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The U.S. Water Alliance on Tuesday named Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer the 2018 winner of the U.S. Water Prize for Outstanding Public Official, citing his commitment to water workforce development.
The U.S. Water Alliance awards Water Prizes each year in six categories to celebrate outstanding achievement in the advancement of sustainable, integrated, and inclusive solutions to our nation’s water challenges. It is the preeminent national recognition program for exemplary efforts to secure a sustainable water future for all.
“I’m honored to accept this on behalf of Louisville and all our partners helping us innovate and care for one of our most important resources,” Mayor Fischer said.
Fischer received the prize in Minneapolis, Minn. during the One Water Summit, an annual event that brings together 875 water leaders from across the country. Community groups, water utilities, private sector companies, environmental and agricultural groups and others come to One Water Summit to participate in discussion and problem solving around our nation’s most pressing water problems.
The Alliance said Fischer had “contributed to substantial growth and advancement in the water sector both locally and nationally. He has championed multiple water-related initiatives, including the One Water Initiative, 100 Resilient Cities, Water System Regionalization, and the Louisville MSD Critical Repair and Re-investment Plan. Through these innovative initiatives, Mayor Fischer has improved customer service, identified revenue opportunities, and realized cost savings for the Louisville community. Mayor Fischer’s work illustrates his understanding that investment in our aging water, wastewater, and flood protection systems are part of the formula that will lead to a resilient Louisville.”
The One Water Initiative, designed to improve customer service and realize cost savings through the sharing of services among Louisville MSD and Louisville Water Company, has produced benefits, savings and revenue of nearly $12 million.
As part of 100 Resilient Cities, Louisville joined an initiative dedicated to helping cities around the world become more resilient to challenges including aging infrastructure and risks due to climate change. Mayor Fischer also supported Louisville MSD’s Critical Repair and Re-investment Plan that includes upgrading Louisville’s flood protection systems and addressing aging infrastructure county-wide.
For more information about the U.S. Water Alliance, visit http://uswateralliance.org
The goal of “Clearing The Air” is to give the public an inside look at the APCD, everything from the science of air pollution to the laws and regulations that protect our health from harmful air.
“We’re excited to share the District’s work in a setting that will encourage dialogue and learning,” said Michelle King, APCD Director of Program Planning. “We can learn more about our community’s questions and concerns, while providing an opportunity for person-to-person conversations with individuals who want to know more about Louisville’s air quality.”
Although the smoggy, polluted skies of the 1970s are a distant memory, Louisville still must work to meet federal air quality standards. As a major industrial and logistics hub located in a heavily populated river valley, Louisville is challenged to control air pollution while maintaining a robust local economy.
“Air quality is a very important topic in Louisville that affects every community,” said APCD Environmental Coordinator Torend Collins, who is overseeing the workshop series. “These workshops are a great way to learn more about APCD and how we, as members of the community, can continue to improve Louisville’s air.”
“Clearing The Air” will consist of seven free workshops, all to be held at the Louisville Free Public Library, 301 York St.
• July 16: APCD 101/Louisville’s Air Quality
• July 30: Air Quality & Health/Reducing My Pollution Impact
• Aug. 13: Odors: Reporting and Responding
• Aug. 27: The APCD Regulatory Process
• Sept. 10: How We Monitor Air Quality
• Sept. 22: Technical Workshop *
• Sept. 24: The STAR Program/Environmental Justice
The workshops will be 5:30-7 p.m., and they are free and open to the public.
(*Exception: The Technical Workshop will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m.)
“Working with our partners in the community and the Environmental Protection Agency, we hope to provide information and training to further empower residents with resources that will help improve our health and our understanding of the successes and challenges that make up the story of Louisville’s air – past, present, and future,” King said.
For updates, go to www.louisvilleky.gov/APCD or call (502) 574-6000.
Mayor Greg Fischer today joined Metro Animal Services and Friends of Metro Animal Services (FOMAS) for the groundbreaking of a state-of-the-art animal care complex located at 3516 Newburg Road, which will replace the outdated shelter built in 1966.
“This modern, full-service animal shelter will help us provide the optimal care that our animals deserve,” Mayor Fischer said. “I’m pleased to see yet another sign of the tremendous progress we’re making as a city and another reflection of our core value of compassion.”
The 33,000-square-foot facility can house up to 235 animals. The nearly $11.5 million facility will include a Community Spay and Neuter clinic that will operate independently from the shelter, offering low-cost vaccinations and microchipping.
A modern veterinary wing that meets industry standards will include the shelter’s first X-ray machine and four surgery tables. The new facility also includes space specifically for small mammals.
The benefits of a new shelter are not limited to the building: It will allow LMAS to increase enrichment opportunities for shelter pets waiting to be adopted. The campus features six play yards compared to just one at the current shelter, as well as a half-mile walking track.
Grooming and photo rooms will ensure homeless shelter pets look their best for potential adopters viewing their online profiles.
“We’re not just building an animal shelter for today, we’re ensuring LMAS can meet the needs of Louisville’s homeless pet population in the future,” said Ozzy Gibson, director of LMAS. “This will be a shelter that citizens can be proud to support.”
Mayor Fischer said it was part of improvements and innovations at Animal Services, including programs such as the Pay It Forward free adoptions, that have helped increase the agency’s live release rate for both dogs and cats to over 90 percent, earning it “No Kill” status for time or space.
The new animal care facility, located next to Animal House Adoption Center which was built in 2009, is expected to be complete by late summer 2019.
As Louisville residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, Louisville Metro Government officials are urging residents to stay safe – including those attending outdoor events amid a heat index that could reach 110 degrees.
In addition, Louisville Fire officials discouraged residents from using consumer fireworks, which can be dangerous, and instead attend a public display by trained professionals. This year, the Louisville Waterfront Fourth celebration will feature free musical entertainment, family activities, a patriotic installation of 15,000 U.S. flags, festival cuisine and a Zambelli fireworks display from a barge on the Ohio River. https://louisvillewaterfront.com/plan-your-visit/calendar/waterfront-fou…
Celebrations are also planned at Historic Locust Grove and in the Crescent Hill neighborhood on the grounds of the Peterson-Dumesnil House.
“Independence Day is a wonderful time to celebrate our great country and spend time with our family, friends and neighbors,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “I want to encourage people to take precautions, so they can still enjoy the Fourth and keep themselves and their family safe.”
Extremely high or unusually hot temperatures can affect your health. Most vulnerable are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor, and those with chronic medical conditions. City officials advised residents to use air conditioning and limit outdoor and strenuous activity; wear light, loose-fitting clothing; check on family and neighbors; drink plenty of water and don’t leave people or pets in a car for any period of time.
In addition, watch for the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which include:
- Exhaustion
- Excessive sweating
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Dizziness
- Stroke
- No sweating
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Headache
To help residents cool off, Louisville Parks and Recreation officials said three pools are open on July 4 for those who need to cool off: Algonquin, Fairdale and Norton (Camp Taylor). Also, more than 30 spray grounds will be open.
Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District issued a reminder that it is illegal in Louisville Metro to shoot off airborne and/or exploding fireworks in your yard or neighborhood. They are also not permitted in public parks.
Fireworks cause an average of nearly 18,500 reported fires each year in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association. Thousands of people, most often children, are injured while using fireworks, including sparklers.
Capt. Salvador Melendez of the Louisville Division of Fire recommends that residents follow the following safety tips:
- Leave fireworks to the professionals.
- Do not use consumer fireworks.
- Do not allow children to pick up leftover fireworks, as they may still be active.
The Parking Authority of the River City (PARC) will adjust parking rates at its surface lots, meters and garages effective August 1.
Meter rates will increase from $1.75 to $2 per hour. Monthly rates in PARC garages will increase by $5 in most facilities. PARC operates 17 public garages and lots in the Central Business District and will adjust rates in all but three – Riverfront garage located at 141 N. Sixth Street and Happy Birthday lot located at 920 W. Main Street, both of which will soon be undergoing updates and repairs, and the Omni garage at 432 S. Third Street, which was opened earlier this year with higher rates.
The daily maximum and minimum rates will remain the same; however, rate increments will be simplified. For example, PARC currently offers 10 different rate increments (1-2 hours, 6-8 hours, etc.), that number will be decreased to five rate increments.
Every 2 years, PARC reviews the competitiveness of its rates against peer cities and private operations based on market demand. The last parking rate adjustment was summer of 2016.
Additionally, the rate adjustment is necessary to allow PARC to continue investing in aging infrastructure to extend the life of the facilities. Improvements include a total restoration of the Riverfront garage, new lighting in the Muhammad Ali Center garage, security cameras, and new equipment to improve accessibility and intercom services at all PARC garages.
Notice of the rate adjustment has been posted in all PARC garages.
Earlier this year, PARC announced the new Go 502 app that makes parking downtown easier and allows users to pay for parking on their mobile phone. For more information on Go 502, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parking-authority-parc/pay-cell-parking
To view a map of PARC’s surface lots and garages, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parking-authority-parc/parc-street-g…
Photo: Louisville Metro Government
Mayor Greg Fischer today announced that Louisville Metro Government (LMG) has entered into a development agreement with The Marian Group for the redevelopment of the former Urban Government Center (UGC) site.
The Urban Government Center is an 11.85 acre site consisting of four buildings that have served as government offices for the last several decades. 810 Barret, the most prominent of the buildings on site, is a 7-story structure constructed in 1924 as the Kentucky Baptist Hospital; annexes were added to the building at later dates to form an entrance area and elevator shaft. The remainder of the site consists of a 4-story building constructed in 1940 as housing for nursing students, a 3-story structure erected in the mid- to late-1990’s that housed offices for Louisville’s Air Pollution Control District, and a small steam plant featuring a smokestack constructed with the original Kentucky Baptist Hospital.
“The former Urban Government Center site has long been a staple in the Paristown Pointe neighborhood,” said the Mayor. “I’m pleased to have entered into a development agreement with The Marian Group who shares our vision for this project to bring activity back to this historic site for the neighborhood to enjoy for generations to come.
The project features diverse housing options including townhomes, shotgun-style single family homes, multi-family rental units, and condo flats. Additionally, The Marian Group plans to include several types of affordable housing, including a Family Scholar House campus. The development will feature office and commercial space.
“We are excited to have signed this development agreement with the City and are ready to move forward with the first phase of this fantastic project,” said Marian principal Justin Brown. “It represents what is great about our city and this neighborhood—mixed-use, mixed-income, intergenerational, and interconnected.”
The Marian Group has sent out notice to the local community that it will be having its first neighborhood meeting on Wednesday, July 25 regarding its plan for the redevelopment of the current Vine Street parking lot into a collection of modern shotgun houses. Additionally, The Marian Group will file that plan with the City soon for planning review.
Marian principal Jake Brown added, “Paristown Pointe is a vital urban neighborhood and we are proud to be adding a new story to its already rich community narrative. Our family and our company have deep roots in the nearby neighborhoods and we are honored to spread those roots into Paristown Pointe.”
Phase 1 of the project includes the development of 22 homes to be built on a portion of the Vine Street Lot, located to the east of Breckinridge Street and to the west of Barret Ave. A farmer’s market space and a pedestrian connection will be constructed on the site, with the remaining area of the Vine Street Lot being retained by LMG to continue the existing community garden in partnership with the neighborhood. Preliminary site work will begin immediately with an official groundbreaking ceremony to be held at a later date.
Phase 2 of the project includes the development of a Family Scholar House, retail, office and mixed-use residential to be located on the balance of the main site bordered by Barret Ave., E. Breckinridge and Vine streets.
“Good things come to those who wait and I’m optimistic in the fullness of time this project will be as much a benefit to the Paristown Pointe neighborhood as many expect it to be,” said Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith, D-4. “We’re hopeful that The Marian Group’s performance will exceed its promises including a park, walkways and good looking architecture consistent with the beautiful neighborhood.”
In addition, the development will bring community benefits such as multi-use connections between Breckinridge and Vine streets for pedestrian and bicycle use, preservation of existing mature native species trees, the addition of green roofs and the reuse of existing building materials where appropriate.
“The proposed project by the Marian Group to convert the Urban Government Center into a mixed use housing, retail and community development is a real positive for the Paristown Pointe neighborhood,” said Councilman Pat Mulvihill, D-10. “I hope this project will be transformational in creating continued investment and interest in the flourishing Barret Avenue corridor.”
The selection of The Marian Group was announced in December 2017 after this extensive community engagement process that included multiple on-site public meetings to hear the concerns and values of people from Paristown Pointe and area neighborhoods. In their proposals, development teams were asked to incorporate what was heard at public meetings.
The Marian Group’s proposal aligns with community priorities expressed during an extensive public engagement period. These priorities include:
Preservation of green space and an existing community garden;
- Creation of new housing choices at multiple price points;
- Ability of the site to support multi-modal transportation options, including transit and bicycle;
- Reuse of existing facilities and materials;
- Incorporation of community gathering spaces; and,
- Use of innovative building and site management techniques to make the development a model of sustainability.
An evaluation panel of both LMG staff and members of the community was formed to review all five proposals submitted and to make a recommendation to Louisville Forward. The evaluation panel used scoresheets to review each proposal.
In the evaluation panel, Lizabeth Calenberg, Mary Hardesty, Debbie Hoblitzell and Chuck Woodall represented the community and Deborah Bilitski (former Director of Develop Louisville), Gabe Fritz (Director of Housing & Community Development), Daniel Frockt (Chief Financial Officer), Gretchen Milliken (Director of Advanced Planning) and Allison Smith (Brownfields Program Manager) represented LMG.
To view the development agreement, determination and findings, evaluation panel scoresheets, and more please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/advanced-planning/urban-government-c…
Free Independence Day Celebration
Wednesday, July 4 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
FREE TO THE PUBLIC all day! Join the Clark and Croghan families as they celebrate Independence Day 1816. Meet members of the Croghan and Clark families, hear readings of the Declaration of Independence throughout the day, and experience life 200 years ago. Sweet N Savory Food Truck will be on site all day or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds. We’ll have a small summer-reading book sale, with all books priced at only $2 for hardbacks and $1 for paperbacks.
Sponsored in honor of the Society of the Cincinnati and in memory of Downey M. Gray III and by Independence Bank
Book Arts Workshop for Kids
Saturday, July 7, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Curious kids ages 7 to 12 will learn the basics of books during this fun, one-day workshop celebrating the art and craft of making books. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to create a limited edition of about 10 small linoleum prints inspired by the gardens and landscapes of Locust Grove with Nick Baute of Hound Dog Press, assemble a small notebook popular in the 17th and 18th centuries with bookbinder Brandon Vigliarolo, and will work on writing and illustration with Locust Grove volunteers.
Price is $40.00 or $35.00 for Locust Grove members; all materials are included. Workshop participants should come prepared with some floral and landscape imagery to consider for printmaking. Participants should bring a sack lunch.
A parent or guardian must stay on site for the duration of the workshop. Adults are welcome to assist their child with all activities.
Space is limited; call 502-897-9845 to register by July 5.
Afternoon Lecture Series
Christopher Quirk: Stabilization at Locust Grove
Wednesday, July 11, 1:15 pm
Preservation architect Christopher Quirk will present an overview of the assessment process and design considerations that led to the selected treatment of Locust Grove. The presentation will also include progress photos from the installation of the wall anchors and removal of flooring at the attic level. Last summer’s masonry reinforcement project was the culmination of seven years of assessment and design exploration by architects and engineers who specialize in historic preservation. Concerns about bowing of the gable end walls prompted a survey of the exterior masonry and laser scanning of the exterior walls. The task of stabilizing walls was made particularly challenging as the extensive interior reinterpretation had been completed, and ceiling and wall finishes could not be compromised.
The Locust Grove Afternoon Lecture Series is held the first Wednesday of each month. Dessert and coffee are served at 1:00 pm with the lecture immediately following at 1:15 pm. Admission is $6, $4 for Locust Grove members. Reservations are not required.
The 10th Annual Jane Austen Festival
Friday, July 13, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Celebrating Persuasion: 200 Years of Piercing Souls
Sponsored by the Jane Austen Society of North America—Greater Louisville Region, the largest Jane Austen event in North America returns to Locust Grove. Throughout the weekend, immerse yourself in the Regency world as you attend presentations by featured speakers and a Regency Style Show under the Big Tent, watch demonstrations of Regency past-times, gain new skills to further your Regency education with our Workshops, delight in Four-Course Afternoon Tea, visit and shop our Regency Emporium and Shoppes of Meryton, promenade with “Anne Elliot in Bath,” encounter His Majesty’s Royal Navy, and dine and dance the night away at our Grand Ball (at a different location).
Festival Admission:
Friday, July 13th- Twilight Shopping $6 per person, Children under 12 are admitted FREE with an adult
Saturday and Sunday, July 14th and 15th
One-day pass $15 per person
Two-day pass $25 per person (available online only)
Children under 12 are admitted FREE with an adult
Festival tickets may be purchased online at www.jasnalouisville.com.
Please visit www.jasnalouisville.com for more information.
Sponsored by the Jane Austen Society of North America, Greater Louisville Region.
Summer Thursday Concert Series with Kentucky Opera
Cheers! Prost! À Votre Santé!
Thursday, July 19, 6:30 pm
Enjoy a toast…or several, with appropriate libations and your favorite opera drinking songs performed by Kentucky Opera artists. Come early to explore the distilling activities of early small-farm Kentucky with The Farm Distillery Project. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Sweet N Savory food truck and Against the Grain Brewery will provide food and drink.
Admission: $16/$14 for members. Doors open at 6:00 pm; performance begins at 6:30 pm.
