District 12 eNews | 12.18.13

District 12
Rick Blackwell

Councilman Rick Blackwell
601 West Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1112
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Liz Kennedy
Legislative Aide
(502) 574-1112
Email Liz

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In This Issue...


Dixie Highway Corridor Project: Public Meeting Recap

dixie

The Dixie Highway Corridor Project took a big step forward last night thanks to over a hundred citizens who attended the public meeting for Phase 1 of the project at the Southwest Government Center.

Set to begin construction in 2014, the Corridor Project seeks to improve safety along Dixie Highway for both motorists and pedestrians, beautify and enhance the infrastructure, bolster the commercial viability of existing and future businesses, and create a distinct visual character that celebrates the history of this important roadway.

The feedback offered by constituents on the various proposals last night will be valuable to The Corradino Group, the lead design team, as they go to work putting the bold vision into a detailed blueprint for construction.

In the coming weeks and months, our office will continue to provide updates via the eNews, Facebook, and Twitter as the design process unfolds.

Click here and here to see media highlights from the meeting and thanks to all who were able to attend!


New Year's Hike at Fairmount Falls, Jefferson Memorial Forest

falls

Start your New Year right with a free guided hike at Jefferson Memorial Forest. On Wednesday, January 1 at 9:00am, take part in a group trek at Fairmount Falls. Led by experienced volunteer naturalists, this one-mile, moderate-to-strenuous hike is a great way to jump start a more active lifestyle for 2014.

The group will meet at Bootleg BBQ (9704 Old Bardstown Road) at 9:00am and then carpool to the Forest. For more info contract Sherry L. Wright at 380-1753 or email at Sherry.Wright@louisvilleky.gov.


Crime Prevention Tips & Block Watch Information

It is important to be vigilant around the holiday season as some families spend more time away from their homes visiting friends and loved ones. Here are some tips provided by LMPD 3rd Division to help ensure a safe Christmas holiday.

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

  1. Make it a habit of checking doors and windows to see if they are secure or locked. The best lock that money can buy will only work if it is activated or locked.
  2. Consider the structural integrity of the locks. Are they still able to do what they are intended to do? A sliding glass or patio door lock may need additional security.
  3. When you are away from your home, you should leave lights on.
  4. Get involved in a neighborhood watch or, at least, watch out for each other. Find someone that you know and trust on your street to help look out for your home and property and vice versa. Crime prevention is a community effort.
  5. Never leave your vehicles unlocked.
  6. Never leave anything of value left visible within your automobile.
  7. Never assume that because your car is locked your valuables are safe. Thieves break windows. It only takes a thief 10 seconds for a thief to take your property from an unlocked vehicle, and 15 seconds from a locked one.

One of the most effective ways to empower communities and lower crime is by forming a Neighborhood Watch. This program is a partnership between LMPD and the community to prevent crime.  Neighborhood watches teach citizens to work together to help reduce crime as well as watch for and report unusual activity around residences and businesses.

If interested in creating a neighborhood watch contact Sgt Kelly Lee at Kelly.lee@louisvilleky.gov


Save the Date: Southwest Dream Team Annual Meeting & Pizza!

dream

WHAT: Southwest Dream Team 2014 Annual Meeting & Networking Event

WHEN: Tuesday, January 7th, 5:30–8:00pm

WHERE: Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway followed by networking at PRP Pizza 5603 Greenwood Road

RSVP required, but please feel free to bring a friend! For more information contact Rick Fears at 905-0639 or at rfears1968@gmail.com.


Brightside Suggests Planting a Christmas Tree

brightside

Make a lasting impact by purchasing a Christmas tree that you can plant. It is easy to maintain a live Christmas tree for a short period of time indoors that can then be permanently planted outside for future enjoyment by following these simple steps:

  • Select a tree that has root system in bag (B/B-bagged and burlapped).
  • Acclimate the tree to be inside by leaving it in the garage 3-4 days.
  • Select a spot inside your house that is not in direct sunlight or next to a heat source (air vent or fireplace).
  • Protect your floor by placing the root ball in a large pan or on top of a tarp.
  • Decorate away but remember it is better for the tree no to experience heat from light bulbs so LED lights are a better choice for decoration.
  • Keep the root ball of the tree moist but not soaked.  Using ice cubes to water the tree is very effective since they slowly melt and water the tree.
  • The tree should only be kept in the house from 7-14 days.
  • When ready to move outside you will need to acclimate the tree for outdoor conditions for a few days again.
  • When ready plant your tree.

Here are some nurseries that carry live-trees (always call first to check that stock is available).

Tower View Farm & Nursery
12523 Taylorsville Rd.
Jeffersontown, KY 40299
502-267-2006

Wethington Nursery
10407 Easum Rd.
Jeffersontown, KY  40299
502-267-5119

Kentucky Christmas Tree Association
www.kychristmastreefarms.com


"Degrees At Work" Offers College Aid for Working Adults

Degrees At Work is highlighting a local initiative that has had major success in providing financial assistance to adults returning to college. Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) are a special savings account that allows adults to save a certain amount of money while having each savings deposit matched dollar for dollar. Your personal savings and matching funds often reach up to $6,000 which can be used towards higher education tuition expenses.

Here is what you need to know: 

  • IDA participants are required to
    complete six financial literacy
    workshops.
  • Your household income is below
    200% of the federal poverty
    guidelines.
  • Your net worth does not exceed
    $10,000, excluding house and
    automobiles.
  • You are 18 years of age or older.
  • A resident of Jefferson, Bullitt,
    Henry, Oldham, Shelby,
    Spencer, Trimble County in
    Kentucky.
  • You are employed.
  • You can and are willing to save
    money each month 

For more information please contact Erika Branch, Degrees At Work VISTA, at 502.625-0153 or by email: ebranch@greaterlouisville.com


December's Sustainability Tip From Louisville Green Triangle

As you prepare for the busy holiday season, consider these tips to stay sustainable...

  • Avoid disposable dishes. If you must use them, try to find recy-clable or compostable products.
  • Compost food scraps (excluding meat and oils) left over from preparing meals.
  • If you decorate with lights for the holiday season, purchase energy efficient versions such as LED bulbs, and limit the amount of time they are in use.
  • If you have a live Christmas tree, turn it into mulch through Louisville Metro Solid Waste Management Services Tree-Cycling, which is available fol-lowing the holidays. Check the solid waste website, www.louisvilleky.gov/SolidWaste for dates. Dates are to be announced later in December.

Help Keep Our Community Safe

lmpd

Check out the LMPD web application to keep up to date with Crime Reports and trends for your neighborhood.

Click HERE to get started.