In September, I was honored to have visited Louisville’s sister city, Mainz, Germany, on behalf of Metro Council to celebrate the 30th anniversary of our sister city connection.

Louisville has 8 sister cities, including Mainz. Sister cities pairs cities across the globe to foster the exchange of ideas, culture, business, and people. But what pairs a sister city? Turns out there aren’t any set guidelines and the World Affairs Council is working to establish those. Our partnership with Mainz started in 1994. Despite not knowing much about the origins of our partnership, I can share some connections between Mainz and Louisville. Both cities are known for their libations—Mainz is the wine capitol of Germany and Louisville (Kentucky) is known worldwide for our bourbon. Geographically, Mainz sits on a major river, the Rhine, much like Louisville sits on the Ohio River. Mainz and Louisville are also both located near Frankfort/Frankfurt.

We had a full schedule, so here are some highlights:

• The city government held a welcome reception where we shared gifts between sister cities, followed by a day of meetings centered around affordable housing, economic development, and climate change/sustainability.

• We visited the Gutenburg Hub, a technology campus nestled in a huge mixed-use development. The city moved an entire shipping port downstream to better develop this part of their urban core—proof that big dreams are achievable!

• We toured the headquarters of Schott Glass, a specialty glass company that engineers and manufactures glass for a range of industries from medical to automotive to cooking (they are also the company responsible for supplying the glass for the Very Large Telescope “VLT” in Chile!). In 1998, Schott acquired a company in Louisville that makes specialty glass for fireplaces to this day.

• As the home of Johannes Gutenberg, we visited the Gutenberg Museum where we learned about the printing press and how books evolved in form and thus expanded our shared knowledge and understanding of the world. It was truly neat to see Gutenberg Bibles in real life! The museum will close soon for a few years as the city rebuilds it as a modern, state-of-the-art museum. 

• Speaking of rebuilding, about 80% of the city was destroyed in WW2, so a lot of the architecture has been or is being rebuilt. We visited St. Stephen’s Cathedral to see the famous Chagall Windows, which were created and installed in the 1980s. It’s interesting to see how the old and new mix. Sometimes it's abrasive and obvious, other times it's thoughtful and adaptive.

• We visited Mainz's football (see: soccer) stadium to learn more about how their club is an economic driver and cultural institution for the region. A representative from Louisville FC exchanged jerseys with their club!

• Hosts from the local Sister City Friendship Circle welcomed us into their homes for an afternoon of coffee and cakes.

• We also visited a Jewish cemetery that originated around the year 1000, a vocational school, and the University of Mainz.

I can’t express how wonderfully welcoming the city officials and others were to our group from Louisville. It was a very inspiring trip!

Now, onto some D15 updates…

I want to give a warm sendoff to Major Tiffany Tatum who has moved from the 4th Division of LMPD to the 8th Division. I appreciate Major Tatum’s collaboration in my first nearly 2 years on council. The 4th Division welcomes Major Daniel Lewis—we look forward to working with him. While we are on the subject of LMPD, congratulations to Chief Paul Humphrey on being sworn in as LMPD’s permanent police chief. I’ve only known Chief Humphrey to be an upstanding individual and I’m confident that he will be a good leader for LMPD. We sure need it.

Christopher’s Law was introduced to Council in September and we will continue discussing the proposed legislation surrounding unarmed security guard training at the next Public Safety Committee meeting on October 16th. We have also been working on some legislation surrounding animals and looking into some ways we can better support our city shelter. Stay tuned!

We are in full swing for BOB: Third Street. Our BIG BOB Day is nearly here! If you’re a resident, we want to connect! If you want to volunteer or partner with BOB we also want to connect! Read more below.

Finally, but certainly not least, we have two fantastic interns helping in the office this fall. I'm excited to introduce you to Kylie and Abby in our next newsletter!

See y’all around D15,

Our Sister City delegation from Louisville stands outside of Mainz's city hall with the Mayor of Mainz and other representatives. Notice Louisville's flag hanging alongside the Mainz flag.

BOB: Third Street is happening soon!

Alena + some really awesome volunteers have finished canvassing our next BOB area! If you live on the red area on this map, you can sign up for FREE services at and around your home. Click here to see what services are available and sign up. Mark your calendars for our BIG BOB Day on Saturday, November 16th from 10 am to 1 pm. We will have plenty going on that day including a resource fair at the corner of 3rd and Central, community clean-ups, and a whole lot more. More information coming soon! All are welcome to attend! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact alena.balakos2@louisvilleky.gov.

La Salle Ave to remain one-way

Earlier this year, we asked residents along La Salle Avenue if they wanted to turn their one-way street into a two-way. I’m not a fan of one-way streets and this seemed relatively easy to tackle, especially since the street was set to be repaved this year (from Cayuga to Bluegrass). After gathering input, we learned that neighbors weren’t in favor of the change, so it’s staying as-is. We thank the neighbors for their input and hope y’all enjoy your newly paved road!

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D15 October Event Calendar

10/1: Wilder Park Neighborhood Association meeting (6:30 pm; 120 Fairmont Ave)
10/1: Taylor Berry Neighborhood Association meeting (6 pm; 2911 Taylor Blvd)
10/7: St. Joseph Area Association meeting (6:30 pm; 2516 Bradley Ave)
10/8: LMPD 4th Division Advisory Board meeting (6 pm; 1340 S. 4th St)
10/9: Meriwether Fort Hill neighborhood association meeting (6:30 pm; 511 E. Burnett Ave)
10/10: Metro Council meeting (6 pm; 611 W. Jefferson St) 
10/11: Oktoberfest (4 pm; Goss Ave)
10/12-13: Ramen Fest (noon to 9 pm; 4105 S. 1st St)
10/14: Cloverleaf neighborhood association meeting (6 pm; 4401 Manslick Rd)
10/15: Lucky Horseshoe Neighborhood Association meeting (6 pm; 1017 Queen Ave)
10/19: Manual vs. PRP game (7:30 pm; 1230 E. Burnett Ave)
10/21: German-Paristown Neighborhood Association meeting (6 pm; 942 E. Kentucky St)
10/26: Metro Council meeting (6 pm; 611 W. Jefferson St) 
10/28: Friends of Iroquois Park meeting (6:30 pm; 601 Woodlawn Ave)
10/28: Schnitzelburg Area Community Council meeting (7 pm; 1100 Sylvia St)
10/30: MUSCL Senior Center Halloween Party (11 am; 1016 E. Burnett Ave)

Barbee & Preston Street Markings

After receiving complaints from neighbors about the intersection at Preston and Barbee, we asked KYTC to review the intersection. After inspection, they found a few pavement marking modifications and enhancements that could aid in drivers navigating the intersection.

Between now and November 15, 2024, you can expect:

• Refreshed existing stop bars on both Barbee approaches

• Installation of dotted edge line intersection tracking in both directions on Preston St.

• Extension of “No Parking” areas on both northern corners and the southwest corner to approximately 60’ from the intersection, about double the current distance.

• New signage to complement the changes.

We know parking can be a premium for neighbors, but we also know that safety is paramount to everything. We’re optimistic that these changes will help this hazardous intersection.

Jack O' Lantern Spectacular: October 1 through November 2

The Jack O'Lantern Spectacular presented by Thorntons, is celebrating its 12^th year from October 1 - November 2 at Iroquois Park. This year’s theme is “Trivia Night: Pumpkin Edition,” and will test guest’s knowledge as they meander through the woods, lined with thousands of artistically carved and locally sourced pumpkins. Guests will be quizzed on art history, music, folklore, and more. They can challenge their friends and family while experiencing the magic that is Jack O’Lantern Spectacular.

 Event details:

• The event runs from Tuesday, October 1 through Saturday, November 2.
• The event will be open from dusk-10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and from dusk to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
• The event is held rain or shine, unless dangerous weather conditions arise.
• Timed ticketing will be available for every night of the show to reduce crowds and traffic.
• Sunday-Thursday pricing:Adults - $15, Seniors (65+) - $13, Children (3-12) - $12
• Friday-Saturday pricing:Adults - $20, Seniors (65+) - $17, Children (3-12) - $15
• The Sunday - Thursday 9:30 p.m. time slot will be offered at $2 off the regular price. Discount automatically applied at checkout.
• Children 2 and under are free
• Tickets for groups of 20 or more can be purchased in advance for a group rate to the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular by emailing contact@jackolanternlouisville.org.
• Sensory Night – Presented by PNC Bank will be held on Monday, October 21, with gates opening early at 6 p.m. During this special sensory-friendly hour, pumpkins will light up the woods but there will be low music and no special effects. Designed for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), sensory processing differences, and their families.
• Republic Bank clients and employees can get $2 off tickets for Jack O’Lantern Spectacular on Tuesday, October 22. Contact your Republic Bank for a discount code or purchase at the gate with a Republic Bank credit/debit card or employee ID for online ticket purchases.
• The entrance is at 1080 Amphitheater Road, at the intersection of New Cut and Kenwood.
• Additional parking will be available at DeSales High School on Kenwood Drive.

Germantown Oktoberfest: October 11

TreesLouisville Tree Adoption Event: October 12

As a part of tree week, TreesLouisville will be hosting a tree adoption event on Saturday, October 12th from 9 am to noon at Churchill Downs (enter at 971 Longfield Avenue). There will be 500 trees available for first come, first serve.

This is one of many events for Tree Week 2024. Learn more and discover tree-related events all over the city: https://www.treeslouisville.org/tree-week-home-page

Ramen Fest 2024: October 12 & 13

Ramen Fest 2024 is happening this Saturday and Sunday, October 12th and 13th, from noon to 9 pm both days in Huston Quin Park (4105 S. 1st Street).

From the event organizers:

• **BRING A COSTUME!!!** (preferably a clown or an alien)
• Please carpool! Parking is very limited, and the park will fill up fast. We want to have an amazing time, but we also want to be respectful to the neighborhood and the community that lives here. (No parking on Second Street median.)
• Please be respectful to the park and to others around you.
• Food vendors will be present, including Renshoku Ramen
• We encourage everyone to buy from your local artists at this festival. Support your local artists and musicians! 

The District 15 office is proud to be a sponsor for this event. We also want to give a huge shoutout to our Parks department who are working to ensure clean bathrooms all weekend and no graffiti in the park for the fest.

Iroquois Overlook Open to Cars: October 12 & 13

The Iroquois scenic overlook is open to cars October 12 and 13. 🚗🌳

Louisville Parks and Recreation will open the gate to Uppill Road on the second Saturday and Sunday of every month through November 2024 (weather permitting). Gates will be open from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Here's the remaining 2024 schedule:

🔹 October 12 and 13
🔹 November 9 and 10

More info: https://www.olmstedparks.org/events/iroquois-park-uppill-road-to-north-overlook-opening/

Music in the Park: October 17

Enjoy live music in Iroquois Park on Thursday, October 17 from 11 am to 1 pm. In addition to live music, enjoy a complimentary lunch, health vendors, and ice cream for folks 55+. Seating is limited, so please bring a lawn chair if able. In case of bad weather, the event will be held at the South Louisville Community Center (2911 Taylor Blvd). 

Schnitzelburg Fall History Talk: October 16

Learn about Louisville's historic Schnitzelbrug neighborhood at the 2024 Schnitzelburg Fall History Talk (formerly a walk). Attendees will meet outside the Germantown Mill Lofts (946 Goss Avenue) on Saturday, October 19 at 10 am. Coffee and donuts will be served starting at 9:30, courtesy of the Schnitzelburg Area Community Council. Please RSVP in advance to Steve Cambron: barbu68@hotmail.com.

SACC Community Movie Night: October 26

Get ready for a spooktacular family fun night! The Schnitzelburg Area Community Council and Dairy Del are hosting a Community Movie Night on Saturday, October 26th from 5 to 9 pm. Cuddle up with a blanket under the stars for a Halloween movie experience and a trunk or treat adventure. What's even sweeter? A bounce house and yummy concessions by Dairy Del! Costumes encouraged!

The movie (announced soon) will kick off at dusk. Hope to see you all for a night full of treats and delightful frights!

Friends of Iroquois Park Meeting: September 23

The Friends of Iroquois Park will be meeting on Monday, October 28 at 6:30 pm at the Iroquois Library (601 W. Woodlawn Ave). All are welcome to join in a conversation about making Iroquois Park even better!

BTW, consider becoming a park steward! Park steward volunteers leverage and expand the work Olmsted is able to do. Park stewards are critical in keeping the Olmsted Parks maintained at a higher level. They support our team for healthy parks in removing invasive species, planting trees, monitoring our woodlands, and even work on small construction projects. They are trained, have ownership over their work, and autonomy. Register today!

Landmark Trick or Treat: October 29

On Tuesday, October 29, Landmark of Louisville will host a trick-or-treat function for the surrounding community. It is free to the public and children will have the opportunity to trick-or-treat candy from residents, be thrilled by a Hocus Pocus-themed Haunted House, and enjoy a pumpkin patch.

Schnitzelburg #1 Citizen Dinner: November 4

Mark your calendars for Schnitzelburg’s annual #1 Citizen Dinner & Meeting on Monday, November 4th at 6pm at the 21st Amendment Tavern (1481 S. Shelby St). It’s a night to celebrate the indomitable spirit and commitment of an individual that is making Schnitzelburg even better! The evening also includes schnitzel, German potato salad, and dessert.

Manual Stadium Fall 2024 Schedule

Churchill Downs Fall Meet Schedule

University of Louisville 2024 Football Schedule

LAST MONTH!! NEW TIME!! South End Community Market

This is the last month for the South End Community Market!! Stock up on fresh produce, plants, and other goodies every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm (NEW TIME!!) at Iroquois Park. The last day of the market will be October 26th!

Louisville Tree Plan Workshops

Open Burning Laws

With fall weather starting to show up, it’s a popular time to have a fire. Local open burning laws keep you safe, protect our air, and prevent you from being a nuisance to your neighbors. Know the rules before you burn.

What’s allowed?

• Burning clean, dry firewood in a firepit up to 3 ft x 3 ft. x 3 ft.
• Burning clean, dry firewood in a firepit up to 5 ft. by 5 ft. by 5 ft. (**WITH A PERMIT**)
• Certain ceremonial, agricultural, and fire-fighting training fires (**WITH A PERMIT**)

What’s against the law?

• Burning trash and yard waste, including tree leaves, garbage, yard clippings, construction debris, fallen tree branches and limbs, and other similar items
• Burning recreationally without using a legal fire pit
• Using accelerants
• Burning on Air Quality Alert days or when winds exceed 15 mph

Rental Registry

The Department of Codes & Regulations has initiated their new Rental Registry program and your action is required. Property owners must register all their rental units with the city and pay a fee ranging from $25 to $250; failure to register is subject to a fine up to $100 per day per housing unit.

The registry will provide accurate and up-to-date contact information for property owners and management companies to help the city better identify and contact the responsible parties should Code Enforcement Officers find code violations at a rental property. Louisville Metro Government will randomly select properties from the list each year to undergo inspections to ensure the units meet the city code of ordinances.

Registration is available online at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/codes-regulations/. Property owners/managers may also apply in person with the Department of Codes & Regulations at 444 S. 5th St., Suite 200, Louisville, KY 40202.