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As a special favor to the planet, Council Members Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5), David James (D-6) and Marianne Butler (D-15) will commemorate Earth Month in April by hosting the Earth Month Reusable Bag Event.
The Council members are partnering with the Louisville Metro Office of Sustainability, and the Jefferson County Solid Waste Management District to promote the use of reusable bags rather than single-use plastic bags.
“Many shoppers in our area have made the switch to reusable bags and this event will try to increase that number by offering something free to those who want to help our environment,” says Hamilton.
“Metro Louisville is moving forward with many innovative programs in recycling and the time has come to focus attention on the discarded plastic bags that can be found on our streets and alleys,” says James.
In the month of April, through this partnership, 2,400 free reusable bags will be distributed, which will help 1,200 citizens go green when shopping and should eliminate 1,800,000 single-use disposable bags in the first year.
“Reusable bags are one of the easiest ways to keep unnecessary plastic out of our landfill. Many people have already made the change and do not even think about it when they head to the store,” says Butler.
The giveaways will be held at four area Kroger stores from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
April 5th Portland Kroger, 520 N. 35th St.
April 12th Kroger at 3165 S. 2nd Street,
April 19th Kroger located at 2710 W. Broadway
April 26th Kroger located at 4211 S. 3rd Street.
It is a classic story of politics, intrigue, deception, betrayal and murder of a political leader. It is not a story of Washington DC but instead a classic tale of politics in ancient Rome.
Councilman David James (D-6) and other Metro Council members are kicking off a fourth year of “Shakespeare in the Parks” with a free production of “Julius Caesar” on March 30th at the Parkhill Community Center.
“Once again, Kentucky Shakespeare takes to the road around Metro Louisville to present the arts to many areas of our community,” says James. “Shakespeare in the Parks brings the arts to all areas of our city.”
Over 57 years, Kentucky Shakespeare, a not-for-profit charitable organization, professional theatre company, and the oldest free Shakespeare Festival in the United States has been offering free Shakespeare in Central Park in Old Louisville during the summer.
This year, “Shakespeare in the Parks” will bring an 85 minute, six actor version of Julius Caesar at 6:00pm at the Parkhill Community Center, 1703 S 13th Street.
“Thanks to Councilman James and the residents of District 6, we’re thrilled to also bring our free spring Shakespeare in the Parks to the Parkhill Community Center,” says Matt Wallace of Kentucky Shakespeare. “We are grateful for Councilman James and all he’s done to champion the arts in this city.”
This year “Shakespeare in the Parks” has a touring schedule of 23 locations in the Metro Louisville area from March 26th through May 19th.
For more information about Thursday’s “Shakespeare in the Parks” at the Parkhill Community Center, contact Councilman James’ office at 574-1106.
St. Patrick’s Day will take on a special meaning this year as a time to celebrate the wearing of the green but also to make the city a little greener, too.
As a way to help Metro Louisville expand its tree canopy, Councilman Brandon Coan (D-8) has announced Planting O’ The Green, an initiative to plant 88 trees during the week leading up to this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and 364 trees over the next four parade cycles.
“In honor of this year’s 44th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Planting O’ The Green partners and I are planting 44 trees in District 8 and 44 trees in District 1,” said Coan. “Next year, we’ll plant 45 trees in District 8 and 45 trees in another Metro Council district, and so on. I believe this pay-it-forward approach is the only way to solve our citywide tree problem, and I hope Planting O’ The Green becomes a tradition for many years to come.”
The Councilman made the announcement with Councilwoman Jessica Green (D-1) and representatives of Brightside, MSD, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, TreesLouisville, Bellarmine University and the Ancient Order of the Hibernians on Monday.
“I am pleased to be part of this effort because we all know trees are important to all of our neighborhoods. Trees bring us closer to nature and remind us of the beauty that can be found on any street or corner. What better way to celebrate the wearing of the green than making sure our community is a little greener,” said Green.
In District 1, 44 trees will be planted at Farnsley Middle School, led by Planting O’ The Green partner Trees Louisville.
“TreesLouisville is thrilled to be a part of the Planting O’ The Green project,” TreesLouisville Executive Director Cindi Sullivan said. “We applaud Councilman Coan and Councilwoman Green for sharing our vision of a healthier and more livable community for current and future generations through a robust community tree canopy. Collaborative projects like this one are an excellent, strategic means to plant trees that will benefit students at Farnsley Middle School, the neighborhood residents that utilize the walking path we will be shading, and all Louisville residents.”
In District 8, 24 trees will be planted in Cherokee Park, led by the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, and 20 trees will be planted on neighborhood streets in Deer Park and Tyler Park, led by Brightside. Additionally, Brightside is organizing an extra effort to pick-up litter after the parade, led by students from Bellarmine University.
“What a great opportunity to work with such an impressive group of public and private partners to help grow and sustain Louisville’s urban tree canopy,” said Olmsted Parks Conservancy President Rachel Kennedy, “As you know the Conservancy’s mission is to connect nature to neighborhoods within the nationally significant network of Olmsted Parks and we cannot think of a better way to do this than partnering with Metro Council and other nonprofits to green our neighborhoods and parks this St Patrick’s Day.”
“Brightside is thrilled to join with Metro Council, Ancient Order of Hibernians and community partners on this new community beautifying event,” Brightside Director Gina O’Brien said. “Keeping litter off the streets and trees in the ground are two pillars of Brightside and we love that this event focuses on both.”
John O’Dwyer, President of the Father Abram J. Ryan Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, reflected on the meaning of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the impact of Planting O’ The Green.
“We strive to open the spring season each year with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, often called the People’s Parade, and it is a time for fun and community. Now we are turning the Greenest Parade into the greenest parade as the next evolution of this charity event give back to our fine city,” O’Dwyer said. “Partnering in the Planting O’ The Green initiative will have lasting impact for generations to come. It will increase recycling on Parade Day and improve our tree canopy year-round. The Hibernians are proud to lead the way in being charitable and improving the environment.”
The 44th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Saturday, March 11. For more information about Planting O’ The Green and related activities during the week leading up to the parade, contact Councilman Coan’s office at 574-1108.
This Christmas, more than three hundred children who have incarcerated parents will be remember during the holiday thanks to the work of Mr. and Mrs. Santa and the giving spirit of people those children will never meet.
“I am proud of the people of our city and I want to say thank you to everyone who helped us,” says Council Jessica Green (D-1). “They opened their hearts to join us in making Christmas special for children who would not otherwise have a good holiday.”
During the week of December 5th through December 9th, Councilwoman Jessica Green and Councilman Kelly Downard (R-16) became Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at the corner of Sixth and Jefferson. Their goal was to ask passersby to either bring an unwrapped toy or donate some money to buy toys for children whose parents were incarcerated. Toys were also dropped off at Historic City Hall and the Jefferson County Courthouse during that week.
“It was a privilege to be able to participate in this worthy cause,” said Councilman Kelly Downard (R-16). “I am so proud to have been part of this toy drive and would like to thank the many people who work and commute near City Hall that helped ensure no child is punished because of the actions of others.”
When the toy drive was over, several bags of toys had been collected and $2,000 had been raised to buy new toys.
Last Friday, the toys were delivered to the Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women in Pewee Valley. Additional toys were delivered to Louisville Metro Department Corrections and Jefferson County Family Court.
“At this time of year, it is important that we remember all children and I amazed at the response but not surprised by the help we received this year,” said Green.
A new Rental Registry for all rental property in Metro Louisville is now up and running online following the passage of an ordinance in September by the Louisville Metro Council.
Effective March 1, 2017, all property located in Louisville Metro and occupied or offered for occupancy in exchange for money or any other consideration must be registered with Louisville Metro Government. Failure to register is subject to a fine up to $100 per day per housing unit.
“Rental property owners have the next two and a half months to register their property through Develop Louisville. It is a simple process that can be completed online in less than five to ten minutes,” says Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15), who was the primary sponsor of the ordinance. “There online registration can also handle multiple property listings.”
The registration calls for:
- Rental property owners to include the rental unit street address.
- List current contact information of the owner and managing operator.
- New owners to register within thirty days of any ownership transfer.
- Any change in contact information to be updated on the registry within thirty days of the change.
Visit: https://www.louisvilleky.gov/government/codes-regulations, to establish an account and access the registry, or to get detailed information and instructions on registry requirements.
Registration is free and will be monitored by the staff of Develop Louisville.
The need for the Rental Registry was prompted after concerns were raised by code enforcement inspectors, citing the difficulty in finding a person who was responsible for the problem properties. Currently, some listings have only a Post Office Box number or LLC as contacts in the event of a violation.
It is important to remember, all rental property must be registered by March 1, 2017.
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
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.”
