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Photo: Vacant and Public Property Administration
The Metro Council’s Community Affairs and Housing Committee has announced the first in a series of meetings to update Louisville’s progress in dealing with vacant and abandoned property in Metro Louisville.
“This year the committee will invite the community to come out and ask questions on the various programs recently announced last fall by the mayor,” says Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin (D-2), who chairs the committee.
The first meeting is set for Monday, February 12th beginning at 1:30pm at the Shawnee Golf Course Clubhouse, 460 Northwestern Parkway.
The committee is encouraging the public to come out and meet with staff from Metro Louisville’s Vacant and Public Property Administration. The office has recently implemented new programs designed to help with the purchase of abandoned property along with helping improve the appearance of vacant buildings in neighborhoods with problems properties.
“Last year, the Metro Council approved funding for a clearboarding program. We have also increased the funding to demolish unsightly buildings on neighborhood streets,” says Shanklin. “Metro Government working through the Landbank has intensified efforts to help anyone purchase property. This meeting is an opportunity to be updated on where we are and how the community can get involved.”
Councilwoman Shanklin says this series of meetings will offer the community a chance to learn more about what’s going on and will be held in multiple locations in the coming months.
For more information about the various programs on Vacant and Public Properties, go to: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/vacant-public-property-administration.
Louisville Parks and Recreation has been selected to receive $25,000 as part of the Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge (the Challenge) Spotlight Award. Ten winners and five honorable mentions were selected for their ability to address the need to improve opportunities for all Americans – regardless of income, education or ethnic background – to take an active role in healthy living.
Jefferson Memorial Forest, and its award-winning ECHO (Engaging Children Outdoors) has been highlighted as a Spotlight Award winner for identifying creative partnerships and enacting sustainable and replicable programs that address the unique health issues facing Louisville. The goal of Louisville ECHO is to create opportunities in west Louisville where every resident has access to a safe and healthy environment that increases physical activity, reduces stress, and leads to healthier lives through outdoor recreation and environmental education and stewardship.
Louisville ECHO began in 2008 with seed funding from the U.S. Forest Service to provide multiple nature experiences for 4th grade students at three Title I public schools in west Louisville.
With Louisville Metro support; the continued support of the U.S. Forest Service; multi-sector partners such as the Metro Louisville Department of Public Health and Wellness and YouthBuild Louisville; and funding partners, including the Aetna Foundation and Wilderness Louisville, Inc. Louisville ECHO has expanded to include multiple complementary components providing meaningful nature experiences for nearly 2,500 youth annually across multiple ages.
“On behalf of our staff and volunteers at Jefferson Memorial Forest, we thank the Aetna Foundation, APHA, and NaCo for this award in support our efforts to sustain and grow Louisville ECHO,” said Bennett Knox, parks administrator for Jefferson Memorial Forest. “We appreciate this award as it recognizes multi-sector and multi-partner nature of Louisville ECHO whereby all involved are working towards the same goal of creating a healthier, more vibrant, community through access to nature within our urban core.”
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Following the end of her third term this December and after careful deliberation, Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15) has decided not to seek re-election to the Louisville Metro Council.
“I am honored to have served the residents of District 15 and Metro Louisville for the past eleven plus years. I have taken my responsibility seriously and worked tirelessly to help make this community stronger, more resilient and provide opportunity for growth to its residents, non-profits and businesses,” Butler said. “I thoroughly enjoy helping people – some even say that public service is in my DNA. This decision was not made lightly and my hope is for the people to elect someone who will carry their torch as enthusiastically as I have.”
Butler learned public service from her father, Denver Butler who was a former Alderman and State Representative. She began her public service career as Administrative Assistant to then-Jefferson County Commissioner Darryl T. Owens.
During her tenure on Metro Council, Butler has chaired the committees on Budget, Labor and Economic Development, and Contracts. She has been active with the National League of Cities (NLC) and, and for several years, served on its Federal Advisory Committee for Community and Economic Development.
Notable ordinances Councilwoman Butler sponsored include:
- Updating the code allowing Metro Louisville to impound a vehicle used in the act of illegal dumping and to prosecute those responsible with photographic evidence.
- Created a new section of code developing Rental Registry for rental properties. This free registry requires a contact name and phone number for the property as well as a physical address for the owner no longer allowing owners to hide behind a LLC name and a PO Box.
- Required posting an application for a liquor license on the property where liquor is to be sold or served. This ordinance allowed neighbors to be aware of the license request and actively take part in the process.
Notable community/neighborhood initiatives Councilwoman Butler spearheaded:
- Completed three corridor studies, two neighborhood plans and one park master plan
- Lead the effort for the redevelopment of the Old Jacob School into 68 senior apartments – a $12 million project
- Began free movie nights at Iroquois Amphitheater
- First to offer curbside pickup of debris after the 2009 rain deluge left nearly 75% of District 15 under water
- Helped Saints Mary & Elizabeth Hospital obtain a grant to expand their Emergency Department
- Helped Saints Mary & Elizabeth Hospital obtain a grant to build a mechanical building
- Held Narcan training classes, offering not only instructions on how to administer it, but educating family members on the signs of drug use and offering pamphlets with resources
- Led the charge for funding the Healing Place capital program to increase the number of open beds for detox
- Installed splash pads at Wyandotte and Huston Quin parks
- Redevelopment of the Northern Overlook at Iroquois Park
“While we have accomplished much, there is much yet to accomplish,” Butler added. “Whether I am a member of the Metro Council or a resident of District 15 – I want what is best for our community so our future residents and children can reach their full potential.”
Photo: Louisville Forward
Four businesses were approved for loans totaling $291,000 by the Louisville Metro Departments of Economic Development and Resilience and Community Services. The loans will leverage a total investment of more than $1.2 million and will assist the businesses to open, expand services or rehabilitate properties.
METCO small business loans have been awarded to the following businesses:
• $190,000 Go Green loan has been approved for Nicholas Ellis on behalf of CFG Holdings for its property located at 1202 S. 3rd Street in Old Louisville. The loan will allow owner Nicholas Ellis to increase energy efficiency by replacing the HVAC unit, installing additional insulation and improving the electrical system. After improvements are made, the annual energy cost savings is estimated to be nearly $4,000. The owner plans to reopen the building as mixed-use with commercial tenants on the first and second floors and residential apartments on the third floor.
• $86,000 façade loan has been approved for Refuge Community Development, Inc. for its property located at 1716 Prentice Street in the California neighborhood. The loan will allow owners to rehabilitate the building and return it to its original use as a worship facility, which will be rented out to Refuge in Kentucky Church.
Microbusiness Development Program loans have been awarded to the following businesses:
• $10,000 loan to Flo’s House of Soul, LLC to assist owner Jason Alexander Hatcher with rent, insurance and supplies. Flo’s House of Soul is a sandwich shop and ice cream parlor located at 3400 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. where customers can purchase fun food favorites at a family-friendly venue.
• $5,000 loan to Sherrell Anderson dba DN Surprise Florist and Gifts to assist owner Sherrell Anderson with insurance, rent and inventory. DN Surprise Florist, located at 2001 W. Broadway, provides services such as floral, wreath, bouquet, vase and centerpiece design. Online FTD delivery services and in-store purchases also are available.
The Metropolitan Business Development Corporation (METCO) governs metro government’s small business loans, which include facade, accessibility, and gap financing loans. Because metro government is not the primary lender, the loan program allows many public-private partnerships between government and private business ventures that further the vitality and quality of life in the Louisville community.
The METCO board meets the fourth Thursday of each month. Meetings are at 9:00 a.m., at the offices of Louisville Forward, located at 444 S. 5th Street, 6th floor. Remaining meetings for 2018 are scheduled for February 22, March 22, April 26, May 24, June 28, July 26, August 23, September 27, October 25 and December 13.
To learn more about the METCO loan program, visit
https://dev.louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/local-loan-programs
The Microbusiness Development Program helps low and moderate income business owners with starting and growing small businesses. A microbusiness employs five or fewer people, including the owner. The program includes training, technical assistance and an opportunity to apply for a loan, which can range from $5,000 to $15,000.
Many microbusinesses have little or no access to the commercial banking sector, and this loan program helps business owners who need capital. Borrowers have a choice of two programs, one for businesses which have been open for at least one year, and one for start-up businesses.
For more information about the Microbusiness Development Program, visit the Small Business Clinic at the Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway, or visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services/microbusiness-program
Photo: Neighborhood Place
Neighborhood Place partners offer services and workshops in February that will benefit the entire family including a prom dress drive to help make prom more affordable for families in need; the launch of a Weekly Resource School with an array of topics; two foster parent recruitment meetings and much more. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Feb. 1 – Mar. 16, The Butterfly Effect Prom Dress Drive at NorthWest Neighborhood Place
Call 485-7230 for more information. Donations of prom dresses, shoes, accessories, as well as tuxedo rental vouchers are all requested to assist with the “Butterfly Effect Prom Event” on March 27. Drop off donations to NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St. weekdays between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. by March 16. Sponsored in collaboration with Destinee Germany, Miss Black Kentucky, in addition to Academy at Shawnee Youth Services and Jefferson County Public Schools.
Feb. 2, Energy Management Workshop at the Fairdale Branch Library
Located at the Fairdale Branch Library, 10620 West Manslick Rd. Call 363-1483 for registration. Project Warm’s free workshops help families take control of their energy usage and learn “do-it-yourself” energy-saving tips. Free supplies will be distributed at the end of the workshop such as clear plastic/tape for windows, caulk to seal openings around windows and sealing foam. Sponsored by Project Warm in collaboration with South Jefferson Neighborhood Place and Fairdale Branch Library.
Feb. 5, 7, 13 and 20, Community Dental Care Information Sessions
Call 502-366-4442 for more information. Community Dental Care is a full-sedental organization designed to increase access to health care in communities with the goal of improving the overall health of the population. Representatives will be on site to provide information about services offered, to assist in scheduling appointments for dental needs as well as offer no cost dental screenings.
- Feb. 5, First Neighborhood Place, Rangeland Road (T. J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
- Feb. 7, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Feb. 13, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Valley Location, 10200 Dixie Hwy; 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
- Feb. 13, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Fairdale location, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 1– 3 p.m.
- Feb. 20, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Feb. 6, 7, 8 and 22, Weekly Resource School at Bridges Neighborhood Place
Located at 1411 Algonquin Pkwy. Contact Nannette Bertram Dix at 634-6057 to RSVP and for more information. The Bridges of Hope staff is teaming up with an array of service providers to provide weekly programming and resources focusing on substance prevention, self-sufficiency, health, safety and resiliency. All workshops are free and open to the public.
- Feb. 6, Cyber Safety, 4 – 5 p.m. ECHO (Exploited Children’s Help Organization) presents internet safety tips and tricks and how to keep information safe and secure.
- Feb. 7, FASFA, 10 – 11 a.m. Learn more about FAFSA, the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid, which is prepared by current and prospective college students. Presented by Wright, Financial Coach with the Armed Forces Services Corporation.
- Feb. 8 and 22, CHOICES, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Center for Women and Families presents “CHOICES”, an educational and support program for people affected by intimate partner and/or sexual violence
Feb 6 and Feb. 12, ElderCare 4 Families Employment Recruitment
Call 244 -8446 for more information. Located at 1503 Rangeland Road (T. J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24). Call 313-4700 for more information. An employment recruiter will be on-hand for ElderCare 4 Families, a non-medical in homecare service for seniors provide help with cooking, cleaning, laundry and personal care.
- Feb. 6, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T. J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Feb. 12, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Feb. 15, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St., 1 – 3 p.m.
Mondays and 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 children and you may also bring other children ages (0-2). Sponsored by the YMCA with support from First Neighborhood Place.
Feb. 8, 15 and 22 , Work and Learn Program for K-TAP Recipients Info Session at South Central Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 502-213-2284 for more information. Individuals who are receiving K-TAP can come learn about campus and community resources for students, as well as work-study jobs. Students can work on-campus or off-campus, even in your field study.
Feb. 8, 20 and 28, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower
Contact Mendy Mason at 341-5400 to RSVP or for more information. 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.
- Feb. 8, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. 1 – 3 p.m.
- Feb. 20, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 1 – 3 p.m.
- Feb. 28, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 1- 3 p.m.
Feb 13, Blood Pressure Checks at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 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 checks.
Feb. 13 and 22, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting
Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
- Feb. 13, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 6 – 8 p.m.
- Feb. 22, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St., 6 – 8 p.m.
Feb. 13, Healthy Living Club at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place, Call 363-1483 for more information. 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, a representative from Community Dental will be on hand to provide free dental screenings and also to discuss positive dental hygiene at any age. Free dental supplies for those that attend. Come and join the fun and fellowship.
Feb. 15, African American Read-In U at Southwick Community Center 6:30 -7:30 p.m.
Located at 3621 Southern Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. In honor of Black History Month, join in this celebration of black authors via readings, dancing, and music. Sponsored by Ujima Neighborhood Place.
Beginning Feb. 22, Cooking Matters Class at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 772-8588 to register for this class. Join this free, six-week cooking class to learn about healthy eating, cook in class, and take home a bag of groceries each week. All participants must meet income eligibility requirements. Sponsored by Family Health Center and Dare to Care.
Feb. 22, Passport Health Care Community Engagement, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market St. Call 313.4892 for more information. Representatives from Passport Health Care will be onsite to provide one-on-one consultations and 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.
Feb. 26, Diabetes Education Classes at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 502-772-8588 to sign up. This information session is provided monthly to assist in learning the latest information on managing diabetes including healthy eating, developing an active lifestyle, taking medications and reducing health risks. Sponsored by Family Health Center.
Beginning Feb. 28, Freedom from Smoking Classes at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 772-8588 to register or for more information. Join this weekly group on Wednesdays for seven weeks to get the support you need to be free from smoking, Support will be provided on stress management, creating a personal plan and avoiding weight gain. All classes are free. Sponsored by the Family Health Centers.
Following a two-year study that included multiple public meetings, a survey of residents and outreach to the Jefferson County League of Cities and private waste hauling businesses, a consulting report that assesses Louisville’s current solid waste management system has been finalized.
The report includes recommended improvements and lays the groundwork as the city works to develop ways to accomplish Mayor Greg Fischer’s goal of diverting 90 percent of the community’s solid waste away from landfills by the year 2042.
The consulting report was led by Orlando, Fla.-based MSW Consultants, in partnership with Cascadia Consulting Group (Seattle, Wash.) and Abbe & Associates (Alameda, Calif.) under a $350,000 contract. MSW is a management consulting firm specializing in the waste and recycling industry.
Begun with a public meeting on Dec. 8, 2015, the consultant’s study was conducted in three phases. The first examined the makeup of Louisville’s residential and commercial wastes and helped quantify potential diversion opportunities.
It found, for example, that in 2015, two-thirds of the 879,000 tons of waste put into area landfills could have been diverted through recycling, composting or reuse.
Phase Two looked at the policies, operations and costs associated with the present waste and recycling collection system. The consultants determined that costs vary widely depending largely on whether a household is in the Urban Services District, one of the 82 smaller municipalities in Jefferson County, or in an unincorporated area of the county.
In Phase Three, results of the previous phases were shared with the public before short- and long-term recommendations were developed for all aspects of the waste management system.
Short-term recommendations focus on the possibility of expanding services and education, as well as updated ordinances and contracts. Longer term recommendations include initiatives such as an online materials exchange program, every-other-week trash collection and mandatory recycling.
Those recommendations will be studied by Public Works, Metro Council and the Louisville/Jefferson County Solid Waste District, with additional public input, before any potential changes are made.
The full report can be found online at www.louisvilleky.gov/government/public-works/solid-waste-study-report-january-2018 .
Photo: KFC Yum! Center
After more than half a century on the road and an unparalleled career that has redefined the cultural landscape and seen Elton John claim his place as a true global icon, the superstar
announced via an exclusive VR180 live stream on YouTube, details of his final tour called ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’.
Kicking off in the U.S. on September 8, 2018, the ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour will consist of more than 300 shows across five continents, hitting North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Australasia before reaching its conclusion in 2021. These dates mark the superstar’s last-ever tour, the end of half a century on the road for one of pop culture’s most enduring performers. Elton’s new stage production will take his fans on a musical and highly visual journey spanning a 50-year career of hits like no one has ever seen before.
“Performing live fuels me and I’m ecstatic and humbled to continue to play to audiences across the globe,” said Elton. “I plan to bring the passion and creativity that has entertained my fans for decades to my final tour. After the tour finishes, I’m very much looking forward to closing off that chapter of my life by saying farewell to life on the road. I need to dedicate more time to raising my children.”
Tickets for initial shows listed below go on sale to the general public beginning February 2 at 10 a.m. local. Tickets and VIP packages can be purchased at online.
American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets in advance in North America beginning Thursday January 25 at 10 a.m. local time, through Monday January 29 at 10 p.m. local time. A limited number of exclusive VIP Packages will also be available for sale starting Thursday January 25 at 10 a.m. local time. These exclusive offers can include premium tickets, on-stage photo opportunities at Elton John’s piano, backstage tours, limited-edition lithographs, custom merchandise and much more.
The ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’ pre-sale is powered by Ticketmaster Verified Fan (Ticketmaster’s fan-first technology, built to help artists combat ticket bots and get tickets into the hands of fans that intend to go to the event). Tickets for the tour will be available through registration using Ticketmaster Verified Fan. Registration opens Wednesday January 24 and continues until Saturday January 27. Pre-sale will begin Tuesday January 30 at 10 a.m. and run through Wednesday January 31 at 10 p.m. (all times are local); supplies are limited. Registration is required to participate in the TM Verified Fan Pre-sale.
“It is truly an honor to be associated with Elton John, one of music and pop culture’s most legendary, innovative and unrivaled performers,” said Jay Marciano, Chairman and CEO, AEG Presents, promoters of the global ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour. “In a manner and style that could only be conceived by such a renowned artist, Elton’s ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ concerts will be the ultimate and final opportunity for his millions of fans around the world to experience this generation’s most incomparable and iconic entertainer.”
The news was announced to the world in the very manner that has defined Elton and his creative output over a dazzling career – innovative, daring and constantly taking bold strides into the future.
Centered around a marquee event at Gotham Hall in New York City, the announcement was live streamed globally exclusively on YouTube in VR180, and simultaneously transmitted to venues in Los Angeles and London. The immersive experience at the event – and all around the world thanks to YouTube’s VR180 technology – allowed fans to revisit some of the defining moments that set Elton on his unstoppable path to global superstardom. Transformation, after all, is part of Elton’s DNA, and he adeptly used the latest technology to help him defy space and time, connecting his past and future. Event footage along with additional ‘behind the scenes’ videos in VR180 tracking Elton’s journey, supported by YouTube, will be available at youtube.com/eltonjohn.
“Elton John is always up for doing things differently, using technology to push the boundaries of storytelling and reach fans in new ways. Last year, Elton’s YouTube-supported project “The Cut” gave undiscovered talent the chance to create new music videos for his iconic hits, and now his final farewell tour announcement takes experimentation to the next level – live streaming in VR,” said Vivien Lewit, Global Head of Artist Services at YouTube. “We’re honored to deepen our relationship by supporting the exclusive live stream and ‘behind the scenes’ videos in VR for this special moment in pop music history.”
It was also announced at today’s launch that Gucci will be exclusively designing Elton’s ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour wardrobe. Resplendent at Gotham Hall in a bespoke outfit, Elton discussed his passion for the Italian fashion house which last year unveiled its S/S 2018 collection – designed by Creative Director, Alessandro Michele and inspired by Elton’s inimitable style, referencing original items taken from his iconic style archives.
“American Express has a longstanding relationship with Elton John and we are excited to partner with the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour,” said Walter Frye, VP, Global Entertainment Partnerships at American Express. “We are proud to bring our Card Members access to an international icon we know they love and admire – with access to purchase tickets for his tour before the general public.”
