In this Issue
Hello Neighbors & Friends,
Have you attended the Kentucky State Fair? I plan to stroll through the fair on Sunday. My favorite things to do at the fair are visit the animals and ride the Himalaya. When the ride operator asks riders if they want to go faster, I am one of the crazy people who answers, "Yes!" That is the only ride for me at a state fair. I don't know why I can ride it - and want to go faster. Yet, if you put me on the Ark, the kiddie ride that rocks back and forth to full height in the sky, I would lose it! I think it's the height that gets me. Besides the fast, around and around Himalaya, I can only stomach the Merry-Go-Round and maybe the Mad Hatter Tea Cup kiddie ride (Lol).
I hope you've had an opportunity to visit the fair, or have plans to go. This is the last weekend for it, and the weather is predicted to be fit-for-fair fabulous. Of course, fair food is always good, too --- in moderation. Enjoy!
Click here to review the schedule for the remaining days of the fair:
https://kystatefair.org/daily-schedule/list/page/3/
On another note, I will make an appearance on the WHAS11 news on Tuesday, August 27th between 4:15 - 4:30 p.m., to discuss the latest happenings in District 7. The segment lasts about 3 minutes, so I will try to fit in as much as I can. I think I will mention the next tour that I am considering for our next adventure. All of our district tours have been great, and this one will be no different. In fact, it is an adventure that awaits us right in our own backyard, and I can't wait to share it with you. Tune in to hear about it, and then watch for the announcement and registration in this eNewsletter in the very near future.
Enjoy the weekend!
I spotted this sign as I was driving on Westport Road near Washburn Ave. The sight of the rusted sign made me do a double take. It is unsightly and unacceptable for our neighborhood. I will report this to the State Transportation Cabinet and ask them to add it to their things to do list. I am hopeful that they will find a way to replace it this year.
If you ever see unsightly things like this in our community, please report it to Metro311. If you witness illegal activity that requires law enforcement's attention, call 911. Together, we can keep our community safe and beautiful. So, District 7, if you see something, please say something.
Metro Council Meeting Highlights
Thursday, August 22nd
Below is a recap of the regularly scheduled Metro Council meeting
The Louisville Metro Council held our regularly scheduled Council meeting Thursday night. Here are some of the highlights from the meeting.
Old Business
Approved
- O-177-24: an ordinance relating to the zoning and form district of property located at 4933 West Pages Lane, rejecting the findings of the Planning Commission.
- O-176-24: an ordinance amending Sections 1.2.2, 2.4.3, and 2.4.4 of the Land Development Code (LDC) and Table 2.7.5: Table 4 and Table 9.1.3B regarding charitable gaming establishments.
- Zoning of properties located at 3535, 3605, and 3607 Bells Lane and 9101 John Hicks Way.
Special Recognitions and Proclamations
- Councilwoman Chappell recognized the District 15 Page, Olivia Siegelsein.
- The Council recognized Deputy Chief Steve Healey in honor of his service and retirement.
Consent Calendar – all items passed unanimously
- R-080-24: a resolution requesting the Kentucky Economic Development Authority issue Industrial Revenue Bonds for Goodwill Industries.
- R-086-24: a resolution honoring Mr. Gary Allen by designating the alleyway off George Hauck Way as “Gary Allen Alley” in his honor.
- R-082-24: a resolution approving a contract for the Parking Authority of River City (PARC) for maintenance service and replacement parts.
- R-083-24: a resolution approving a contract for PARC concerning parking meter replacement parts.
- R-081-24: a resolution approving a professional service contract for a mentor/internship program between the Louisville Zoo and Jefferson Community College.
- R-084-24: a resolution requesting review of the guidelines for the NuLu Review Overlay District as set forth in Chapter 162 of LMCO.
- R-085-24: a resolution accepting $1,000,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Program.
Sent back to Committee
- O-151-24: an ordinance reallocating $50,000 from Economic Development to the Waterfront Development Corporation for public art at Festival Plaza.
Metro Council Recap Video
Click here for a video recap of Thursday's Metro Council meeting. For the complete agenda and more detail on a particular piece of legislation, click here and choose option: Metro Council Meetings.
Thursday's Council meeting and attachments may be viewed online here: https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal, and on the Louisville Metro Council Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil/.
The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
Louisville Metro Council livestreams all of its regular meetings and committee meetings on Metro TV, Facebook Live, and YouTube.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here. To watch Metro Council Meetings live on YouTube, you can visit the LouisvilleMetroTV channel 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.
For additional information or questions, you can reach the Metro Council Clerk’s Office at (502) 574-3902.
ANTI-DEI MEASURES TAKE ROOT
In legislative news this week, the University of Kentucky’s recent decision to dissolve its Office of Institutional Diversity is a notable development that has sparked significant concern. This shift seems to be a direct consequence of the political pressure exerted by some of my colleagues in the General Assembly, particularly those who have advocated for measures like House Bill 9. As someone who has consistently supported Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in our state’s institutions, I believe this move could have far-reaching consequences for the university and beyond. DEI initiatives play a critical role in creating an environment where innovation and economic growth are not just possible but thrive.
DEI’s importance in higher education cannot be overstated. Research has shown that diversity within teams leads to more creativity, better decision-making, and superior outcomes. At a university, these initiatives are vital in fostering a campus atmosphere where all students have the opportunity to excel, regardless of their background. This environment is essential in preparing students to enter the workforce as well-rounded professionals who can contribute meaningfully to society. By dismantling the Office of Institutional Diversity, the university may unintentionally weaken the support structures that have been crucial in achieving these objectives.
The university’s decision is influenced by the need to navigate the increasingly charged political landscape. However, there is a distinction between maintaining neutrality and succumbing to external pressures that compromise the institution’s core mission. Supporting DEI should not be viewed as a partisan stance but as an essential component of the university’s responsibility to its students. The ability of every student to access the resources and opportunities necessary for success is critical to their personal development and the economic vitality of our state. Our universities are central to cultivating a diverse workforce, which is key to sustaining innovation and resilience in the face of global challenges.
The restructuring plan announced by the university, which includes eliminating mandatory diversity training and replacing the Office of Institutional Diversity with a new Office for Community Relations, raises important questions. While this may be seen as a pragmatic response to political pressures, it also brings uncertainty about the future effectiveness of DEI efforts at the university. The centralized approach provided by the Office of Institutional Diversity ensured that these initiatives were coordinated and visible, essential for their success. By decentralizing these efforts, there is a risk that their impact will be diminished, potentially rolling back years of progress in fostering an inclusive campus.
Additionally, the removal of mandatory diversity training could signal a shift away from fully preparing students for the realities of an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Diversity training is about providing students with the tools they need to succeed in a global workforce. Without this training, students may be less equipped to handle the complexities they will encounter in their professional lives.
LOOKING AHEAD: WHAT NEXT?
DEI initiatives are about more than just representation; they are about inclusion—ensuring that every member of the university community feels valued and heard. This is how we build a stronger, more resilient society, and it is how we prepare our students to be leaders in a complex world. The university’s decision, though understandable given the political climate, highlights the influence that legislative actions can have on educational institutions. As we move forward, it is crucial to recognize the importance of DEI in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of our educational system.
In closing, I want to emphasize that the future of our state’s economy and the well-being of our communities depend on our ability to embrace diversity in all its forms. We must continue to support DEI initiatives not just because they are the right thing to do, but because they are essential for our collective prosperity. I remain committed to working with the university and my colleagues in the legislature, advocating for a Kentucky where everyone has an opportunity to succeed.
Here's the Bull Runn construction update for the month of August.
Travel the world in downtown Louisville on the Belvedere
Labor Day Weekend
August 30 - September 2, 2024
The 22nd annual WorldFest, Louisvilleʼs premier international festival, attracts more than 150,000 attendees over the four-day Labor Day weekend. WorldFest celebrates and showcases the international cultures and communities that make up the city of Louisville and neighboring areas. WorldFest is free to attend and open to all ages, featuring entertainment stages, Parade of Cultures, Global Village, and more!
What to Expect:
- Three entertainment stages showcasing international, national, regional and local performers all weekend long.
- Nearly 150 International vendors featuring international arts, merchandise, food, and beverages.
- A Global Village highlighting cultures and customs from all over the world.
- A World of Information that informs citizens about services for our international residents.
- A Children’s International Activity Zone to learn about cultures and customs, arts, crafts, and more.
- A Parade of Cultures with nearly 1,000 participants celebrating all the diverse cultures in Louisville.
- A Naturalization Ceremony pronouncing more than 300 new Americans to Louisville as new citizens.
Coming Soon:
- Full Entertainment Lineup
- Global Village Entertainment Schedule
- International Kids Zone Schedule
Interested in getting involved? Email Blair at Blair@JWagnerGroup.com.For vendor/volunteer opportunities, please email Dorian at Dorian@JWagnerGroup.com.
The Hike, Bike, and Paddle returns Labor Day, Monday, September 2nd, on the Waterfront Park Great Lawn. The program starts at 8 a.m. with music and free fitness activities such as Tai Chi, yoga, and Zumba. The hike, bike, and paddle events begin at 10 a.m. You can find routes/distances for those activities and more general information on the event here.
FREE t-shirts will be available to the first 2,000 attendees!
The Louisville Free Public Library and the Louisville Orchestra are pleased to announce the fourth season of the collaborative project “Once Upon An Orchestra.” Public performances begin on Tuesday, October 1 at the Western Library and will tour to all LFPL locations through March 2025. The complete schedule is listed below.
Presented free, each branch will host one of six different, unique family programs that weave music and storytelling together in an interactive experience. Louisville Orchestra musicians perform original music created around familiar and beloved children’s books. The hour-long experiences include a 30-minute small ensemble performance preceded by a hands-on activity to build a musical instrument from recycled materials, so everyone can play along.
For “Once Upon An Orchestra,” composers from the LO Creators Corps have developed original musical scores to accompany a number of beloved children’s books, including Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. In addition, this year’s series features two new composition – Laura Numeroff’s If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson.
The musically enhanced storytelling leans into one of the key programs of the LFPL, the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge. This Library program encourages all families and caregivers to read at least 1000 books with their preschool-age children to build the vocabulary and language skills needed for success in school.
Co-presented by the Louisville Orchestra and the Louisville Free Public Library, “Once Upon An Orchestra” is funded with support from Louisville Metro Government. For more information, including the complete schedule, please visit LFPL.org/orchestra, contact your local LFPL branch, or call the Louisville Orchestra at 587-8681.
Once Upon an Orchestra
Tuesday, October 1, 2 p.m., Western Library, Bear Snores On
Wednesday, October 9, 10:30 a.m., Middletown Library, The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Thursday, October 10, 10:15 a.m., Highlands-Shelby Park Library, Bear Snores On
Wednesday, November 6, 6 p.m., Main Library, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Thursday, November 7, 6:30 p.m. Northeast Regional Library, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Thursday, November 21, noon, Shively Library, Llama Destroys the World
Saturday, November 23, 11 a.m., Newburg Library, Llama Destroys the World
Wednesday, December 11, 10:30 a.m., Fairdale Library, Bunny's Book Club
Thursday, December 12, 10:30 a.m., Bon Air Library, Bunny's Book Club
Saturday, January 11, 10:30 a.m., Iroquois Library, Bear Snores On
Saturday, February 8, 2 p.m., St. Matthews Library, The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Saturday, February 15, 2 p.m., South Central Regional Library, The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Thursday, February 20, 6 p.m., Shawnee Library,, Llama Destroys the World
Wednesday, March 19, 11 a.m., Southwest Regional Library, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Tuesday, March 25, 10:30 a.m., Crescent Hill Library, The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Saturday, March 29, 10:30 a.m., Jeffersontown Library, Bunny's Book Club
Kentucky Educational Television (KET) presents Be My Neighbor Day, which aims to bring communities together and teach children the importance of being a caring neighbor. September 29, 12 – 3 pm at E.P. Tom Sawyer Park (3000 Freys Hill Road).
Louisville Book Festival is a 2-day celebration of literacy and reading, featuring 100+ authors and presenters, hands on activities for youth attendees, and storybook characters come to life engaging with the public. October 18 & 19, 10 am – 5 pm at the Kentucky International Convention Center.
Zoom Group, Inc. Presents the ZG Art Carnival, hosted by ZG | StudioWorkZ. This event, featuring an outdoor art fair, carnival games, and food vendors, is open to all but specifically designed for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. October 4, 6 – 9 pm at 4545 Taylorsville Road.
Fund for the Arts will host performing artists and arts organizations as part of two beloved community art festivals this fall: Paristown Fall Art Fair (September 28) at Paristown Pointe and the St. James Court Art Show (October 4 – 6) in Old Louisville.
These local performance villages bring just a sampling of Louisville’s vibrant performing arts community to visual arts and craft fairs, regularly attended by thousands of locals and tourists alike.
Celebration of Arts, now in its second year, will take place in Christy’s Garden as part of Paristown’s Fall Art Fair, now in its third year, on September 28, with programming throughout the day. Artists and arts organizations will present music, dancing, and theatrical arts onstage, with craft and engagement activities offstage. Celebration of the Arts is presented by Churchill Downs, with additional support from Passport by Molina Healthcare and Brown-Forman.
The Republic Bank Performance Village will take place on October 4 – 6 as part of the St. James Court Art Show. Now in its third year, this performance village has helped introduce local performing artists and arts groups to new audiences, and to the Fund. Several performers have since become partners and grant recipients for other opportunities. The St. James Court Art Show regularly sees over 200,000 guests and was recently named #1 “Best Fine Art and Design Show” by Sunshine Artist magazine. This performance village is presented by Republic Bank with support from Passport by Molina Healthcare.
ANSWERS ARE LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS NEWSLETTER.
Puzzle 1:
Puzzle 2:
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
Need support now?
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Are you thinking of hurting yourself or ending your life? Text LOU to 741741
Community mental health resources:
Metro United Way's Community Resource Directory can connect you mental health and crisis intervention resources. Or call 211.
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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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
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.
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc.
Click here for more info.
Click here to read the social media policy of the Louisville Metro Council.
Puzzle 1: The future
Puzzle 2: A bed
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