In this Issue
Hello Friends and Neighbors,
The city is all a buzz since Mayor Greenberg and LMPD voiced concerns and opinions about street car racing and public mask wearing...
A couple of weeks ago, the mayor told The Courier-Journal that he supports "new legislation at the state level allowing for vehicles involved in street racing to be crushed," and expects state legislators to introduce laws in 2025 to support the measure as a "deterrence." Police Chief Paul Humphrey followed Mayor Greenberg's lead and stated that he supports a crack down on street car racing and doing more to deter the dangerous practice. In fact, the Chief expanded his support by stating, "We could do a press conference and pull out all of those cars out here and get like a steam roller and roll over a Corvette or something, that would be pretty neat."
The Louisville Metro Council strengthened the street racing ordinances in May 2023, and vehicles can be seized and impounded for up to six months for the first offense, and the length of time increases for subsequent offenses. The ordinance also includes language that extends penalties to spectators and others blocking streets during these illegal acts.
A couple of days ago, Mayor Greenberg announced his intention for LMPD to begin enforcing a 1983 ordinance that makes wearing face coverings in public illegal. He stated that his decision was made in an attempt to curb gun violence. (Read ordinance 130.01 here.)
In speaking about the ordinance on wearing masks in public, the mayor was careful to say, "We are going to take everyone's personal and public health very seriously. We will address that through amendments, but let's be clear: gun violence is a public health emergency that we are dealing with in our city," said Greenberg, "Over 100 individuals this year have been killed by gun violence. This is a public health emergency that we must deal with."
Chief Humphrey emphasized that officers will need to consider the "totality of circumstances" when determining who to stop and question about wearing a mask. "We are not creating some new initiative or anti-mask taskforce. We understand there are legitimate health reasons why people wear masks. But we also understand there are people who are taking advantage of that and they are using masks to conceal their identity in order to prey on the community and we see it time and time again," he said.
Since the statements about crushing cars and banning wearing face masks in public have been in the news, I have heard from several of you. Your comments are heartfelt and I am not taking them for granted. Some of the first comments I received stated how uncharacteristic it is for Louisville to jump from confiscating cars to crushing them without first offering alternative solutions such as tougher penalties for violators and a longer timeframe for confiscated cars to sit in the tow lot. A couple of you recommended that the city sale confiscated cars and put the money to good use or donate the cars in some manner.
I read similar comments in emails from you about the mayor's intent to have LMPD enforce the mask ban. You've shared that his approach seems like a knee-jerk reaction to rising homicides and does nothing to address the root causes of crime. Many of you fear that you will be unnecessarily harassed or detained, and others may be intentionally profiled.
Here is an email --- word for word --- from a District 7 constituent:
"Please defend your health conscious and immune compromised constituents against Mayor Greenberg’s anti-masking ordinance enforcement which contains NO health exceptions. We are in the middle of a peak of COVID-19 in Louisville and I need to do everything to keep me and my family safe. I have immune compromised family and I myself do not want to get COVID due to its potential for life threatening disabilities. This enforcement criminalizes law abiding residents and places US in the crosshairs of hate. We just want to stay healthy and safe and Mayor Greenberg’s actions will do nothing to curb criminals who already don’t follow the rule of law. Why am I and my family and my neighbors being targeted and criminalized by this ordinance?!"
Let me assure you that I will work closely with the mayor's office and the appropriate Metro Council committees to address both of these issues. My approach will support LMPD and the tools they need to do their jobs to the best of their abilities. With this support, I will be very clear about looking out for YOUR best interest. I consider myself tough on crime. However, I will scrutinize every aspect of any updates to the mask ordinance that may inconvenience persons with health issues and unfairly affect or profile law-abiding citizens. Regarding car crushing, I agree that it seems a bit harsh to jump from confiscating cars to crushing them without considering alternatives in between. I will recommend some alternatives that will harshly penalize thoughtless individuals for their reckless behavior. Crushing cars will be a part of the process, but not the only solution to the problem.
With anything, especially creating laws, level-headed conversations must take place and all pros and cons must be discussed. Yes, lawless people must be held accountable - and as harshly as the law allows. But as I have always known, every action has a reaction and every decision has consequences. Therefore, as the Council considers the mayor's proposals, I will weigh in and make sure we have examined every possible scenario and create ordinances that are criminal-deterrent and lawful constituent-friendly.
The purpose of this contest is to use art as a catalyst to encourage civic discussions among students in a fun and creative way. The contest is planned and implemented by the Jefferson County Clerk's Office Communications, Media, & Public Relations Division, under the direction of Voter Outreach, Inc., a nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation formed by the Jefferson County Clerk's Office.
Below are all the need-to-knows about the contest:
HOW THE CONTEST WORKS Participating schools will host a competition to choose a first and second-place winner to go on to represent their school as finalists in their division. Three divisions will group finalists: Elementary Division (grades K-5), Middle School Division (grades 6-8), and High School Division (grades 9–12). Both finalists, their families, and their school's art teacher will attend a ceremony for a fun night filled with awards, announcements, and refreshments. If a school does not have an art teacher, they may choose the next best staff member to accompany finalists and be a representative of the school. On ceremony night, a group of community and business leaders will hold an election to vote for the winning work of art in each division to announce during the awards ceremony and present a BIG prize package to them, their school representative, and the school.
CONTEST THEME What voting rights mean to you.
ARTWORK GUIDELINES Students must illustrate an original work of art on copy paper within the exact dimensions of an actual Kentucky motor vehicle license plate. Pencils, crayons, colored pencils, paint, and similar drawing mediums are allowed, but graphic art software is prohibited.
Official 11x17 template attached.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE The contest is open to all K-12 students in Jefferson County, Kentucky.
Application attached.
KEY DATES & TIMELINE Friday, November 22: Deadline for schools to confirm participation
Friday, February 21: Deadline for schools to submit finalists' names
Friday, March 14: Deadline to receive finalists' artwork
Note Please submit your participation application via email to: JJessop@JeffersonCountyClerk.org or fax: (502) 584-3213. Please mail the finalists' artwork (with their name and school written on the back) to:
Johnathan Jessop 200 S. Fifth Street, Suite 230 South Louisville, KY 40202
Reply to this email or check out the art contest’s webpage for more information: https://elections.jeffersoncountyclerk.org/license-to-vote/.
The last couple of weeks, as many others, have been busy. I moderated a conversation about the Constitution and Democracy, hosted by Simmons College of Kentucky. The panelists, Dr. Jemar Tisby and Attorney Chris Sanders, imparted a wealth of information about the Constitution of the United States and its relevancy today.
The United States Congress, by virtue of a joint resolution on August 2, 1956, requested that the President proclaim the week beginning September 17 and ending September 23 of each year as “Constitution Week.” The tradition lives on today.
|
I (seated at a table to the right of the picture) also moderated a panel discussion last week regarding policing in Louisville and the Department of Justice's investigation and the impending consent decree. The event, hosted by Leadership Kentucky, was attended by its current class of 52 participants. The stellar panelists included LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey (not pictured), Second Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Elizabeth Jones Brown, Deputy Mayor David James, and Assistant United States Attorney Jessica R.C. Malloy (on screen). The Department of Justice's consent decree is still being negotiated and no one could say when it will be finalized and put into effect for Louisville Metro Government and the LMPD.
|
On Friday, September 20th, I hosted a tour at Oxmoor Farm. Guests included Metro Councilmembers Jennifer Chappell and Donna Purvis; Deputy Mayor Dana Mayton and the Mayor's Office Metro Council Liaison Keturah Morrow; Briarwood Mayor Brian Sutton; St. Matthews Mayor Richard Tonini and St. Matthews Councilwoman Amy Olson; and Windy Hills Mayor Dr. John Roberts.
To say the tour was good is a huge understatement. The tour was FABULOUS! I am looking forward to scheduling more tours for District 7 residents to experience. The pictures above are intentionally concentrated in one area because I didn't want to give too much away about the tour. It is indeed a must see. Stay tuned for the announcement of the next district tour at Oxmoor Farm. You will not want to miss it!
The Women's Caucus meeting held on Thursday, September 19th with Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong, author of "Hill Women: Finding Family and a Way Forward in the Appalachian Mountains," was engaging and well-attended. Everyone enjoyed hearing about the complexities and joys of growing up in the Appalachian Hills with strong rural mountain women.
 |
The Senator kicked off the meeting by sharing a video presentation filled with pictures of her childhood home environment and then spoke about the heart and grit of her grandmother, mother, and aunt. Together, they were her motivation and very instrumental in sending her to Yale College and Harvard Law School, and from the hills and hollers to the State Senate of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. After a few interview questions from me and several from participants, we were all more aware of the influence adults have on children and how that influence can manifest into a lifetime of successes. We are grateful to Senator Chambers Armstrong for sharing her story and life lessons from the Appalachian region.
The next Women's Caucus is currently being planned and it will take place in November. I will keep you posted.
On last Saturday, I participated in a voter registration and education motorcade and rally with my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Omega Chapter. Mayor Greenberg helped us kick off the day by presenting the chapter with a proclamation. We then drove throughout the Russell and California neighborhoods in what we called a "votercade." With decorated cars and loud horns, we spread the message about the importance of voting. We parked our cars in the Lyles Mall and Kroger parking lots at 28th and Broadway to distribute flyers and educate customers on how to register, check the status of their registration, and find their polling place.
|
The rally took place at the St. Stephen Family Life Center and included several local sororities, fraternities and nonprofit organizations. We left the rally encouraged and motivated to get out the vote for the November 5th General Election.
TO REGISTER OR CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION, CLICK HERE: https://www.vote.org/kentucky/
To register in Kentucky you must:
- Be a citizen of the United States;
- Be a resident of Kentucky for at least 28 days before to Election Day;
- Be 18 years of age on or before the next general election;
- Not be a convicted felon, or if you have been convicted of a felony, your civil rights must have been restored by expungement, executive pardon, or executive order;
- Not have been judged “mentally incompetent” in a court of law;
- Not claim the right to vote anywhere outside Kentucky.
 |
 |
Unfortunately, someone thought it was a good idea to deface these seats that are mounted on Westport Rd. near a bus stop (across from the St. Matthews Fire Station). These seats were purchased for District 7 and other districts throughout this community with neighborhood development funds when the old Cardinal Stadium was being demolished. Your tax dollars were used to invest in these benches, so I am sure you may feel as I do that whoever did this dirty deed should be ashamed of themselves. (I actually feel angrier about this than I am letting on, but I will be nice about it at this moment.)
This is definitely a "see something, say something" situation. It is very unfortunate that some people are heartless and a menace to society. But we will not let this behavior get the best of us. I will contact the Public Works Department to ask if they can remove the markings or repaint the benches.
Please keep a watchful eye on our district and contact me at paula.mccraney@louisvilleky.gov or call the office at (502) 574-1107, if you see something that requires immediate attention.
Metro Council Committee Meetings Highlights
The meeting highlights video can be accessed here: https://youtu.be/nH4HDANsups
Here are some of the highlights from the meeting:
Old Business
Approved
- O-074-24: an ordinance establishing the Urban Government Center Development District or Tax Incremental Financing (TIF).
Consent Calendar – all items passed unanimously
- O-205-24: an ordinance authorizing the sale of bonds for the fiscal year 2024 Capital Budget.
- R-091-24: a resolution accepting up to $111 million from the Commonwealth’s Department for Local Government.
- R-097-24: a resolution honoring Mr. Carman Weathers by dedicating the corner of 11th Street and Chestnut Street as “Carmen Weathers Way” in his honor.
- R-098-24: a resolution honoring the following individuals: Ms. Diane Porter, Dr. Robert Douglas, Honorable Judge Joan ‘Toni’ Stringer, Mr. Frank Wimberly, Sr., Honorable Senator Gerald Neal, Honorable E. Porter Hatcher, Honorable Cheri B. Hamilton, Mr. Ed Kallay, Honorable Paul Bather, and Honorable Darryl Owens for their service to the Louisville community by erecting honorary street signs along Southwestern Parkway at certain intersecting streets in their honor.
- Appointments to the following boards: Kentuckiana Works, Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission, Louisville Regional Airport Authority, and Parking Authority of River City.
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, October 10, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
GOVERNOR BESHEAR - TEAM KENTUCKY UPDATE
Gov. Beshear Designates October as Manufacturing Month in Kentucky
Industry is driving job creation
throughout the commonwealth
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 2, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted October as Manufacturing Month in Kentucky as the industry continues to be a key factor in Kentucky’s record economic growth and job creation with more than 6,000 facilities statewide employing over 260,000 Kentuckians.
“Kentucky plays an important and key role in the nation’s manufacturing sector thanks to the thousands of businesses statewide that produce incredible Kentucky-made products,” said Gov. Beshear. “This sector includes production in the food and beverage, aerospace, automotive and electric vehicle and metals industries, among others. These industries have positioned our state as a national leader in manufacturing. I want to thank every manufacturer across the commonwealth for their part in our continued success, as well as the unmatched workforce that makes this success possible.”
Kentucky’s best four years on record for private-sector growth, from 2020 to 2023, has been in large part thanks to the growth of the commonwealth’s manufacturing presence, and the industry has spurred rising wages for families throughout the commonwealth. The industry also contributes $38 billion annually to the state’s gross domestic product.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Nyasi means “grass” in Swahili language. Giraffe inhabit the tall savanna grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa.
The Louisville Zoo asked fans and advocates to participate in naming its male giraffe calf, and the people have spoken. Neary 4,000 votes were cast from individuals throughout Kentucky and southern Indiana as well as 38 states plus the district of Columbia during a two-week voting period, with Nyasi emerging as the favorite by an 8-vote margin. This name was selected from three options that reflected both the calf’s spirited personality and the native habitats of Masai giraffes.
The Zoo welcomed Nyasi into the family on August 9, 2024. He is the offspring of doting mother, 7-year-old, Kianga, and towering father, 8-year-old Baridi.
The giraffe family can be seen daily in the giraffe yard. Guests can also watch the trio bond behind-the-scenes on the Zoo’s giraffe camera at louisvillezoo.org/giraffecam.
About Masai Giraffes
Masai giraffes, native to East Africa, are the largest subspecies of giraffe. They are distinguished by their irregular, star-shaped spots which are like a fingerprint and unique to each individual animal. The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species categorizes giraffes as vulnerable. Masai giraffe populations have declined by more than 50 percent in last 30 years due to habitat loss and poaching. The Louisville Zoo is committed to the conservation of this essential, iconic species through education, breeding programs, and support of preservation efforts in the wild.
|
 |
 |
 |
The Main Library is getting ready for major renovations, and the Friends of LFPL are helping by cleaning out the book vault. Everything must go!
Saturday, October 12, 10am-4pm
Sunday, October 13, 1-3pm
at the Main Library, 301 York St.
Books & media - $1
Children's Books - $.50
Bag ($5) / Box ($10) Sale on Sunday only
Learn more about getting involved with the Friends of the LFPL at https://www.friendsofthelfpl.org/
Oct. 4-6, 10–13, 17–20, 24–27
Nightly 5–9 p.m.
Join us for the sweetest party in town!
Enjoy trick-or-treating for kids 11-and-under, rides and special attractions all for one great price! A Louisville tradition for over 40 years, this party experience is designed to give you all the merry you love with none of the scary.
Tickets Required
Boo at the Zoo is a rain or shine event, with no refunds or exchanges. To provide you with the best experience, all tickets must be purchased in advance on the Zoo's website.
A ticket is required for all guests ages 3+
Guests can enter until 9 p.m. and must exit by 10 p.m.
Most of the Zoo’s animals will not be viewable in the evenings
so they can rest and maintain their regular schedules.
Meijer tickets are valid for any Boo at the Zoo night at a discounted price.
DATE: October 15, 2024
TIME: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
COST: FREE
Join us for a not-so-spooky evening of collecting sweet treats door-to-door throughout Westport Village on Tuesday, October 29th from 5-7pm!
We look forward to seeing you soon for this free and fun trick-or-treating event for the whole family!
(View the Answer Below)
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.
-
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.
-
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)
-
Large household items (landfilled)
- Documents for shredding (recycled)
Prescription medication (disposed properly)
|
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. |
