The Falling So Long Edition Of District 8 Enews Is Live In Louisville

Press release from the City of Louisville:

October 7, 2020

Councilman

Brandon Coan

Email Brandon

• Welcome: Tangled up in Blue
• District 8 Streets Report: Slow Jamz
• District 8 Development Report: Smoke on the Water
• District 8 Crime Report: Fifth Derision
• District 8 Events Calendar: The Fortnight Ahead
• 8 Shout-Outs: The Grateful 8th
• In Two Weeks: The Scary Edition

Jasmine Weatherby

Legislative Aide

Email Jasmine

Tel: 574-1108

District 8 Website

Welcome: Tangled up in Blue

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please join the Center for Women and Families in its Love in a New Light campaign to raise awareness of domestic and intimate partner violence and work to end it. Please light your building, business, spaces or home purple, follow the Center on social media and share its posts all month long, hang a purple heart on your door, window, at your office, wrap trees with purple strands of lights and join the Center as a peer-to-peer fundraiser the week of October 19.

To get help now, call the Center’s 24/7 Crisis Line at: 1-844-237-2331. You are not alone.

* * *

I want to clear up any confusion about amendments made last week (9/30) to the legislation Councilwoman Jessica Green (D-1) and I filed in August limiting police use of force. The headlines can be misleading. For example, “Metro Council removes restrictions on tear gas in use of force ordinance” makes it sound like the council changed the law to allow the Louisville Metro Police Department to use tear gas against peaceful protesters, which couldn’t be further from the truth or the sponsors’ intent! What actually happened is the Public Safety Committee, which is still debating the bill, struck the codification of what was essentially LMPD’s new (June) policy on using tear gas because the members thought it should stay an administrative regulation. I disagree – primarily because Standard Operating Procedure 12.6.5 Use of Crowd Control Devices, which governs the use of tear gas, carves out an exception to use pepper balls to move or control crowds that are merely refusing to disperse, but do not present a specific danger. I think no chemical agent should be used against non-violent protesters, period. I am meeting with Interim Police Chief Yvette Gentry this week to ask her to change the SOP accordingly and support the legislation, which would enact all of the 8 Can’t Wait recommendations into Louisville law.

* * *

There is a good chance that you – yes, you! – are entitled or eligible to receive thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars to help relieve the financial stress COVID-19 is causing on your family or business.

The IRS has determined there are 1,075 “non-filer” taxpayers in zip codes 40204 and 40205 who are eligible for the IRS Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check) but who have not yet received it. The deadline to apply is November 21. Get your payment and check on the status of it here! If you have any questions, the Legal Aid Society can be reached at: (502) 584-1254 and service is always free.

Louisville Forward still has $5,864,357 that must be spent through its Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program by December 30, 2020. That means at least 117 more local independent businesses may receive grants up to $50,000 – grants, not loans – based on demonstrated impact from COVID-19. The entire application and approval process is online, via email and phone. So, what are you waiting for!? Learn more at the link.

* * *

Finally, just a reminder about our Give Every Day campaign. There are now 86 days left in the year 2020. If one or more of the items on this list is a good fit for your family, business or organization, then please contact me so we can count you in and coordinate action. The response so far has been great. Thank you.

For breaking news and information, please follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you have a question or comment, please call me at: (502) 574-1108 or email: brandon.coan@louisvilleky.gov (and copy jasmine.weatherby@louisvilleky.gov). If you have a service request, please call Metro 311 or visit Metro 311 online. Visit the District 8 Strategic Plan page here.

District 8 Streets Report: Slow Jamz

In this space, we provide updates on major projects and report on upcoming (scheduled and funded) streets and other infrastructure improvements.

Cherokee Road is being considered for safety improvements. The Department of Public Works is in the process of analyzing traffic speed and volume data to consider reducing the speed limit from 35 to 30 MPH. (I asked for 25 MPH.) Additionally, Highland Avenue at Cherokee Road is being considered for removing the traffic signal and replacing it with an all-way stop (and other improvements), similar to Longest and Patterson Avenues. You will recall the removal of a traffic signal entails some process, so stay tuned for more information.

* * *

Over the Next Two Weeks

Paving

Brookside Dr; and Ingleside Dr (Brookside-Dead End)

The rest of the FY 2021 Paving Plan will be completed later this season.

Sidewalks

2108 and 2120-2130 Baringer Ave; 2230 Blvd Napoleon; 2124-2136 Cherokee Pkwy; 1828 Deer Park Ave; 1506 Goddard Ave; 2501 Grinstead Dr (concrete pad/litter bin); and 2171 Winston Ave (concrete pad/litter bin).

The above projects are substantially complete; seeding and straw remaining. The rest of the FY 2021 Sidewalks Plan will be completed by the end of October.

Scheduling information is subject to change. Please let us know if you observe any discrepancies in projects reported as completed. Visit the District 8 Streets Information page here.

District 8 Development Report: Smoke on the Water

In this space, we report on District 8 planning and zoning activity from the past two weeks and, also, preview activity scheduled for the next two weeks. All information is as of today’s date. Please Subscribe & Stay Informed to receive Notification of Development Proposals via email or text and never miss the opportunity to participate in the development process.

At long last, my legislation to protect youth from smoking and vaping, including stopping the proliferation of vape shops will be voted on in the Planning and Zoning (10/13, 1:00pm) and Community Affairs, Health and Education (10/14, 1:30pm) Committees next week. (There are two bills.) As a result of passage, no new vape shop, head shop or other stand-alone tobacco retailer will be permitted as of right to locate within 600 feet of another smoking retail store or within 1,000 feet of sensitive uses like schools, day cares, parks, playgrounds, outdoor recreational uses, community centers, athletic facilities and religious buildings. Additionally, all tobacco retailers – from smokers’ outlets to grocery stores and gas stations – will require a license to sell tobacco, tobacco products and paraphernalia and/or electronic smoking devices. It is a minimal burden (and a fee of $10) and a maximally effective way to monitor, enforce and reduce illegal sales to youth under 21.

* * *

The Cherokee Triangle & Bonnycastle Neighborhoods Plan “Office Hours” virtual workshop will be held online Thursday, October 15 from 5:30-7:30pm and Saturday, October 17 from 9:00-11:00am. The workshop is a three-part discussion that will for the first time present some draft plan recommendations and projects addressing community priorities identified in the robust neighborhood survey recently completed. Projects will include:

How do the neighborhoods’ historic form help guide best practices for new development?

What are new open space and park improvement/expansion opportunities?

How do we make the neighborhoods safer for pedestrians?

How do we encourage diversity and local business?

How can we be better stewards of the environment and natural features?

Registration and more information, including the visioning survey results and a recording of the third Advisory Group meeting, are available at the project website.

* * *

Over the Last Two Weeks

On October 1, the Planning Commission approved a proposed change in zoning from R-5, single-family residential to R-6, multi-family residential with detailed district development plan and landscaping waiver at 1616 Rosewood Avenue. 20-ZONE-0058

Over the Next Two Weeks

All meetings will be held online: https://louisvilleky.gov/gover...

On October 7 at 4:30pm, the Architectural Review Committee will hold a public meeting to review a proposed construction of a retaining wall in the front of the property at 2111 Cherokee Parkway. 20-COA-0177

On October 8 at 1:00pm, the Land Development and Transportation Committee will hold a public meeting to review a proposed major preliminary subdivision for six (6) single-family residential lots at 2000 and 2050 Millvale Road. 20-MSUB-0007

Click here to view meeting agendas, download supporting documents and live-stream all planning and zoning public meetings. Visit the District 8 Development Information page here.

District 8 Crime Report: Fifth Derision

The following Crime Report is adapted from 5th Division Weekly Crime Updates provided by LMPD. Please note the linked maps cover the entire LMPD Fifth Division, not just District 8 (Beats 2, 3 and 4).

As has been widely reported, Former Police Major Bridget Hallahan was rightfully relieved of her command just after we went to press last edition and she subsequently retired from the force last week. Lieutenant Neil Tenbarge is the Acting Commander of the Fifth Division until Chief Gentry promotes a new officer to the leadership role. Lieutenants Rob King and Drew Wagner are still assigned to Beats 2 and 3 and 1, 4 and 5, respectively (in addition to their other duties).

I apologize for the second newsletter in a row that only sparse and incomplete crime data and reporting is available to share with you due to the personnel changes and emergency operations enacted late last month. I am confident Lt. Tenbarge will be able to resume 5th Division Weekly Crime Updates this week. We will update our maps, “Unlocked” Crimes Tracker and other tools to account for 9/6/20 - present in the next edition. In the intervening period, I encourage you to subscribe to CrimeMapping.com to receive customizable daily alerts specific to your home and surrounding neighborhoods. I defined my alert to include assault, burglary, homicide, motor vehicle theft, robbery, sex crimes, theft / larceny, vandalism, vehicle break-in / theft and weapons crimes reported within 1/4 mile of my home. I find the daily email to be just the right amount of information to remain aware of my surroundings.

2020 over 2019 District 8 CompStat Data (Period 2020 39)

CrimeMapping.com

If you have any questions or want to discuss anything in these crime reports, please email LMPD 5th Division District Resource Officers at: 5thdivlmpd@louisvilleky.gov. Visit the District 8 Crime Information page here.

District 8 Events Calendar: The Fortnight Ahead

This listing is primarily a District 8 business calendar. We’ll also highlight annual and special events affecting traffic and street closures, and choice events that are free and open to the public. We’ll use social media to promote many others. For event location and other information, click here to visit District 8 Events online.

OCTOBER 7 4:30pm ARC Public Meeting 20-COA-0177 2111 Cherokee Pkwy

6:30pm Highlands-Douglass Neighborhood Association Meeting

OCTOBER 8 1:00pm LD&T Committee Public Meeting 20-MSUB-0007 2000 & 2050 Millvale Rd

6:00pm Metro Council Meeting

7:00pm Deer Park Neighborhood Association Meeting

OCTOBER 12 6:30pm City of Strathmoor Village Meeting

OCTOBER 13 7:00pm Bonnycastle Homestead Association Meeting

OCTOBER 14 7:00pm Belknap Neighborhood Association Meeting

OCTOBER 15 5:30pm Cherokee Triangle and Bonnycastle Neighborhoods Plan Office Hours

OCTOBER 17 9:00am Cherokee Triangle and Bonnycastle Neighborhoods Plan Office Hours

OCTOBER 19 6:00pm German Paristown Neighborhood Association Meeting

6:00pm Original Highlands Neighborhood Association Meeting

6:30pm City of Seneca Gardens Meeting

7:00pm Cherokee Triangle Association Meeting

8 Shout-Outs: The Grateful 8th

This is a flexible space for giving thanks, saying hi to friends and having a little fun.

1. Shout-out to Dan Gediman and the team behind The Reckoning Podcast for facing the legacy of slavery in Louisville, Kentucky and America! The series is a must listen! (In full disclosure, I am a trustee of the Norton Foundation, which provided major funding for this series.)
2. Shout-out to Cave Hill Cemetery for soon becoming one of only five cemeteries in the world to achieve level three arboretum accreditation! Now, let’s do right by Eastern Cemetery, too!
3. Shout-out to my friend Sam Alpert, SVP of marketing at Paradigm Talent Agency, for being named one of Hollywood’s New Leaders 2020 by Variety Magazine!
4. Shout-out to Amy Luckett and the Original Highlands Neighborhood Association for organizing an alley cleanup on October 17 at 9:00am! Meet at Patterson Park (1418 Morton Ave) for a light breakfast, supplies and to break into teams. Bring gloves, yard tools and be prepared to follow all CDC COVID-19 guidelines, including wearing a mask and physical distancing!
5. Shout-out to my friend Dawn Landes for releasing her new album ROW, a collection of songs from the forthcoming musical that follows the true-life journey of Tori Murden McClure as she becomes the first woman and first American to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean!
6. Shout-out to Louisville Girls Leadership for now accepting applications from current sophomores to the LGL 20-21 program! Calling all District 8 #GirlDads! LGL creates a space in which girls from across the city can enhance their journey of self-development through education, advocacy, and action. The experience leaves them with critical skills and instills the necessary confidence to tap their vast potential and, in turn, use it as a source of empowerment to make positive change in Louisville and beyond!
7. Shout-out and mazel tov to one of my oldest best friends in the world Clayton Koff and his new wife Joy for getting married October 3! It was an unforgettable night!
8. Finally, shout-out, happy birthday (today!) and honeysuckle chocolate dripping kisses full of love to my wife and best friend Summer Auerbach! The countdown to Summerpalooza 2021 officially starts now!

In Two Weeks: The Scary Edition

Thanks for reading, and tune back in two weeks!

Councilman Brandon Coan | Louisville Metro Council | District 8

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601 West Jefferson Street, Third Floor

Louisville, Kentucky 40202

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This press release was produced by the City of Louisville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.