In this Issue
Hello Neighbors,
Have you heard the story of the couple who traveled to Bethlehem searching for a place to lodge? Like that couple, many families in our community are looking for hospitality. Families are looking for others to show compassion toward them and treat them with respect and dignity. They may be homeless or simply lonely. They could be grieving or longing for someone or something dear to them.
I heard a report recently that stated 61% of Americans are expected to feel sad or lonely during the holiday season, and 37% wish they could skip it altogether. These statistics speak to me. They say that I need to extend a helping hand to those who suffer due to depression, mental illness, homelessness, or in some manner that is unfortunate and perhaps unavoidable. It also informs me that as a legislator on Metro Council, I should do more to work with the Mayor's Office to look for solutions to our homeless problem (it is indeed out of control and infiltrating all parts of our community, including District 7) and work more closely with my colleagues to encourage more support for affordable housing, food deserts, and poverty. I pledge to do more, pay closer attention to the needs of others, and be sensitive to the fact that everyone is not in the Christmas spirit. So, as I celebrate the joy and excitement of the holiday season, I shall take some time for self-care and find a way to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
I wish you peace, joy, and happiness, and I hope you can spend precious and uninterrupted time with your family and friends. But most of all, I hope you’ll take the time to recharge and prepare for a healthy and prosperous new year. You can expect more in 2024!
Metro Council is on winter break and will resume on January 3, 2024. However, the District 7 office will be open and available to assist you as needed. Contact us at (502) 574-1107 or (502) 574-3454, anytime between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The holiday season is a challenging time for many, particularly those facing a housing crisis or struggling with substance use disorder. Each year, Volunteers of America Mid-States’ (VOA) is put to the test to provide joy and happiness to some of the most in-need individuals across the Commonwealth. This is why the annual Hope for the Holidays campaign is such an important effort.
This yearly campaign is when we ask the community to consider donating important items to the families we serve. Toys, clothes, personal hygiene items and gift cards go a long way in making a difference in the lives of these children and their families during the holiday season. As local leaders, VOA would appreciate anything you could do to help spread the word about our Hope for the Holidays campaign and make an even bigger impact. Information on how to donate or where to find a local drop-off location can be found at voamid.org/holidays.
VOA would like to thank you for your commitment to representing the individuals in your district, particularly those most vulnerable populations. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and please let us know if VOA can ever be of service.
In response to the staggering rise in the number of pets seeking loving homes this holiday season, Louisville Metro Animal Services, #YourCityShelter, is delighted to announce the extension of free adoptions through the end of December 2023. The decision comes as the shelter faces an alarming surge of additional animals, highlighting the critical need to find homes for these animals and alleviate the strain on the shelter system.
Free adoptions include spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and a microchip. Prospective adopters are encouraged to visit the shelter to get matched with a new furry friend.
#Yourcityshelter is calling on the community to spread the word, volunteer their time, and consider adopting a homeless dog or cat in need. By working together, we can make a significant impact and give these animals the chance for a brighter future.
For more information about our shelter, adoption FAQs, and homeless pets in need, please click here.
Starting Tuesday, December 26, Christmas tree drop-off sites will be available for all Louisville/Jefferson County residents at three locations. The Hubbards Lane site will also instantly recycle Christmas trees into mulch that will be offered back to citizens for home use. Those wishing to receive mulch must bring an appropriate container in which to carry it. All lights and ornaments should be removed from trees before they are dropped off. Christmas tree vendors may recycle their unsold trees on Tuesday, December 26 only, and only at the Hubbards Lane site.
HOURS & LOCATIONS Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Waste Reduction Center closes at 3 p.m. on Saturdays) December 28 - January 27
All locations will be closed on Saturdays December 30 and January 13 in observance of New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
• East District Recycling Center, 595 N. Hubbards Lane
• Public Works Yard, 10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane)
• Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue
On December 26th-29th and January 2nd-5th, Winter Break Pay-By-Day Camps are available at the Kentucky Science Center! From Chemistry to STEAM to Making, kids can continue learning even while school is out. Each full day of camp will include approximately 4 hours of activities/ experiments in the classroom as well as 2-3 hours of facilitated time in the exhibit spaces, camp games, and demonstrations.
For more information about Pay-By-Day camps, and to reserve a spot for your child, visit kysciencecenter.org.
The LMPD and the traffic guards it employs take their responsibility for the safety of students and pedestrians at their assigned intersections throughout Louisville Metro seriously. Currently, they are below their authorized strength and do not have enough traffic guards to cover all the intersections with a need for traffic control. Furthermore, traffic guards are assigned intersections based upon a contractual bidding process. LMPD communicates with the affected schools and is continuously attempting to hire more traffic guards. If you are interested in more information and the application process for becoming a traffic guard, please click on this link:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisvilleky/jobs/2941008/traffic-guard-i
Stable housing is a major crime fighter. In communities where individuals are stably housed, there are fewer recorded non-violent offenses. People commit fewer survival crimes like theft, robbery, trespassing, loitering. Louisville Metro has launched into this crisis as it relates to the environment and climate change.
Click here to read the report.
On January 9 at 6 p.m., the Air Pollution Control District will host State of the Air: Louisville's Year in Air Quality, a free virtual workshop on Louisville’s air quality in 2023. The workshop will include updates on local monitoring data, Louisville’s national air quality standards status, wildfire smoke impacts, odors, and other aspects of APCD’s work. Register for the State of the Air workshop here.
For more information about Louisville's sustainability efforts, visit the official website for the Office of Sustainability.
Mark your calendar to celebrate the New Year with the East End Farmers Market. Shop their indoor pop-up market at Upton Oxmoor where you'll find a wide variety of local and homemade foods, health and wellness products, handmade crafts, gifts, and so much more!
Shop local and support local farmers and makers. There's a little something for everyone!
When: December 30th, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: 503 Oxmoor Ln., Louisville, KY 40222
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Embrace the holiday rush with open arms during the Last-Minute Merry Market at Logan Street Market! Find the ultimate resolution to those last-minute gift-finding dilemmas and shop local artisans and crafters.
Browse an impressive array of unique and thoughtful presents. The Merry Market is your haven for swift yet heartfelt gifting solutions where you'll uncover everything from charming stocking stuffers to remarkable surprises.
Head on over for the final weekend Holiday Market of 2023 and find the perfect last-minute gift.
The Last-Minute Merry Market is open Friday from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
December 22nd through 24th at 1001 Logan St., Louisville, KY 40204
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Share your family’s affinity for elf culture at Kentucky Science Center! Travel through the seven levels of the candy cane forest and past the sea of twirly-swirly gum drops, as you spend your afternoon watching the family holiday comedy Elf in our four-story digital theater.
Ticket Pricing:
$15 for Members $35 for Non-Members
Included with your ticket:
- All-day exhibit access
- Popcorn and hot cocoa, 2:30 p.m.
- Pictures with Frosty, 2:30 p.m.
- Take-home holiday-themed Do Science activity, 2:30 p.m.
- Movie screening, 3 p.m.
Get ready to kick off the holiday season in style at this Christmas-themed day party, where you'll dance, mingle, and have a jolly good time!
Celebrate Christmas in style at GRÜV Sports Bar and Lounge with great music, delicious food, and awesome company. Whether you're naughty or nice, this event is for everyone who loves to have a good time.
Dress up in your favorite Christmas attire and dance the day away to the hottest beats spun by talented DJs. Indulge in mouthwatering holiday treats and sip on festive cocktails that will make your taste buds jingle with joy.
Gather your friends and family and come kick it Christmas style!
When: December 23rd, 4 to 9 p.m.
Where: 434 W. Market St., Louisville, KY 40202
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Louisville Mega Cavern’s Lights Under Louisville returns with more than 40 themed displays, mapping projections, approximately 900 illuminated characters, 4 LED light tunnels, including a new 200-foot-long MEGA light tunnel, two laser sections, and nearly 6,000,000 points of light that will spread mega cheer and holiday spirit this season. Lights Under Louisville will take visitors on an immersive ride through more than one mile of cavern passageways as visitors drive through millions of dazzling lights, festive lasers, and even larger captivating light tunnels.
Lights Under Louisville is open daily until December 31.
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Address:1841 Taylor Ave., Louisville, Kentucky 40213
Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online here.
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"Night of Remembrance" is a community-wide event that will give a solemn recognition to Louisville's 2023 victims of violence. Violence is a community issue because it is affecting everyone's public health, well-being, and sense of safety. Please save this date and join your community as we all remember.
Tease your brain by solving the riddles below.
Check your answers at the end of the newsletter.
What did the doctor give Santa to help him to walk?
I can warm a giant's foot, or keep small gifts safe and sound. What am I?
What kind of laundry detergent does Santa Claus prefer?
What did the gingerbread man put on his bed instead of a blanket?
Why do mummies love Christmas?
Having issues with high grass, illegal parking, street repairs, or other Code Enforcement concerns in the community? Contact 311!
Metro311 Service Request Information
- Submit a Service Request in the online system.
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Only service requests for the past 30 days will be accessible in the system. If you need information on an older request, please call Metro 311 for status.
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To receive email notifications of the status of your service request you must have an account and you must have included your email address when you created your account. You can create a new account and report a new issue.
- Not all issues you put a service request in for require you to login. Some issues may be submitted anonymously, such as reporting a pothole and property maintenance cases, for instance. But having an account will allow you to track the progress and status of the request.
- The outlined or highlighted area on the map indicates the area which is serviced by Louisville Metro Government.
If you do not see a category which corresponds to your issue, please call Metro311 at 311.
For all the details you need regarding the new drivers license please click the link below:
To read about the most recent VA Medical Center construction events, go to: https://www.va.gov/louisville-health-care/programs/new-robley-rex-va-medical-center
To request weekly updates about the construction events, send an email requesting updates to: LOUVAMCCONSTRUCTION@USACE.ARMY.MIL
For ALL construction-related inquiries, please email: LOUVAMCCONSTRUCTION@USACE.ARMY.MIL
Check us out on social media:
Metro Louisville now has an interactive map that will allow you to see what is happening in your neighborhood as well as others across the city. The map updates daily and if you choose you can receive alerts for your area by subscribing using the red receive alerts button on the page. Click here to try it out: Interactive Map to Track Crime.
Message from the LMPD 8th Division
Please make note of the below tips to help make sure theft doesn't happen to you.
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices and even loose change.
- Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.
- Always lock your vehicle doors.
- Remove garage door openers from vehicles when parked outside.
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle, this includes key-fobs.
- Do not leave the windows of your vehicle open, or partially open.
- Try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
- Immediately report any suspicious person, or vehicle to (502) 574-7111.
Click here to Subscribe to the 5th Division E-Newsletter
District Resource Officers (DRO's)
After more than 3 years the 5th Division is happy to announce we have 2 DRO's! DRO's are the "Jack of all Trades" for the community. They are our problem solvers, ambassadors, community representatives and anything else you can think of. Congratulations to Officers John Keeling and Brad Steller, your 5th Division DRO's.
They can be contacted at the links below.
Officer John Keeling
Officer Brad Steller
Pop-UP I Drop-Off
Need to dispose of unwanted bulk items? Click the link below for details regarding Pop-Up Drop-Off event dates around Louisville. Click HERE
Accepted Items:
- Up to 3 electronic items (recycled)
- Metal & appliances - no refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers or any items containing Freon (recycled)
- Up to 4 passenger tires (recycled)
- Household recyclables, follow curbside rules (recycled)
- Yard waste, follow curbside rules, wooden pallets (composted)
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Large household items (landfilled)
- Documents for shredding (recycled)
Prescription medication (disposed properly)
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Development I Plan 2040
Stay aware of new development in your area!
Sign up for Gov Delivery notifications at:
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYLOUISVILLE/subscriber/new
On January 1, 2019, a new Comprehensive Plan, called Plan 2040, went into effect. As a resident of District 7 (or any district in Louisville), it is important to review the Comprehensive Plan if you are interested in development that is proposed for the neighborhood. The Comprehensive Plan is the guidepost for all development, and the Planning Commission must use it as one of the guiding principles and tools for making decisions regarding the approval or denial of a neighborhood development project.
Read The Comprehensive Plan (Plan 2040)
The Comprehensive Plan is representative of over 6,000 voices, including Metro staff, an advisory committee, and resident volunteers. The Advisory Committee, made up of diverse representatives from neighborhood and community organizations as well as development and business interests, finalized its recommended goals, objectives, and policies on February 21, 2018.
On April 16, 2018, the Planning Commission recommended the Comprehensive Plan for approval. The document was then reviewed by the Metro Council as well as 12 local municipalities with zoning authority for formal adoption. Those 12 local municipalities are: Anchorage, Douglass Hills, Graymoor-Devondale, Hurstbourne, Indian Hills, Jeffersontown, Lyndon, Middletown, Prospect, Shively, St. Matthews, and St. Regis Park.
Plan 2040 Survey Findings
Plan 2040 Demographic and Economic Projections
Plan 2040 Core Graphics
Tune in to View Metro Council Meetings
Louisville Metro Council livestreams all of its regular meetings and committee meetings on Facebook Live.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here.
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
To watch the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
State Government Website Information
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Kentucky General Assembly
Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc.
Click here for more info.
Click below to read the social media policy of the Louisville Metro Council:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/louisville-metro-council-social-media-public-comment-policy.
Answers to the Riddles
- A candy cane; 2. A Christmas stocking; 3. Yule-Tide; 4. A cookie sheet; 5. Because of all the wrapping.
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