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photo: Stevietheman
Mayor Greg Fischer joined south and southwest Metro Council members, and representatives from Underhill Associates and the Southwest Dream Team to celebrate the ongoing progress of the $5 million redevelopment of historic Colonial Gardens, and to highlight the work being done to create a safer pedestrian crossing, additional parking, and the addition of a new TARC bus stop next to the project.
“Colonial Gardens is a great investment that connects our city’s past with our future,” said the mayor. “We want to make the new Colonial Gardens as popular as it once was, and for that to happen, we know we need to make it accessible for all our residents. The improvements made along this corridor will benefit not only Colonial Gardens, but other area businesses, residents, and visitors to Iroquois Park.”
Metro Public Works recently completed $200,000 in roadway improvements at the intersection of New Cut Road and W Kenwood Drive where Colonial Gardens is located. The improvements include a left turn lane into Colonial Gardens from New Cut Road, curb extensions, enhanced sidewalks, and on-street parking.
Additionally, paving along Kenwood Avenue is expected to be complete this fall. With the enhanced pedestrian safety features in place, Public Works will monitor the New Cut Road/Kenwood Avenue intersection to optimize the signal for traffic flow in and out of Iroquois Park.
Construction on the $5 million redevelopment of Colonial Gardens started last fall and includes renovating the 7,000 square-foot historic structure, as well as adding three new, one-story buildings for a total of 18,000 square feet. The buildings will share a common patio and garden area. The project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2019.
The site’s developer, Underhill Associates, is in talks with local restaurant groups to occupy the four corner spaces of the building. “Underhill Associates is proud to bring Colonial Gardens back to life. This is a vital corner for the South End which will be an example of new vitality and will be a catalyst for more redevelopment,” Jeff Underhill said.
Metro Councilwoman Marianne Butler, whose District 15 includes Colonial Gardens, said “We have waited for many years for this revitalization. We are getting a vibrant community magnet complimenting the park while offering neighbors new dining opportunities. It is a win for everyone and I encourage neighbors to patronize the restaurants for many years to come.”
Councilman Blackwell of nearby District 12 said “This project is transforming the New Cut/ Kenwood corner and I am excited to see the changes occurring each day. The infrastructure improvements create a safer pedestrian experience for all, including those who want to enjoy events at Iroquois Park.”
District 25 Councilman Dave Yates said, “It is exciting to see the investment and progress we are making in South Louisville. Through this public-private partnership with the Underhills, the Kenwood and New Cut block is seeing unprecedented rejuvenation that will encourage people across the city to want to travel to our neck of the woods. Soon we will be proud to call Colonial Gardens the gateway to the South End and its success will reverberate southbound along New Cut and Dixie.”
And Vicki Aubrey Welch, noting that she is soon to retire as District 13 Councilwoman, said “It gives me great pride to know I was part of history in bringing Colonial Gardens back to a vibrant historical venue for the heart of South Louisville. Mayor Fischer worked long and hard together with the South End Council to bring this development forward. For that I will be forever grateful.”
Photo: Kentucky Cabinet For Economic Development
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer today joined community leaders, investors and Louisville Metro Government representatives to champion Opportunity Zones as a new tool to help revitalize Louisville neighborhoods. Additionally, the Mayor released the city’s Opportunity Zones Prospectus, a holistic document that showcases Louisville’s assets and will be shared with investors locally and across the country.
“Opportunity Zones are a new avenue for us to attract investment to areas of our city that already have momentum and could see tremendous growth and opportunity with additional capital investment,” said the Mayor. “We want responsible development and projects that benefit our residents by providing investment without displacement, which is why we’re working closely with community stakeholders, state, and federal government partners to ensure we are best positioned to put private dollars to work.”
Opportunity Zones are a new community development program established by Congress in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. This program encourages long-term investment in low-income urban and rural communities nationwide by providing a tax incentive for investors to re-invest their unrealized capital gains into Opportunity Funds that are dedicated to investing in Opportunity Zones. In Louisville, 19 census tracts are designated as Opportunity Zones.
Transformation is currently underway in the city’s Opportunity Zones. One of the first Louisville investors to take advantage of the recently enacted Opportunity Zone legislation is The Marian Group through its spin-off and expansion of Blacksmith Iron Works, a fabrication and custom metal solutions business that recently moved into a 20,000 square-foot facility at 3100 Vermont Ave. in the Russell neighborhood. The Blacksmith Iron Works expansion will represent almost $750,000 of total investment in Russell and will include at least 16 employees by 2019.
“We are excited about this expansion for Blacksmith Iron Works and to be moving to Russell,” said Jake Brown, President of Blacksmith Iron Works and a Principal with Louisville-based developer, The Marian Group. “To be one of the first Opportunity Zone investments in Louisville just makes it better.”
Additional community partners that are investing in Opportunity Zones include OneWest, a nonprofit community development organization that recently purchased its first property on 18th Street with plans to redevelop it as a restaurant or retail space, and the Louisville Urban League with its $35 million Track on Ali project.
The team at Louisville Forward, the city’s community and economic development agency, is ready to work with businesses and investors to maximize Louisville’s potential for its Opportunity Zones by providing concierge project management, offering incentives for projects in CDBG-eligible census tracts, and working to accelerate the permitting process.
The city is also working to identify the needs of investors, developers and business owners, and then connect them with each other dependent on resources that will support each project. To be listed in the city’s database, complete the form found at https://louisvilleky.wufoo.com/forms/kzd6v3x13ol8kc/
To assist business owners and investors with identifying Opportunity Zones, the city created an interactive map to show exact addresses and boundaries of Louisville’s designated Opportunity Zones. To search Louisville-specific addresses, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/opportunity-zones-louisville
The Louisville Metro Waste Reduction Center will close for two weeks while repair work is done there beginning Monday, November 5, 2018. The facility, which offers drop-off disposal of large waste items at 636 Meriwether Avenue, will reopen on Tuesday November 20.
During the closure, the WRC will not be available for leaf drop-off service that will begin at two other locations on November 6, 2018. Leaf drop-off at the WRC will begin when the facility reopens on November 20 and continue at all three sites through December 1.
Drop-off will not be available on November 22 and 23 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Only loose leaves will be accepted. Containers used to bring leaves to the drop-off sites must be disposed of off-site by residents.
Leaf drop off sites through December 1:
- Beginning November 6:
- Public Works Yard 10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane)
- Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Public Works East District Operations Center 595 Hubbards Lane
- Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Public Works Yard 10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane)
- Beginning November 20:
- Public Works Waste Reduction Center 636 Meriwether Avenue
- Tuesday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Public Works Waste Reduction Center 636 Meriwether Avenue
The LIHEAP Program that helps low income residents of Jefferson County with their utility bills begins on Nov. 5, 2018.
LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is a federally funded, income-based program that provides financial help to low-income households in meeting the costs of heating their home. The LIHEAP Subsidy Component is a one-time assistance benefit, which is paid directly to the heating vendor. The LIHEAP Subsidy Component begins Monday, Nov. 5 and will operate through Dec. 14, 2018, or until funding is depleted, whichever comes first.
Residents wishing to apply must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system. The appointment system is currently open and is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.
Applicants must be Louisville Metro/Jefferson County residents with a household income at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. For the Subsidy Component of LIHEAP, residents can apply regardless of the status of their utility bills. Applicants must also provide the following documentation.
- Proof of all household income for the preceding month (Food Stamp award letter, Social Security Award letter, pay stubs, etc. or proof of $0 income. Note: Zero Income forms are available at the Office of Resilience and Community Services office at 701 W. Ormsby Ave., Suite 201 or by clicking here.
- Proof of Social Security number for each member of the household.
- Most current heating bill; or statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent; or statement from your utility company if you participate in a pre-pay electric program. Please bring the account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric.
LIHEAP applications will be completed at the time of the appointment at one of the six locations listed below.
- Northwest Neighborhood Place/Academy at Shawnee, 4018 W Market St., 40212
- South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 40215
- Neighborhood Place Ujima/Duvalle Education Center, 3610 Bohne Ave., 40211
- Neighborhood Place/Bridges of Hope, 1411 Algonquin Pkwy., 40210
- Newburg Community Center/East, 4810 Exeter Ave, 40218
- Southwest Government Center/Dixie Highway location. 7219 Dixie Highway, 40258
Individuals who are unable to apply for this program in person may send a representative on their behalf with a note including the applicant’s signature and phone number. Residents who are homebound and who are unable to send a representative may call 502/780-7937.
Callers who require more information can contact MetroCall 311 by simply dialing 311 or (502) 574-5000, email metro.call@louisvilleky.gov, visit the website’s On Line Customer Service or Live Chat at http://www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocall, tweet @LouMetro311, or download the free Mobile 311 app from the website. Residents can also call Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 help referral service.
LIHEAP is made possible by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and is a pass through grant from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which contracts with Community Action Agencies across the state. Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) serves as the administering agency of the Louisville Metro Community Action Agency. For more information about RCS, visit our website: http://www.louisvilleky.gov/government/community-services or call 574-1157 or Community Action Kentucky at (800) 456-3452.
Neighborhood Place partners offer valuable workshops and services each month like car seat safety checks, educational baby showers and a healthy living club. The month of November features two special events including the 25th anniversary celebration of First Neighborhood Place and the annual Magnificent Taste which assists needy families during the holidays. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Nov. 6, Car Seat Safety Check at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 9 – 11 a.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call Norton Children’s Hospital at 629-7358 to make an appointment. Learn how to install your child’s car seat or booster seat. Find out if it’s time for a change. Car seat-fitting by appointment only.
Nov. 6, Passport Members Informational at Ujima Neigborhood Place, 6 – 7 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 1-800-578-0603 ext 7301 to register. Passport Members will have the opportunity to get to know their plans better and learn about rewards for healthy behaviors and special health programs. Members will receive a $10 retail gift card for attending and refreshments will be provided.
Mondays through Thursdays, YMCA’s “Caring and Learning with Me” program at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call Keyonna Humphrey at 974-8457 for more information and to register. This free program provides a wonderful learning environment for children ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers focusing on play and exploration. The adult caregiver is required to attend with the child/ren and you may also bring other children ages (0-2). Sponsored by the YMCA with support from First Neighborhood Place.
Nov 8, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower at First Neighborhood Place, 1 – 3 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Road. For more information, contact Mendy Mason at 502-341-5400. A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. The class will include a range of information and resources, as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks. Hosted by Seven Counties and KIDSNow. Fathers are welcome but must be registered.
Nov. 9, Annual Magnificent Taste at the Edison Center, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Located at 701 W. Ormsby Ave. Enjoy a taste of fine food and an afternoon of intrigue and delight. Come and sample delicacies and themed booths prepared by staff members with Neighborhood Place and Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services. Cost is $7.00 and all monies raised will be used to sponsor needy families during the holidays to purchase clothing, coats, shoes, and/or a favorite toy(s) for children.
Nov 12, 14 15 and 19, Passport Health Care Community Engagement at multiple locations
Call 1-800-578-0603, ext. 8428 to sign up. Passport Members are invited to join with representatives from Passport Health Care for one-on-one consultations to discuss plan benefits and options. This is a great opportunity as Passport aims to raise awareness and educate the community about the Passport Health Plan mission. Passport members will receive a $10 retail gift card for attending.
- Nov 12. and 19, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd (door #16) side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 1- 3 p.m. Call (502) 212-6677 to leave a message telling us that you want to attend.
- Nov. 14, at Ujima Neighbohorhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Nov. 15, at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 1 – 3 p.m.
Nov. 13 – Dec. 4, Healthy Living Club at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 363-1483 for more information and to reserve your space. Classes are open to anyone interested in gaining more knowledge to live a better and more fulfilling life. Monthly meetings are on the second Tuesday of every month to discuss healthy living and to get the support you need to eat better, get active, and lose weight. This month will be a little FUN for the holidays. We will launch a four week series on Holiday crafts. Each week the group will focus on crafts for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. From creative wreaths, to Fall décor come and join the fun and relax with the group. Reservations are required so supplies can be on hand and space is limited.
Nov. 16, 25th Anniversary Celebration of First Neighborhood Place, 3 – 6 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Road at (T.J. Middle School) celebration held in the W.D. Bruce Building Auditorium. Come and celebrate the beginning of Neighborhood Place with old friends and new, and share memories and thoughts for the future. Serving communities since 1993, the Neighborhood Place mission is stronger than ever in its effort “to provide blended and accessible health, education, employment and human services that support children and families in their progress toward self-sufficiency.”
Nov. 25, Free Blood Pressure Screenings at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 1 – 5 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. Louisville Metro Health and Wellness health educators will provide free blood pressure screenings and health information.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
On Sunday, November 4th, Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin (D-2) will join family and friends of the late Frank W. Weaver for the dedication of an honorary sign at the corner of St. Francis Street and Broadmoor Boulevard.
“Frank Weaver was a true American. He was one of the last of the famed Tuskegee Airman who came home to his native Louisville to start a family after his service to our country,” says Shanklin. “He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who provided for his family and was an important part of our community.”
At 3:00pm on Sunday, Shanklin will officially unveil a “Frank Weaver Way” honorary street sign. The designation was approved by the Metro Council on September 27th.
Mr. Weaver was born on December 28, 1926 in Louisville, and died on August 18, of this year at the age of 91.
At 18 years of age he was drafted into the United States Armed Forces, and after basic training was assigned to the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Alabama. In1939, training of African American pilots began and by 1941 during World War II, the first African American U.S. military pilots were trained at the Tuskegee Army Air field and Tuskegee University.
Mr. Weaver was as one of the famed Tuskegee Airman and served our nation during World War II as Hanger Chief and a B-25 engine mechanic.
After the war, Mr. Weaver came home to Louisville and worked first for the Jeffersonville Quartermaster Depot, and later worked for General Electric where he retired after 32 years. He also owned a neighborhood gas station where he put his mechanical skills to work repairing automobile engines;
He was a deacon at First Baptist Church of Jeffersontown, a volunteer in the political arena, and a member of the Brigadier General Noel F. Parrish Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. in Kentucky.
Mr. Weaver was married to the late Jewel D. Titus for 58 years.
They have two children (Gary L. Weaver, Sr. and Andre’ M. Weaver), six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.
The Ceremony will take place at the corner of St. Francis Street and Broadmoor Boulevard.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Young people from all over Metro Louisville will be on hand this Saturday, November 3rd to talk about gun violence and other issues surrounding such violence in society as part of the exhibit of James Pate’s KKK Series Kin Killin Kin.
“This is an important forum as young people discuss how violence has impacted their lives and the lives of their friends. They will hear from those who are trying to help offset such violence through interactions and alternatives,” says Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5), who is sponsoring the discussion. “Young people are our future and we must bring them into any conversation about making our neighborhoods safer and curbing violence.”
The Youth Voices Against Violence Forum is set for the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage between 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
There will be a panel of young people who will examine the themes of gun violence in the context of public health, bystander action, healing through the arts and mobilizing change through community dialogues. It will be moderated by Dr. Eddie Woods.
Rashaad Abdur-Rahman Director of the Department of Safe and Health Neighborhood will be on hand as well as Metro Council members.
One of the highlights of the discussion will come from James Pate, the artist of the series, who will talk about his motivations for creating Kin Killin Kin.
The exhibit is a series of paintings in charcoals and colors that realistically show how violence is impacting young men and children. A stark feature of the works shows African Americans wearing the hoods of the Ku Klux Klan as they execute acts of violence. The exhibit will run until November 12th at the Center. It is free and open to the public.
Councilwoman Hamilton first saw the exhibit in Cincinnati at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. She was joined in bringing this exhibit to the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage Center by Council Members Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4), Mary C. Woolridge (D-3), Barbara Shanklin (D-2), Jessica Green (D-1) and President David James (D-6).
The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage is located at 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd.
To learn more go to www.kcaahc.org. Or you can call 502-583-4100.
