Louisville Metro Government, through the Office of Advanced Planning, has begun the process of creating a neighborhood plan for the Bowman Field area.

This plan aims to address the planning needs and policy goals of this diverse community, offering a “roadmap” for future growth and sustainability. The Bowman Area Neighborhoods Plan includes the Seneca Vista, Bowman, Park Hills, Hawthorne, and Big Spring Gardens neighborhoods, as well as the cities of Kingsley, Seneca Gardens, Strathmoor Village, and Wellington.

Rundell Ernstberger Associates, a local landscape architecture, planning, and urban design firm, has been retained to provide facilitation and technical guidance in this process.

This plan is expected to address multiple topics, including but not limited to:

• The influence of Bowman Field on the area;
• Taylorsville Road and other significant corridors, including Cannons Lane and Dutchmans Lane;
• Challenges presented by proximity to I-64 and the Watterson Expressway, including noise and traffic;
• Zoning and form districts, and
• Access and relationship of the area to Seneca Park and Cherokee Park.

As part of this planning process, the planning team will host a three-day community workshop with several opportunities to provide input. All events will be held at the historic Bowman Field Administration Building, located at 2817 Taylorsville Road.

• Open House – Tuesday, May 14, 6-8 p.m.
  • The open house will include interactive workstations to capture the community’s vision for the future of the area. The public is invited to stop by any time between 6 and 8 p.m. Community input is used to help formulate preliminary planning recommendations.
• Open Office Hours – Wednesday, May 15, 1:30-5 p.m.
  • The open office hours are an additional opportunity for community members to share their input directly with the planning team.
• Public Presentation – Thursday, May 16, 6-7:30 p.m.
  • The planning team will present preliminary recommendations for the plan and gather additional community input immediately following the presentation.

For more information on the project, please visit www.bowmanareaplan.com.

Councilman Brandon Coan (D-8) is encouraging the community to come out and discuss partnership opportunities between Louisville Metro Government and Jefferson County Public Schools to enhance neighborhoods and the schools that anchor them.

          “Bringing our city government and school systems closer together and sharing resources is vital to a healthy and vibrant community.” says Coan.

          The JCPS / Louisville Metro Government Town & Gown-Hall Meeting is set for Monday, May 13th between, 6:00 PM-7:15 PM at Atherton High School, 3000 Dundee Road.

          Participating in the discussion along with Councilman Coan are JCPS Board Member Dr. Chris Kolb, Atherton High Principal Tom Aberli and Upper Highlands Neighborhood Association President Honi Goldman.

          This is the third in a series of Town and Gown-Hall Meetings Councilman Coan will hold at schools around District 8.

          For more information, contact Councilman Coan’s Office at 574-1108.

Councilman Kevin Triplett (D-15) is praising Solid Waste Management Services Enforcement Officers for their persistence in impounding a fourth vehicle that was involved in two separate acts of illegal dumping.

The first was in the 3600 block of Parthenia Avenue, then the second was in 4100 block of Craig Avenue.

“These Officers deserve our thanks as a community for not giving up when it comes to catching illegal dumpers,” says Triplett. “We, on the Metro Council, continue to send a very strong message that if you decided to illegally dump in our neighborhoods, it will be costly when we catch you.”

According to SWMS, officers where looking for a truck that was witnessed on surveillance cameras being used to dump tree debris in the 3600 block of Parthenia Ave. back in February of this year. SWMS Enforcement was unable to locate the owner of the truck at that time.

Last month, SWMS Enforcement Officers were investigating a separate illegal dumping case in the 4100 block of Craig Ave. During that investigation, it was learned the citizen they were investigating for dumping on Craig Ave. paid someone to haul off and dispose of the material.

Officers received information on the individual, and it turned out to be the same person they were looking for that dumped on Parthenia in February.  

According to SWMS, in total, the illegal dumper will owe $1,500 and approximately $250 impound fees.

It’s an opportunity to clean out the garage, the attic, and the basement of those things that have been collecting dust over the years and get them to a place where someone else might be able to use them, or where they can be safely disposed.

Councilman Bill Hollander (D-9) announces the Annual Responsible Recycling Event set for Saturday May 18th between 9:30am and 12:30pm at the Louisville Water Tower Park, 3005 River Road.

 “This is a great way to remove those things in your home that could find new life by being recycled,” says Hollander. “Any Louisville Metro resident can help the environment and a variety of non-profits by simply bringing to one location what you no longer want or use and dropping it off for free.”

The Free Responsible Recycling Event is open to all Louisville Metro residents.  It is easy to participate. Just gather what you would like to recycle, then drive up and drop your items off at the appropriate vendor.  Businesses will not be allowed to participate at this event. A multitude of items will be accepted for recycling, reuse, or safe disposal, including paper for shredding, electronics, and old, expired and unused medications.

The following items will be accepted

• BATTERIES – Rechargeable ONLY.
• BOOKS – Friends of the Library will be onsite to collect GENTLY used books (hardbacks & paperbacks, NO magazines).
• COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS – Genie Recycling will be on-site collecting monitors, terminals, computer towers, laptops, printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, keyboard/mice, cables & wires, phones, iPads, small electronics, VHS/DVD players, stereo, etc.
• DRUG DISPOSAL – LMPD will be onsite for safe collection of unused and expired medications.
• HANDHELD ELECTRONICS – cell phones, cell phone accessories, iPods, tablets, MP3 players.
• MEDICAL SURPLUS ITEMS – walkers, wheelchairs, orthopedic items, diabetic supplies, ace bandages, gauze pads, canes, etc.
• SHOES – WaterStep will be on-site collecting new and gently used shoes. Must be dry and free of mold
• SHREDDING – All Shred will be on-site to securely shred paper documents ONLY. Please put documents in paper bags for shred-ding.
• USED COOKING OIL – OilTech will be collecting used cooking oil. Oil must be free of food particles.

For a complete list of accepted items, please visit louisvilleky.gov/district9. On the event page is a flyer with attachments with detailed lists of accepted items from each organization.

Please note, TVs will not be accepted this year onsite, but may be recycled at the Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue.

 “We have made it easy to get rid of things people no longer use, with no cost to bring in these items that will benefit others,” says Hollander. “If you have tried to find a way to dispose of those things you have around the house, then I encourage you to take advantage of this event.”

Among the vendors on hand: All-Shred, Genie e-Waste, Friends of the Library, Louisville Metro Police, OilTech, Supplies Overseas, and WaterStep.

Visit www.louisvilleky.gov/district9 for more information, or contact Councilman Hollander’s office at 574-1109.

Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Louisville Parks and Recreation, Mayor Greg Fischer, Councilman Brandon Coan, and Tyler Park Neighborhood Association will kick off construction for the $1.1 million restoration project in Tyler Park on Tuesday, May 7. The groundbreaking ceremony will be held on the east side of the bridge, in front of the historic tennis courts at 10am.

The conservancy and its donors have funded $842,000 of the project with Louisville Metro Government and TPNA coming up with the rest.

“We are all pleased to see the start of this project as it will greatly improve the park for the neighborhood and its visitors,” stated Layla George, President and CEO of Olmsted Parks Conservancy. “This project is made possible because of the generous support from donors through our Campaign for Extraordinary Parks, Mayor Greg Fischer, and Councilman Brandon Coan.”

Tyler Park, established in 1910, is a 13-acre Olmsted-designed park unique with its irregular shape and sloping terrain. The park’s centerpiece is an historic bridge which adds character to this beloved neighborhood greenspace. In Summer 2018, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, working with Louisville Parks and Recreation and Tyler Park Neighborhood Association, developed a plan for restoration that combines the park’s unique historic features with offerings that meet the needs of today’s park visitors.

The Tyler Park Neighborhood Association has helped fund park improvements over the last few years, including a new walkway on the northeast side, installation of more than 10 park benches and planting of many trees and shrubs. Feedback from the Association was essential to the development of the restoration plan.

“The Tyler Park Neighborhood Association is thrilled that renovations are beginning on our beloved, historic park,” said Kristen Millwood, President of the Tyler Park Neighborhood Association, when asked about the project. “These renovations will help keep our park a vibrant space for generations to come with some much-needed updates that respect the unique character of Tyler Park.”

Construction will start on the east side of the bridge, where the two historic tennis courts are being repaired, resurfaced and re-fenced. This section of the project is set to be completed this June.

Scheduled to be completed this fall, construction on the west side of the bridge will include:

• Moving the existing playground and sprayground areas and equipping with modern features:
• Constructing a new restroom building;
• Adding a natural area playground;
• Installing new picnic tables and benches;
• And adding parking spaces to improve accessibility.

In the last phase of the project, improvements will be made on the east side of the bridge to:

• Repurpose the four-tennis court set to feature two tennis courts, one half-court basketball court and two pickleball courts;
• Install a rain garden and infiltration basin to address drainage issues;
• Add new picnic tables and benches;
• And improve existing walking paths.

“Tyler Park is the namesake and crown jewel of our neighborhood,” said District 8 Councilman Brandon Coan. “The master plan implementation, coupled with the Barret/Castlewood project and nearby street resurfacing soon to be completed, will transform the area over the next several months.  I can’t thank Olmsted Parks Conservancy donors enough for their vision and generosity.”

“For 30 years, the Olmsted Parks Conservancy has served as an invaluable passionate and dedicated advocacy group that supports Louisville’s collection of Olmsted-designed parks,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “Their work, in conjunction with Louisville Parks and Recreation, will transform Tyler Park for the enjoyment of generations of Louisville residents.”

Future improvements to Tyler Park, outside of the restoration project, include the installation of a wheelchair ramp connecting the east and west side of the park, making it easier and safer to get from one side of the park to the other. The ramp is currently included in the Mayor’s recommended budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year and could be added later this year if approved. The Tyler Park Master Plan also includes a 25-person pavilion which is not funded at this time.

Mayor Greg Fischer and Kent Oyler, president and CEO of Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI), today announced that Louisville Forward, the city’s economic and community development organization, and GLI, the 15-county regional chamber of commerce, have been jointly recognized as Top U.S. Economic Development Groups for 2018 by Site Selection magazine.

This is the fifth straight year Louisville Forward has received the Mac Conway Award for its economic development efforts and the third year in a row that Louisville Forward and GLI have shared the award for their regional efforts. In addition to pro-business advocacy efforts, GLI works to transition project leads to the local economic development organization, including Louisville Forward, in a 15-county region. In 2018, projects representing $972 million in investment and 5,936 new jobs were announced in the 15 counties.

“The economic momentum Louisville and the region are experiencing is undeniable,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Once again, our city has been recognized for the work it and its partners do every day to grow the local economy, attract talent and new jobs, and boost the standard of living. This award is a testament to the efforts of Louisville Forward’s hard-working economic development team, led by Chief Mary Ellen Wiederwohl.”

As the economic hub for the region, Louisville Forward had a banner year in 2018, locating 58 projects in Jefferson County, representing $400 million in investment and 3,128 new jobs. Since its creation, Louisville Forward has announced projects that represent approximately 25,000 new jobs and $5.6 billion in investment by providing concierge project management services.

“Through our collective efforts, Greater Louisville continues to gain momentum to attract employers to the 15-county region and accelerate economic growth,” said Kent Oyler, president and CEO of GLI. “By elevating economic development through regional partnerships, Louisville extends its capacity to recruit and grow jobs, workforce and advocate for a strong business environment.”

The Mac Conway Award winners have been determined by an index that examines 2018 corporate facility investment projects in U.S. metro areas as tracked by Site Selection’s proprietary Conway Projects database. The recognition is based on six criteria – total projects, total investment associated with those projects and total jobs associated with those projects; and those same three numbers calculated per capita for the metro area.

“With its young and educated workforce, low cost of living and pro-business environment, Louisville is clearly on the rise, and Louisville Forward and Greater Louisville Inc. has become a perennial recipient of Site Selection’s Mac Conway Awards,” said Gary Daughters, senior editor at Site Selection magazine. “As economic growth does not occur in a vacuum, a dynamic and well-funded economic development agency is crucial to a region’s success.”

Top projects highlighted by Site Selection were:

• Haier’s $200 million expansion of GE Appliances’ dishwasher and laundry machine production, creating 400 new jobs
• The location of Chewy.com’s Pharmacy Customer Service Center, which created 300 high-paying jobs and represents a $7.2 million investment
• Louisville-based Heaven Hill Distilleries’ plans to build a $65 million Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown, Ky.

Greater Louisville Inc. works with partners throughout the 15-county region to provide relocation and economic development services. Some recent regional projects include:

• Denso Products and Services Americas Inc.: Global automotive supplier investing in $10 million facility at River Ridge in Southern Indiana, creating 50 new jobs
• Niagara Water: A $56 million investment to located in Indiana’s River Ridge Commerce Center, creating 49 new jobs
• Rabbit Hole Distillery: A new bourbon storage warehouse in Henry County, Ky.

Louisvillians hoping to find a fresh start, help with finances, or a new career direction will find a wealth of opportunities at the “Be Empowered at the Nia” event on Thursday, May 9. The event will be held at the Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Resources and activities include free credit reports and one-on-one credit counseling, a career fair, workshops focusing on work readiness and small business resources, adult education services and GED information, financial education tools and products on the BB&T Bank Bus, and HIV testing. 

This event also features free food, door prizes and ample parking as well free bus tickets donated by TARC that will serve as some of the door prizes as well as distributed in advance to assist residents interested in attending the event. 

Sponsored by BB&T, the “Be Empowered” event brings together partner agencies at the Nia Center including the Office of Financial Empowerment — part of Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, Louisville Forward, KentuckianaWorks’ Kentucky Career Center, and TARC along with Apprisen, Bank on Louisville, Cardinal Success Program, Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, Job Corps, Keeping It Real Neighborhood Institute, Louisville Asset Building Coalition, Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission and others.

The Career Fair will be held at the Kentucky Career Center at the Nia Center on the first floor between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. including ten employers from high demand industries from the public and private sectors. Job seekers are encouraged to bring a photo ID and copies of a resume or work history and come dressed to meet employers. They will also be asked to complete a two-sided survey. 

Pre-register online at https://focuscareer.ky.gov/careerexplorer/home or arrive early to register and even print your resume. For assistance preparing a resume in advance, visit the Kentucky Career Center at the Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway Suite 100, or at 600 West Cedar.

Participating employers at the Career Fair include:

• Walgreens
• Omni Louisville
• Kroger
• Goodwill Industries
• White Lodging
• 160 Driving Academy
• Department of Corrections-Louisville Metro
• Census 2020

Also featured will be the BB&T Bank Bus between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., a 40-foot mobile classroom providing credit report education, unclaimed property searches, self-file income tax preparation stations, as well as comprehensive financial services. BB&T personnel will also be available to help with checking and savings accounts and other financial services and provide access to computer-based Money Smart Financial Education.

Apprisen will be on hand to pull tri-merge credit reports and check credit health.  Louisville Metro’s Office of Financial Empowerment will sign up individuals interested in the new AcceLOUrate Savings program which provides free financial coaching and goal-setting. 

Nine free workshops will be offered throughout the day including:

• Expungement Clinic presented by Legal Aid, 10 – 11 a.m.
• Interview prep presented by KentuckianaWorks, 10 – 11 a.m.
• Financial Coaching presented by Louisville Metro Financial Empowerment, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Exploring Entrepreneurship presented by Louisville Metro Microbusiness, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Metro Certification Process for Small Business presented by the Human Relations Commission, 12 – 1 p.m.
• Violence Prevention Workshop, presented by Cure Violence, 12 – 1 p.m.
• Tenant’s Rights presented by Legal Aid, 1 – 2 p.m.
• Credit as an Asset presented by BB&T and Financial Empowerment, 2- 3 p.m.
• Computer Essentials presented by KentuckianaWorks

“The Financial Empowerment and Job Fair Day is a great example of how the Nia Center partners are working together to offer an array of workforce and entrepreneurial development resources for our community,” said Eric Friedlander, acting director of Louisville Metro Resilience and Community Services. “We want residents to walk away feeling empowered to strengthen their households and change their future.” 

Participants at the May 9 event are encouraged to share their experiences and photos on social media using #NiaPower.