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SubscribeAngela Leet Releases Statement on Crime Numbers
Mayoral candidate and current District 7 Councilwoman Angela Leet called the Fischer Administration’s claim that crime is down, “dishonest.”
“This claim is absolutely disingenuous. During Fischer’s first year in office, there were 49 homicides in the county. Last year, there were 108 homicides in the county. This year, we are currently on track to double the number of homicides in Fischer’s first year. So seeing a tiny downtick in a few week’s time is not a victory when all Fischer has managed to do is set a new normal of more than a 100 homicides a year,” said Leet.
In a 2005 survey, Morgan Quitno Press ranked Louisville as the seventh safest large city in the United States with that rank dropping to number eight in the 2006 edition of the survey. Lousiville, however, failed to make independent security review site SafeWise’s 2017 list of 50 Safest Metro Cities in America at all and came in at 106 in WalletHub’s 2017’s Safest Cities in America rankings.
Leet claimed that the legacy of the Fischer Administration would be that “homicides have doubled, shootings have doubled, and drug overdose deaths have tripled” under the oversight of the current mayor.
The LMPD historical homicide data does show a dramatic uptick in murders over the past several years. The highest number of murders since 1960, the earliest year in which data is available, was 2016’s record setting year with 122 homicides in Jefferson County, followed closely by 2017’s number of 116 total homicides.
Fischer’s first year in office, 2011, saw the lowest number of homicides since 2003. The several years following his tenure as Mayor showed measurably higher numbers before beginning their remarkable increase to the numbers seen in recent years.
Leet continued, “For the 10 years prior to Fischer taking office, U of L Hospital admitted an average of 166 gunshot victims per year. During the Fischer Administration, U of L Hospital has seen an average of over 200 shooting victims, and that average is over 300 for the last 2 years. 1700 people have been admitted to University of Louisville Hospital for gunshot wounds since Fischer took office. That does not even include victims who were not admitted.”
Putting a rosy spin on crime numbers is nothing new, however. Last August we published the city’s release claiming that crime overall in Lousiville was down 4%, driven by large decreases in violent crimes such as rape and robbery, and smaller decreases in property crimes like larceny. The article, however, noted then that homicides were up by 20% over the previous year’s data.
However, Leet said of Fischer’s attempt “to spin a tale of ‘crime is down'” in a year in which he is up for reelection, “I am disappointed that Fischer is manipulating numbers and denying the reality of drug and gang issues in our neighborhoods.“
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $3.4 million to prevent and end homelessness among young people in Louisville, Kentucky. HUD’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP), supports a wide range of housing interventions including rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and host homes.
HUD’s is awarding $3.45 million to the Coalition for the Homeless, Inc which successfully and innovatively addressed homelessness through specific initiatives targeting homeless subpopulations especially youth leveraging city and community support in housing, education, employment and other supportive services.
“Young people who are victims of abuse, family conflict, or aging out of foster care are especially vulnerable to homelessness,” said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. “We’re working with our local partners to support innovative new approaches to help young people find stable housing, break the cycle of homelessness and lead them on a path to self-sufficiency.”
“One of the things we learned last year in our city’s very successful 100-Day Challenge to house homeless youth is that to really meet these young citizens’ needs, we have to understand each of them as individuals, where they’ve come from, what they’ve been through and what challenges they’re facing,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “We also saw that with greater resources, we could, with partners like the Coalition for the Homeless, do even more. And that’s what makes today’s announcement so exciting – it will allow us to house more young people, and get them on the path to a healthy, stable and productive life.”
“The youth and young adults of our community are our future, but they are also our present. As a community, we must help them succeed through housing, education, employment and other supports,” said Natalie Harris, the Executive Director of the Coalition for the Homeless.” By working together, Louisville was able to meet the challenge of reducing the number of homeless youth and young adults by half. This award will help us reach the final goal of housing any homeless youth in our community and providing them with the resources to succeed.”
“This is an important new investment in our common cause…to confront and ultimately eliminate youth homelessness here in Louisville, Kentucky,” said HUD SE Deputy Regional Adminstrator
Christopher Taylor. “More importantly, we come together today to make a common statement about this vexing problem of youth homelessness. We cannot…we must not…accept young people living on our streets and in our shelters.
To ensure the Youth Homelessness Prevention Demonstration Program meets the needs of young people, HUD relied upon the recommendations of young people who experienced homelessness themselves. Many of these same young people participated in reviewing the applications of communities seeking YHDP funds. Their input helped ensure that the communities selected for funding understand the needs and preferences of the young people they will serve. HUD also worked closely with its federal partners at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Education (DOE), and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) to help develop the program and review applications.
HUD selected 11 communities nationwide which will collaborate with a broad array of partners including a youth action board and the local or state public child welfare agency. These communities now have four months to develop and submit to HUD a coordinated community plan to prevent and end youth homelessness. They will also participate in a program evaluation to inform the federal effort to prevent and end youth homelessness going forward and will serve as leaders in the nation on the work to end homelessness among young people.
YHDP recipients will use funding for rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, and transitional housing, and to fund innovative programs, such as host homes. Recipients can begin requesting funding for specific projects as soon as they are ready. YHDP will also support youth-focused performance measurement and coordinated entry systems. Over the next several months, selected communities will work with their youth advisory boards, child welfare agencies, and other community partners to create a comprehensive community plan to end youth homelessness.
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and its community partners are offering free stop smoking classes using the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking® (FFS) program. The 8-session program includes weekly support group meetings combined with the use of nicotine replacement products such as patches and gum. Participants receive free supplies of nicotine replacement products.
Advance registration for Freedom From Smoking® classes is required. There are several ways to register: by phone 574 – STOP (574-7867), email StopSmoking@louisvilleky.gov or online.
Below is a list of upcoming classes.
| July 18 – August 29
Wednesdays 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. |
Family Health Centers, Portland
2215 Portland Ave. |
| July 19 – September 6
Thursdays 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. |
Downtown Free Public Library
301 York St. |
| July 24 – September 4
Tuesdays 5:30-7:00 p.m. |
Family Health Centers East, Broadway
834 E. Broadway |
| August 1 – September 19
Wednesdays 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. |
Fairdale Free Public Library
10620 W Manslick Rd. |
| August 15 – October 3
Wednesdays 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. |
Housing Authority of Louisville
1406 Frederick Ave. |
| August 20 – October 1
Mondays 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. |
UAW Local 862 Union Hall
3000 Fern Valley Rd. |
| August 22 – October 3
Wednesdays 5:30-7:00 p.m. |
UAW Local 862 Union Hall
2702 Chamberlain Ln. |
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…
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.
Louisville earned a bronze medal in an evaluation of whether its policies improve residents’ health and quality of life, according to the CityHealth initiative’s updated city ratings.
CityHealth, an initiative of the de Beaumont Foundation and Kaiser Permanente, offers a close look at whether the nation’s 40 largest cities have nine key policies in place that experts say help residents lead healthier lives and make communities thrive. For each of these nine policies, CityHealth awarded each city a gold, silver, bronze, or no medal, according to the quality of that policy. The group also awarded an overall medal to each city based on how many policy medals were earned.
The report shows which cities are leading the way on implementing policies shown to improve people’s health and quality of life. Louisville earned a bronze medal overall, meaning the city has a bronze, silver or gold medal in four of the nine CityHealth policies. Louisville is one of only five cities nationwide that increased its overall medal status in 2018. For more details on how Louisville performed in each policy area, please see the table below.
“Louisville has taken commendable steps toward giving everyone a fair shot at having a healthy, thriving life,” said Shelley Hearne, CityHealth’s president. “We hope this leadership continues. By adopting the gold standards of proven policies, Louisville can become the healthiest, most thriving place possible.”
CityHealth’s assessment provides more opportunities for Louisville to put policies in place to help make the city a more vibrant, prosperous place to live, and join 14 cities nationwide who have already earned a gold or silver medal. Louisville can show leadership by implementing these evidence-based policies that improve the well-being and quality of life for its residents.
CityHealth will update its ratings again next year. For more details on how Louisville stacks up against the other 40 cities, go to www.cityhealth.org.
CityHealth’s nine evidence-based policies address ways that cities can improve the health of their residents in areas of everyday life – from the workplace and school to housing and public transportation. Each policy is backed by evidence, supported by experts, and has a track record of bipartisan support. In addition to the medal ratings, CityHealth is available to provide technical assistance and support to cities as they advance these policies.
