artwork displayed in Congressman McGarvey's Louisville office for one year.
ELIGIBILITY: This competition is open to all high school students residing in KY-03 between grades 9-12. Students should participate in the art competition taking place in the district where they reside, not where they attend school. You can find your Member of Congress here.
OVERVIEW: The competition is hosted online with public voting for the winning artwork. Two winners are selected - an overall winner and a community winner. The overall winner will receive two roundtrip tickets to Washington, D.C., to attend the national award ceremony and have their artwork displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year. A runner-up community winner will also receive prizes including having their artwork displayed in the Louisville office for one year.
FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS:
 Learn About Effective Law Enforcement For All
Councilor Ruhe attended a community meeting with ELEFA, the independent monitoring team responsible for overseeing Louisville Metro’s and LMPD’s progress under the Community Consent Decree.
Their role is to review policies, observe training, analyze data, conduct audits, and evaluate whether LMPD is meeting the requirements of the agreement. They promote best practices, clarity of policies, meaningful incorporation of public feedback, and compliance with the specific provisions of the Community Commitment.
So far, ELEFA has been meeting with community organizations, attending local events, reviewing LMPD training, drafting their first semi‑annual report, and setting their goals for the first year of monitoring. They emphasized that community input is an essential part of their work and invited residents to participate in upcoming quarterly public meetings scheduled for April, September, and November.
Upcoming Meetings:
- Q2: Week of April 13th
- Q3: Week of September 7th
- Q4: Week of November 9th
To learn more about their work, visit their website at: https://linktr.ee/ELE4A
 Participate in a University of Louisville study and earn up to $80
The University of Louisville is seeking parents and their 3–12‑year‑old children to participate in a new research study approved by the UofL Institutional Review Board (IRB #23.0513). This study includes two visits: during the first visit, parents complete questionnaires while children take part in fun, game‑based activities. During the second visit, children will participate in a brain‑imaging session while playing additional games.
Families can earn up to $80 for taking part in the full study.
To learn more or begin the screening process, visit bit.ly/ANDLabScreener or scan the QR code on the flyer.
For questions, contact the research team at 502‑852‑9773 or andlab@louisville.edu
 What is a Change of Use permit?
A change of use permit is required in Louisville whenever a property’s use shifts from one type to another – like converting a retail space into a restaurant or a warehouse into offices – even if no construction is planned. These permits are issued by Construction Review, a division of the Department of Codes and Regulations.
Why is it needed?
- Different uses have different safety, building code, and zoning requirements.
- Examples: Turning a house into a short-term rental, a warehouse into a gym, or a church into an event venue.
How to apply?
Apply online through Louisville Metro’s Accela Citizen Access portal. City staff will review for code, zoning, and safety compliance before approval. If you are not a licensed contractor with Louisville Metro, please visit the Construction Review office at 444 S. 5th Street to apply. Questions? Visit LouisvilleKY.gov/Construction or call (502) 574-3321.
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Ad Date:
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30-Day Date:
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01/30/2026
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Protest must be submitted by:
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03/01/2026
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LMPD Division
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6th Division
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PUBLIC NOTICE
GURUJI 7 LLC, 3318 Preston Hwy, Louisville, KY 40213, Hereby declares intention(s) to apply for a NQ Retail Malt Beverage Package License (1)& Quota Retail Package License-1 an Extended Sales Hours License (to sell alcohol past midnight until 2:00 a.m.) license(s) no later than January 29, 2026. The business to be licensed will be located at 3318 Preston Hwy, Louisville, KY, Kentucky 40213 doing business as Louisville Liquor Store. The Members are as follows: Vinod Kumar of 10903 Gatehouse Lane, Louisville, KY 40243. 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, Kentucky, 40601 , within thirty (30) days of the date of legal publication. January 30 2026 LSBN0449327
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 Have thoughts about truck traffic in your neighborhood?
The Louisville Metro Department of Transportation (DOT) is hosting an additional public meeting as part of the Freight Mobility Action Plan — and we want to hear from you.
📍 Tuesday, February 24 🕔 5 – 7 p.m. 📌 Edison Center, 701 W. Ormsby Ave.
This open house-style meeting gives residents another opportunity to share concerns and experiences related to large truck and delivery traffic in their neighborhoods. Stop by anytime during the meeting to talk with the project team.
The Freight Mobility Action Plan, developed in partnership with HDR Engineering, Inc., aims to improve how freight moves across Jefferson County while reducing impacts to residential areas.
Can’t attend? The online survey is open through March 6 👇 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JB6NFNN
Your input will help shape safer, more efficient truck routes across Louisville Metro.
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 Join the Movement
You're invited to the first quarterly meeting of the year for Friends of Bike Highland Park on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. at Beechmont Community Center (205 W Wellington Ave, Louisville, KY 40214).
Learn about Bike Highland Park, hear updates, ask questions, share ideas, and find out how you can get involved in this exciting project.
This meeting is open to all, and we hope to see you there. We also appreciate your help in spreading the word about the meeting; a graphic is attached, and you can share the Facebook event located here.
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 Important Note: These notices are from the Office of Planning, informing neighbors about development applications being submitted in their area.
To the Adjoining Property Owners, Neighborhood Group Representatives expressing interest in this area, and Metro Councilperson for the applicable district:
A Change in Zoning application from C-2 Commercial to M-2 Industrial for a tow lot at the property below has been filed with the Louisville Metro Office of Planning.
ADDRESS: 6310 Preston Highway, Louisville, KY 40219
CASE NO: 25-ZONEPA-0150
CASE MANAGER: Mark Pinto
CASE MANAGER EMAIL: mark.pinto@louisvilleky.gov
COUNCIL DISTRICT: 21
APPLICANT: Bernard Investments / On Call Towing
In accordance with the procedures of Louisville Metro Office of Planning, we have been directed to invite you to discuss this proposal before a formal application can be filed. This will be an informal neighborhood meeting to give you the opportunity to review the proposed plan and discuss the request with the applicant or its representatives. We encourage you to attend and share any questions or concerns. This meeting is in addition to the established public meeting procedures of the Planning Commission.
On Call Towing has been operating at this location as a towing business serving the community and, at times, assisting Louisville Metro Police Department with towing needs. The purpose of this rezoning request is to ensure the property is fully compliant with current zoning and city ordinances. No changes to current operations are proposed. The request applies primarily to the rear portion of the property where the building is located and where vehicles are temporarily stored.
The meeting to discuss this application will be held on:
DATE: February 25th, 2026
TIME: 6:00 PM
LOCATION: On Call Towing – 6310 Preston Highway, Louisville, KY 40219
Casey Bernard is the primary point of contact for any questions or comments. Any questions or comments received will be incorporated into the meeting record.
Name: Casey Bernard
Email: cbernard@autosmartky.com
Phone: 812-284-5596
If you have questions about this application or would like to view the case file, please visit:
http://louisvilleky.gov/government/planning-design
or contact Louisville Metro Planning & Design Services at:
Metro Development Center
444 S. 5th Street, 3rd Floor
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 574-6230
Neighborhood meeting for proposed Pet Crematory located at 925 Ulrich Avenue in Louisville, KY
Dear Neighbor:
We are writing to notify you about an upcoming neighborhood meeting regarding the above referenced project. Our client, Veterinary Specialist Partners (VSP), is requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit that will allow the existing building located at 925 Ulrich Avenue to be used as a Pet Crematory. No new site construction is associated with this proposal.
We invite you to attend our neighborhood meeting to learn about the specifics of the proposal and Louisville Metro’s review process which will include a public hearing of the Louisville Metro Board of Adjustments. Enclosed for your review is a site plan that will be presented at the neighborhood meeting.
Meeting Details
DATE: March 3, 2026
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
LOCATION: At the Proposed Site – 925 Ulrich Ave, Louisville 40219
If you are unable to attend the meeting or have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me using the information listed below.
Sincerely,
Michael Hill, AICP
Planning Department Manager
Land Design & Development, Inc.
503 Washburn Avenue, Suite 101
Louisville, KY 40222
(502) 426-9374
hill@ldd-inc.com
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 Serve your community, support local democracy, and earn $299 for a day of service
The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office is seeking civic‑minded residents to serve as Election Officers for the upcoming 2025 Primary and General Elections. More than 2,300 citizens are needed to help operate polling locations across Jefferson County, ensuring elections run smoothly, securely, and efficiently.
Election Officers play a critical role in protecting the voting process. Participants will earn $299 for the day and must meet the following requirements: be a registered voter in Jefferson County, attend a 2.5‑hour training session, start their workday at 5 a.m., remain at the polls until approximately 7 p.m., and be able to work outside their home precinct. Strong communication skills and a willingness to engage with the public are essential
Residents interested in serving can apply online at JeffersonCountyKY.EasyPollWorker.com or by visiting JeffersonCountyClerk.org.
 Apply Today-Up to $10,000 Available
Legacy businesses in the South Points Scenic Area may now apply for the South End Legacy Business Grant, offering up to $10,000 for real estate‑based improvements. This grant is designed to help long‑standing small businesses update and improve their commercial spaces, enhance accessibility, and invest in permanent upgrades.
Eligible businesses must have operated for 5+ years, be located within the South Points Scenic Area, have at least two workers, and be in good standing with the Louisville Metro Revenue Commission. Funding can be used for building‑related capital improvements only.
Click the button below for full eligibility details and an opportunity to apply!
 Here are a list of recourses available for our constituents
LIHEAP:
As temperatures drop, no one should have to choose between warmth and other necessities.
Louisville’s LIHEAP Fall Subsidy is here to help, offering one-time home heating assistance for low-income households. Please share this information for those who may be in need!
Flight Tracking:
If you have complaints about airport noise, please call Noise Office at 502-363-8516 and follow the below prompts to track flights:
Go to the airport's website www.flylouisville.com. At the top of the page, click on CORPORATE tab. Under the heading LRAA, click on the tab for NOISE COMPATIBILITY PROGRAM. Near the bottom of the page, look for Flight Tracking and click the button for NEAR-LIVE FLIGHT TRACKS DISPLAY. Click the Flight Tracking heading at the top of the page. Click the Accept button to accept the terms and conditions and you can begin viewing flights.
Pothole Reporting:
Use the Louisville Metro online form by clicking here.
Use Twitter by sending the location of the hole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole.
Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues.
Call our office at 574-1121, and we'll turn it in on your behalf.
To report a pothole on an interstate in Jefferson County, go to the “contact us” dropdown menu and select “report a hazard” on KYTC’s website http://transportation.ky.gov
Recycling:
We are asking for your help to ensure that we are correctly setting out our recycling carts in our district. Follow these tips to ensure that your recycling gets picked up time!
Do: Make sure the lid is closed flat and break the boxes down flat to maximize space.
Don't: Set boxes beside the cart or leave lid open or overflow the cart
For the Public Works recycling schedule click here
 Neighborhood Associations and Groups
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Interested in council meetings?
Here is the Metro Council calendar for 2026. It outlines all scheduled meetings, key decision dates, and opportunities for public involvement throughout the year.
Stay informed, plan ahead, and participate in the discussions that shape our community!
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