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For the second year, Metro Parks and Recreation is creating a “Wish Tree” in Joe Creason Park for visitors to share their future hopes and dreams for themselves, their families and the world around them.
Those wishing to participate are encouraged to travel to Creason Park to visit the tree, a Dogwood tree directly in front of the Metro Parks and Recreation Administration Building, located off Trevilian Way across from the Louisvile Zoo.
“Last year we had more than 500 tags attached to the tree by the end of the process,” said Seve Ghose, director of Metro Parks and Recreation. “That inspired us to do it again this year, and we’re looking forward to seeing Louisville residents express their positive vision for the future.”
Tags for the tree and pencils will be provided on site, but those who participate are encouraged to bring anything they wish to create the tags.
Participants can tie them to the tree’s branches from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. beginning today and continuing through Friday, December 30. At the close of that time period, the wishes will be collected and sent to the Imagine Peace Tower in Reykjavik, Iceland, as well as shared on social media.
The Imagine Peace Tower is an outdoor work of art conceived by Yoko Ono in honor of her late husband, the musician John Lennon, and symbolizes her continuing campaign for world peace dedicated to his memory.
Additionally, Metro Parks and Recreation will be hosting an open house at its headquarters, located at 1297 Trevilian Way, on Wednesday, December 14 from 5-7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served, and Metro Parks employees will be on hand to give tours of the Creason Administration Building (Collings House).
Mayor Greg Fischer announced yesterday that Louisville is receiving a $29.5 million implementation grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Choice Neighborhoods Initiative program.
The federal funding is expected to leverage more than $200 million in private, foundation, nonprofit and public dollars to fully implement Vision Russell, a comprehensive transformation plan for the neighborhood, starting with a phased deconstruction and redevelopment of the Beecher Terrace public housing site. Vision Russell was developed over the past two years by Louisville Metro Government, the Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA) and community residents, agencies and leaders.
“We are ecstatic. This is a huge day not just for Russell, not just for west Louisville, but for our entire city,” Mayor Fischer said. “Being selected by HUD for a Choice implementation grant validates all the hard work and commitment that community leaders, residents, this administration and many other stakeholders have invested over the past two years in efforts to transform and revitalize one of our most historic neighborhoods.
“Our city is experiencing a renaissance, with $9 billion in capital investment, almost 60,000 new jobs and 2,600 new businesses in the past six years,” the Mayor added. “The Choice grant and the rippling investment it brings will further ensure west Louisville’s part in that renaissance.”
The Mayor announced the grant during a celebratory press conference this afternoon at Baxter Community Center, surrounded by HUD officials, government and civic leaders, and community leaders and individual residents who helped create Vision Russell.
Noting that Louisville Central Community Centers will be a development partner in Vision Russell, the Mayor added, “Our collective goal is to use this opportunity to replace the so-called ‘Ninth Street Divide’ with a beautiful new bridge of opportunity and hope.”
Vision Russell efforts will focus on several key components in transforming the neighborhood, including:
- Tearing down and redeveloping Beecher Terrace into a sustainable, multi-generational, mixed-income, mixed-use development;
- Developing one-for-one, off-site replacement housing for Beecher Terrace residents in their neighborhoods of choice;
- Increasing safety and security;
- Re-creating strong retail and service centers within the neighborhood;
- Improving educational and health outcomes for Beecher Terrace and Russell households; and
- Improving community connectivity.
“This is a much larger-scale version of projects that have successfully brought new vitality to other neighborhoods in Louisville, like Liberty Green, Sheppard Square and Park Duvalle,” said LMHA executive director Tim Barry, “and it will directly benefit the people who live in Beecher Terrace and the surrounding community.”
Construction in Russell will start in mid- to late 2017 and continue for seven years. At least 25 percent of the work will be performed by minority-owned businesses, 10 percent by female-owned businesses, and a half percent by businesses owned by disabled people.
The strategies and goals included in Louisville’s Choice implementation grant application, sent to HUD this summer, were identified by a committee comprised of Russell residents, community and business leaders, and city and LMHA officials. This two-year planning process was funded through a $425,000 planning grant that HUD awarded to the Housing Authority in January 2015 and a $600,000 leveraged contribution from Louisville Metro Government.
In June, HUD awarded LMHA an additional $1 million action activities grant to kick-start efforts to enhance and accelerate other redevelopment within the Russell neighborhood. Louisville Metro Government leveraged an additional $375,000 for that effort.
And in August, the agencies were notified that Louisville was one of five cities selected as a finalist for implementation funding. Today, HUD announced that Louisville and all four of the other cities – Camden, N.J., Boston, Denver and St. Louis – will receive implementation grants, for a total of $132 million.
“The Choice program has proven an effective tool in transforming neighborhoods that were once littered with abandoned and crumbling properties into vibrant communities that offer quality housing options and are rich with retail services and other amenities,” said HUD
Secretary Julián Castro. “The work and investment that is being made through this program in cities like Louisville will benefit millions of residents for generations to come.”
Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) said he believes Louisville’s track record of redeveloping public housing sites into mixed income multi-family housing provided the community with a competitive advantage against other communities that applied.
“From the Park DuValle redevelopment to Sheppard Square, LMHA and Metro Louisville are considered national leaders in transforming blighted and distressed areas into vibrant neighborhoods that attract additional investment and interest,” said Yarmuth. “The selection process for the Choice implementation grant is extremely competitive. The fact that Louisville was selected speaks well to the work, engagement and support needed to make this award possible.”
Manfred Reid, Sr., chairman of the board of commissioners for LMHA and a lifelong Russell resident, said the grant is an enormous affirmation for the community.
“The strategies identified in our Russell transformation plan are a result of 90 community meetings, forums and other feedback we have received from over 600 residents and other stakeholders on the type of neighborhood they want Russell to be,” said Reid. “This grant says it can be done. And we believe we can again make Russell one of Louisville’s finest neighborhoods. I could not be more proud of my city today.”
Reaction from Louisville Metro Council members:
“The announcement today of the Choice Neighborhood Grant is a game changer for our community and an achievement that should be celebrated by the entire City of Louisville. This accomplishment is a direct result of the proven leadership of the Louisville Metro Housing Authority, the collaborative work of a number of community-based nonprofit organizations and more importantly, the citizens of the Russell neighborhood, and it will prove to be a major catalyst on moving economic development forward in West Louisville.” Councilman David Tandy (D-4).
“I’m delighted that Louisville has been selected for the HUD Choice implementation grant. After having undergone an intensive local planning process, which involved a great deal of community outreach and input into the vision for the neighborhood, it is exciting to know that the Russell community will receive the funds necessary to implement the transformation plan, to redevelop the historic Russell neighborhood and continue the momentum that is currently underway.” Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5).
“I’m excited about the City of Louisville being awarded this HUD grant for the Russell neighborhood. This will give the city the opportunity to invest millions of dollars in an area of our city that desperately needs revitalization. I congratulate Tim Barry and the citizens of Russell on a job well done.” Councilman David James (D-6).
They are simple devices designed to keep firearms safe and protect children from tragedy at home. Five members of the Louisville Metro Council are making sure free gun locks and trigger blocks are available in homes where children may be tempted to play with a firearm.
Council members Jessica Green (D-1), Mary C. Woolridge (D-3), David Tandy (D-4) Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5) and David James (D-6) have appropriated more than $2000 to purchase an initial order of 300 gunlocks to be given to residents of LMPD’s Second Division.
“This is a simple way to avoid a tragedy. Many times children do not know the difference between a lethal gun and a toy. A gun lock will make sure a child does not get hurt, especially at Christmas time. We want to avoid any unintended tragedies in the home,” says Hamilton.
Second Division officers are working with the Board for Change, “Little Hands, Little Feet” program to make sure the free gun locks will be given to families who need to keep firearms safe.
First priority is given to residents in the Second Division neighborhoods of Park DuValle, Parkland, Hallmark, California, Chickasaw, Shawnee, Algonquin, Parkhill, Cane Run, and Victory Park.
“I’m happy to be working with “Little Hands, Little Feet” program to teach gun safety in our neighborhoods. This program can save lives,” says James.
Council members approved funding for 150 cable locks and 150 trigger blocks. Future give a ways are planned as a way to help the community stay safe.
“Many of us know the stories of how a tragedy happened when a child played with a gun. There is no reason why anyone who owns a gun and lives around children, should not be using a gun lock,” says Woolridge. “We have made it easier to keep your home safe.”
Over the summer, the “Little Hands, Little Feet” program walked with LMPD officers on Peace Walks in West Louisville to distribute free gun locks and let parents and adults know how gun locks can keep children safe in the home.
“Citywide, we have had three children under the age of five that have been shot accidentally by unsecured firearms this year. In the district, An 8 year old was accidentally shot because of a careless unsecured firearm. The individual that had the gun was 18 years old and mishandled it. Then, a 12 year old was accidentally shot and killed because of an unsecured firearm,” says Major Jimmy Harper, Commander of the LMPD Second Division.
“The more gun locks we can put into the homes of people who have guns, the safer it will be for everyone,” says Green. “It’s tough to justify not having a gun lock, when they are free, especially if you have children.”
On Tuesday, December 13th, at 12:00pm, Council members and officers of the Second Division will present the “Little Hands, Little Feet” gun safety program with the gun locks for distribution. The presentation will be made at the Second Division, 3419 Bohne Avenue.
Luther Brown, Director and Founder of the Board for Change and “Little Hands. Little Feet”, makes gun safety presentations to organizations, churches and any interested group for free.
People interested in obtaining a free gun lock can contact Luther Brown at 502-290-7979 or llbrownjr16@gmail.com
Nominations of 14 sites to the National Register of Historical Places, and a research project documenting a new statewide context to evaluate future submissions, were recommended for approval by the Kentucky Historic Preservation Review Board during a meeting Monday in Frankfort. Approved submissions will now be forwarded to the National Park Service (NPS) for final determination of eligibility, a process that generally takes 60 to 90 days.
The review board is charged with evaluating National Register nominations from Kentucky prior to their submission to NPS. The Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office (KHC) administers the National Register program in Kentucky and provides administrative support to the board.
Nominations approved Monday are Columbia Commercial District; the Bold House, Foster; Doyle Country Club, near Dayton; the V.W. Bush Warehouse/Sphar Building, Winchester; Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, Haury Motor Company Garage and Whiskey Row Historic District (additional documentation), Metro Louisville; Waveland, near Nicholasville; the Kentucky Hydroelectric Project, Grand Rivers; Paducah City Hall; Rowan County Courthouse; the Scearce-Roush House, Simpsonville; the J.D. Dodson House, Bowling Green; and Old Taylor Historic District, Millville. (See photos, l-r, above.)
Additionally, a research project establishing a historic context for evaluating future National Register submissions within the “Kentucky LGBTQ Historic Context Narrative” will be submitted for approval.
Listings that have been added to the National Register from Kentucky since the last review board meeting in May are Harlan Hubbard Studio, Fort Thomas; Edgewood, Fayette County; New Castle Historic District; Shawnee Steam Plant, Paducah; Johnson’s Landing House & Farm, and Woodland, Oldham County; Elks Athletic Club (additional documentation), Wood F. Afton Hall at Simmons University, E.L. Hughes Company Building and Seventh Street School, Metro Louisville; the Jonathan Bush House, and Jonathan Bush Mill, along Lower Howard’s Creek near Winchester; and a Multiple Property Nomination for “Kentucky State Tuberculosis Hospitals, 1946-1950” along with individual nominations for the London and Madisonville tuberculosis hospitals.
The National Register is the nation’s official list of historic and archaeological resources deemed worthy of preservation. Kentucky has the fourth-highest number of listings among states, with more than 3,400. Listing can be applied to buildings, objects, structures, districts and archaeological sites, and proposed sites must be significant in architecture, engineering, American history or culture.
Owners of National Register properties may qualify for state and/or federal tax credits for rehabilitation of these properties to standards set forth by the Secretary of the Interior, as certified by the Kentucky Heritage Council, or for making a charitable contribution of a preservation easement. National Register status does not affect property ownership rights, but does provide a measure of protection against adverse impacts from federally funded projects.
A meeting agenda and detailed nominations with high-resolution photos of all the proposed and recently listed sites are available at www.heritage.ky.gov/natreg/. The next review board meeting will take place in May 2017.
Mayor Greg Fischer today honored the work of more than 500 active volunteers of the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP.
“The citizens who serve as RSVP volunteers demonstrate compassion in action year round,” said Mayor Fischer. “I am grateful to them for helping to make our city stronger, and an even better place to live.”
RSVP connects people age 55 and older with their choice of over 50 public service and non-profit locations, including American Red Cross, CASA, Dare to Care, and the Robley Rex VA Medical Center.
“The RSVP volunteers generously give their energy, skills and caring dedication toward providing over $1.5 million in savings/service impact for their agencies. This celebration is their public ‘thank you,’” said RSVP Program Coordinator, Christopher Clements.
Recent surveys, including one of RSVP members, showed that seniors believed that volunteering helps them stay mentally focused, more socially connected and physically active. The volunteer members’ positive outcomes for their clients and themselves greatly support Louisville’s status as a “Compassionate City.”
For more information on RSVP activities or to learn how to become a volunteer, call (502) 574-1350 or visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/community-services/retired-and-senio….
The event today themed, “Thanks for lending a hand to your community,” was held at The Olmsted, (Masonic Home Campus) 3701 Frankfort Ave. and sponsored by Passport Health Plan. The Rev. Ron Loughry, Executive Director of Fern Creek/Highview United Ministries, and winner of the 2015 ElderServe’s “Champion for Aging” served as master of ceremonies. During the celebration, 82 RSVP volunteers who reached their dedicated, volunteer service milestones of five to 25 years were recognized.
Part of the city’s Community Services Department, Louisville Metro RSVP is federally funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service/Senior Corps and locally sponsored by Louisville Metro Department of Community Services, Division of Advocacy & Empowerment.
Council members Jessica Green (D-1), Mary C. Woolridge (D-3) and Kelly Downard (R-16) are supporting a petition started by the Reverend Kirk M. Bush of Harrods Creek Baptist Church, asking Wal-Mart to reconsider their recent decision to cancel plans for the new supercenter development that was planned for 18th and Broadway.
“We Need Wal-Mart, We Want Wal-Mart, we are encouraging them to rethink their decision and come back to the table,” said Green. “We are desperate for the same goods, services and conveniences available in other parts of our community and implore Wal-Mart to give the 18th and Broadway development another chance.”
A petition of nearly 5000 signatures in support of Wal-Mart at 18th and Broadway was collected in less than three weeks early in 2016, in an effort to keep Wal-Mart at the table during litigation. The hope is that this new petition will far exceed those numbers and inspire Wal-Mart to revisit the 18th and Broadway development in west Louisville.
“With the loss of the Food Port, the announcement of the closing of the Shively Kroger, it is vital to the residents of West Louisville that we have GOT to have this Wal-Mart at 18th and Broadway,” said Woolridge.
“We need Wal-Mart, the BEST operator in the United States, to bring their wide array of quality products to people who want them and need them but, don’t have access to them now,” said Councilman Kelly Downard. “We need EVERYONE to sign the petition and bring Wal-Mart back.”
The online petition asking Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Greg Foran, President and CEO of Wal-Mart U.S. to reconsider the decision regarding the 18th and Broadway location and reconsider building the supercenter to provide West Louisville with quality goods, services and jobs. The petition can be found at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/654/659/716/#
“We believe in Wal-Mart and what they will bring to the people of the west end who feel marginalized and forgotten,” said the Reverend Kirk M. Bush. “Wal-Mart will bring much needed economic development, opportunities, jobs and will serve as a symbol that the residents of West Louisville have not been forgotten.”
Today, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) launched a new online video series: “Ask a Nurse.”
Each month, nurse practitioners from JCPS Health Services will provide timely information on health-related topics as part of the video series and offer tips to keep students healthy. In the episode released today, nurse practitioners Mary Texas and Holly Walker discuss flu prevention and offer advice on how to minimize a student’s risk of contracting and spreading the virus. Topics such as food allergies, asthma, head lice and school health requirements will also be discussed in future segments of the Ask a Nurse series.
“We know that healthier students make better learners,” said JCPS Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens. “The key goal of JCPS Health Services is to promote and support health and wellness across the district, and the Ask a Nurse series is just one more way our health services team can educate our students, families and the community about important health-related topics.”
“JCPS Health Services is excited to further connect with families, staff and the community about important health topics impacting our students,” said Anne Perryman, the district’s health coordinator. “We all play a critical role in promoting the health, wellness and learning for each child within Jefferson County Public Schools.”
The Ask a Nurse video series will be featured on the JCPS website homepage, the district’s Facebook and Twitter pages and the JCPS YouTube channel. Families are also encouraged to submit questions to Ask a Nurse each month by tweeting the JCPS Twitter page using the hashtag #JCPSNurse.
