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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…
Fairgoers and those attending events at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) can shorten entry times and avoid paying more to park by purchasing advance parking online. In the Kentucky State Fair Board’s meeting on January 18, 2018, they voted to increase parking fees for all KEC events from $8 per vehicle to $10 per vehicle for customers paying at the gate effective July 1, 2018.
Those who purchase parking in advance online will not experience the rate increase. Click here to purchase advance parking online.
Neighborhood Place partners offer a variety of resources and services in July including the BB&T Bank Bus at two locations, a forum entitled “Voices of Addiction: Examining the Stages of Change”, as well as the Back to School Festival at Valley High School . To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
July 2 and 5, BB&T Bank Bus at two locations
The BB&T Bank Bus is 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”.
- July 2, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call (313-4700 for more information
- July 5, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 1 -5 p.m. Call 485-7130 for more information.
July 2, 9, 10, 16, 17, 24, 30, Passport Health Care Community Engagement at multiple locations
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.
- July 2, 9, 16 and 30, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd (door #16) side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call (502) 313-4700 for more information.
- July 10, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St. at the Academy of Shawnee, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 313-4892 for more information.
- July 10, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. Call 363-1483 for more information.
- July 17, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 1:00 p.m. Passport membership education meeting. Call 313-4635 for more information.
- July 24, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. Call 485-6710 for more information.
July 3, Car Seat Safety Check at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 1 p.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.
July 5, FedEx Ground Employment Opportunities at First Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. Call (502) 313-4700 for more information. A FedEx human resources recruiter will talk one-on-one with individuals interested in a career as a package handler with FedEx Ground.
July 5 and 9, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at two locations
Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
- July 5, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information.
- July 9, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 485-7130 for more information.
July 5, American Red Cross Blood Drive at Charmoli Center Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 200 Juneau Drive, Suite 200, conference room. Call 574-8147 for more information. Giving blood is a simple thing to do, but it can make a big difference in the lives of others. It is best to reach out in advance to pre-register, however, walk-ins the day of the event will be accepted.
July 12, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower at First Neighborhood Place
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. For more information or to register, contact Mendy Mason at 502-341-5400. This 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.
Mondays, July 23 – September 17, “4 Your Child Dads Making The Difference” at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave For more information or to register for the upcoming weekly workshops, please contact Dr. Cheri Langley at 709-9323 or by email at 4YourChild@Outlook.com. “4 Your Child” is an eight-week fatherhood program that aims to improve the quantity and quality of fathers’ involvement by integrating responsible parenting, economic stability, and relationship education services. Participants may be compensated for their time up to $220 but registration is required.
July 24, “Voices of Addiction: Examining the Stages of Change” at St. Ann’s, 5- 7 p.m.
Located at 1515 Algonquin Pkwy. Call 634-6057 for more information. Part of the “Addiction 101” series, “Voices of Addiction: Examining the Stages of Change” is a forum that allows individuals living with the disease of addiction the opportunity to tell their addiction stories. Their stories center around the stages of change, pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, relapse and transcendence. Sponsored by Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place.
July 26, Back to School Festival at Valley High School, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 10200 Dixie Highway. For more information call 363-1483. This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. School supplies and backpacks will be provided while supplies last to families that participate in three, ten-minute ‘mini-trainings’ concentrated on what you need as a family to get through the year. Over twenty presenters and more than forty vendors will be at the event plus mascots and lots of hands on fun to help everyone “Unlock Your Superhero Powers”. Sponsored by South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, Cane Run Neighborhood Place, Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, South Jefferson Community Partnership, Drug-Free Communities Grant, 17 area JCPS and Family Resource and Youth Service Centers, Kidz Club, Kosair Charities, Fairdale Christian Church, and Fairdale First Baptist Church.
Southwest Airlines today announced new daily nonstop service between Louisville International Airport (SDF) and Dallas Love Field (DAL) beginning January 7, 2019. The airline will operate the flight using 143-seat Boeing 737 aircraft.
“We are excited to see Southwest supporting the demand for new service in Louisville by adding two new routes in a matter of months,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. “The morning departure and evening return schedule of this flight make it convenient for those travelers who have business in the Dallas-area, as well as a variety of options for connections to the western half of the country.”
With this announcement, Southwest Airlines will offer 15 daily nonstop flights to nine destinations from Louisville including Baltimore, Chicago-Midway, Denver, Houston-Hobby, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix and Tampa. Tickets are now available at www.southwest.com.
“Adding direct flights out of Louisville International Airport is good for our citizens and our businesses, and it’s attractive for the businesses we want to locate and grow in our city,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “Airlift is a significant conversation in our city right now, particularly with our coast cities and other strong business centers like Dallas.”
Louisville International Airport is served by seven airlines offering flights to 32 nonstop destinations including 18 of the region’s top 20 domestic markets. With just one stop travelers from across the region can reach 170 international destinations in 81 countries on six continents.
For additional information regarding Louisville International Airport, visit www.FlyLouisville.com.
The number of people in Louisville who are getting hepatitis A continues to grow. As of today, there have been 478 cases and three deaths. Here are 10 key things to know:
- The hepatitis A virus is being spread through person to person contact: Sharing a home, a cigarette, marijuana joint, a drink, or sex with someone who has the virus puts you at high risk.
- There have been cases of hepatitis A in every Louisville ZIP code.
- While the outbreak is largely centered in people who use drugs (any kind of drug use, not just injecting) and people who are homeless, 1 out of 8 cases report no risk factors.
- More than 60 percent of the 478 people who have had hepatitis A have been hospitalized. Getting hepatitis A can make you very sick.
- A person can have hepatitis A for up to 2 weeks before symptoms ever develop. During that 2 weeks they are contagious and exposing others to the virus.
- The hepatitis A virus can live for a long time on surfaces. Disinfecting kitchens and particularly any restroom open to public use with a solution of bleach and water is the most effective way to kill the virus. Specific disinfection guidelines can be found here.
- Washing your hands thoroughly and often with warm water and soap is a way to protect yourself from many diseases, including hepatitis A. Be aware that hand sanitizer has not been proven as effective as handwashing against hepatitis A.
- For the best protection, you need to be vaccinated against hepatitis A. The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness as well as the Kentucky Department for Public Health have been encouraging residents of Jefferson and any other counties with a hepatitis A outbreak to get vaccinated for several months. “Our hepatitis A outbreak will stop when the majority of our Louisville residents are vaccinated,” said Dr. Sarah Moyer, director, Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness.
- Most health insurance plans should cover 100 percent of the cost of the hepatitis A vaccination. If your pharmacist or healthcare provider tells you there’s a cost, contact your health insurance provider to find out where they allow you to get vaccinated at no cost.
- If you get diagnosed with hepatitis A and we call you, please talk to us. When someone gets infected with a communicable disease, a nurse or epidemiologist from Public Health and Wellness will contact them. Any information you share is protected and helps us make progress in stopping the spread of hepatitis A.
For more information about hepatitis A visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/hepatitis or call 211.
