The New Deal Edition Of District 8 Enews Is Live In Louisville

Press release from the City of Louisville:

July 1, 2020

• Welcome: Into the Blue Again After the Money’s Gone
• District 8 Streets Report: Beginning to See the Light
• District 8 Development Report: The BOZA Show
• District 8 Crime Report: Interdependence Day
• District 8 Events Calendar: The Fortnight Ahead
• 8 Shout-Outs: The Grateful 8th
• In *Four* Weeks: The Dog Days Edition

Welcome: Into the Blue Again After the Money’s Gone

I want to talk about the budget and the state of the city but first congratulations are in order to Democratic Primary winner Cassie Chambers Armstrong. No Republicans ran in the primary, so Cassie is the prohibitive favorite to take the District 8 office in January 2021. (Technically, the last day to file a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate is October 23. Also, given how 2020 is going, it wouldn’t surprise me if aliens invaded the earth.) I will take my chances and we will start to prepare for the transition together in August. I think she has earned July for herself and her family, though.

Among other things, Cassie will inherit half of the budget the Metro Council passed on Thursday (6/25). As I lamented at the meeting, I think it is just a shame that we have a “continuation” budget at a moment in history when society is finally changing. I am not saying the proposal I published in this space two weeks ago and then pitched to the Budget Committee last Monday was the right or only answer but I expected more from the council – an acknowledgement, at least, that reallocating general funding from LMPD to public health (or otherwise) may be part of building a better, safer community in the long run. Instead…

The council did redirect $2.8 million in capital grants for deflection, diversity recruitment and training and added tens of millions (in debt) to the mayor’s recommended budget for housing, small business assistance, a community grocery and other investments in disadvantaged neighborhoods – all good things – but we can’t buy our way out of racial inequity in the capital budget alone. We have to change the way we operate. To that end, the council’s reallocation of $763,500 in general funding for a civilian review board and an Office of Inspector General to lead independent investigations of the LMPD may become the FY21 budget’s lasting legacy.

(Honorable mention may go to general funding to employ an Energy Manager, which is crucial to achieving 100% clean renewable electricity for Metro Government (LMG) operations by 2030 and 100% clean energy for LMG by 2035. LMG is currently on track to completely implement our energy management and accounting software by December so that we can conduct an energy audit, which is equally critical. In any event, criminal justice reform and environmental justice are the twin rails that will take us through the tunnel.)

In other budget news: remember the street paving scarcity I wrote about last time? Fuhgeddaboudit! The council quadrupled our road borrowing ($20 million), including $700,000 for a new Pavement Condition Index (PCI) survey, which data the Department of Public Works (DPW) uses to prioritize paving projects. Moreover, for the first time ever, it will include a complete alley inventory. A long-term plan of alley paving will be prepared and presented to the council no later than March 1, 2021. (Fear not for the preservation of our historic brick alleys.)

More immediately, the extra money means that Beverly Road, Cross Road, Hawthorne Avenue (from Bon Air to Bardstown), Lowell Avenue (from Tyler to Hawthorne), Ruth Avenue (from Strand to Radnor) and Speed Avenue (from Fernwood to Bardstown and Bardstown to Spring) join the list of roads to be paved in FY21. Due to the forthcoming new PCI data, anything DPW has previously projected for FY22-FY23 may be completely different.

Finally, on the subject of the budget, we made a few adjustments to our District 8 accounts. First, we incurred one more FY20 expense after all, contributing $1,000 in Neighborhood Development Funding (NDF) to Waterfront Park’s Juneteenth Jubilee Video Series, happening now. Here are our final FY20 and FY21 NDF budgets, respectively. Second, the council decided to fully fund our Capital Infrastructure (CIF) programs ($100,000), so I allocated the balance ($50,000) to Bardstown Road Safety Study implementation. I expect to have some news about that next time. I also went digging around in Metro Government’s couch cushions and found an extra $11,366.55 for our capital coffers. (It is a trick I will teach Cassie.) Here are our final FY20 and FY21 CIF budgets.

The justice quest for Breonna Taylor, David McAtee, now Tyler Gerth and others injured in the events surrounding their deaths continues. I spoke with Breonna Taylor’s attorney Lonita Baker on Eight More Miles: the District 8 Podcast on Friday (6/26) to get the latest.

The Metro Council continues to act, as well. Legislation has been filed requiring drug and alcohol testing of LMPD officers when critical incidents occur; urging the adoption of policies to increase transparency and expedite police internal investigations; and launching a Government Oversight and Audit Committee investigation into the administration’s handling of recent matters.

We need everyone from the mayor to the state attorney general to act quickly, too, because justice delayed means peace delayed – for the victims, their families and all of us.

You don’t need to be Dr. Anthony Fauci to understand the coronavirus is coming back with a vengeance. Expect a renewed emphasis on the crisis response from local and state governments and watch this space for new resources. As an example, ATTN: Small Business, the application for LMG’s new $21 million federal CARES Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grants program is open now. Apply here for a grant up to $50,000 based on demonstrated impact from COVID-19.

Finally, a note on communicating with us. Since March 13, Jasmine and I have been working remotely. Since May 14 – every day – our voice mailbox has exceeded the size limit with messages from around the country and I alone have received more than 10,000 emails from around the world. On social media, I get in and get out for my own mental health. Point being: we are doing our best to timely respond to questions, concerns and service requests amid an avalanche of information. Thank you for your patience and until further notice I recommend email as the best way to reach me.

District 8 eNews is taking a break on July 15 and we will see you back here on July 29.

For the latest news, resources and government response to the coronavirus crisis, please visit these local, state and federal websites. For breaking news and information, please follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you have a question or comment, please email me at: brandon.coan@louisvilleky.gov (and copy jasmine.weatherby@louisvilleky.gov) or call: (502) 574-1108. If you have a service request, please call Metro 311 or visit Metro311 online. Visit the District 8 Strategic Plan page here.

District 8 Streets Report: Beginning to See the Light

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

The DRAFT Bardstown Road Enhanced Lighting Study ($13,500) results are in and they are illuminating. I highly recommend spending 10 minutes to read the synopsis and comparatively work your way down the corridor maps to see the difference a modest public investment can make for crash prevention and road safety. In the current state, nighttime motorists are literally driving blind a lot of the time. Once we invest $47,315.40 to convert 107 existing high-pressure sodium lamps to LED (as provided for in the FY21 budget) and then $98,848.80 to install 43 new LED streetlights (no later than FY22, I hope), the difference will be like night and day – and it will save lives. We will work with homeowners to address any concerns over pole locations or LED wattages. Here is a reminder of the problem.

Last weekend (6/20-21), DPW’s Traffic Engineering and Electrical Maintenance crews installed a new crosswalk on Grinstead Drive at Cherokee Parkway and modified the westbound approach on Grinstead to stop when there is a pedestrian activation (which never existed before). We initiated this request three years ago today, which goes to show that good things – even the little ones – take time.

Slowly but surely, the Barret Avenue streetscape project we unveiled in February and revised in March is taking form. We have replaced 19 street signs, converted six streetlights to LED, painted the crosswalk boxes, sign posts and hydrant, cut one new tree well and enlarged two others. This week, we will plant the three trees. Next week, we will install six new trash receptacles. Later this month, we will refresh the crosswalks, stop bars and lane assignment markings, install two new bike racks, complete the project and post pics.

Yesterday (6/30), I received notice that Verizon has filed an application with the Department of Public Works to install seven new wireless small cell nodes in District 8 right-of-way. If your property is within 150’ of a proposed location then you will receive a letter that includes a photo simulation. Learn more about 5G here. If you have any questions, comments or objections to a proposed installation then please email VZW.KY.SC@verizonwireless.com and Cc: me.

Over the Next *Four* Weeks

Paving

Thursday, July 2: Windsor Place speed humps (we like to see the new pavement sit for a week or two before cutting speed humps on it)

Week of Monday, July 6: Alta Vista Road (Beargrass-I-64 overpass) milling and paving (originally scheduled for last week but rescheduled due to the weather)

Sidewalks

July TBD: 2100 and 2130 Gardiner Lane; 2142 Lancashire Avenue; and 932 Rubel Avenue

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: The BOZA Show

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.

Over the Last Two Weeks

On June 18, the Planning Commission approved a request for a proposed change in zoning from R-5, residential single-family to R-5B, residential two-family at 1316 Bellwood Avenue. 19-ZONE-0032

On June 29, the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BOZA) denied a request for a short term rental that is not the primary residence of the host at 1908 Bonnycastle Avenue. 20-CUP-0021

Over the Next *Four* Weeks

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

On July 6 at 1:00pm, BOZA will hold a public hearing to review: 1) a request for a conditional use permit to allow a short term rental of a dwelling unit that is not the primary residence of the host at 2632 Wendell Avenue (20-CUP-0027); and 2) a request for a variance to exceed the maximum height and a variance to reduce the required private yard area for a proposed multifamily development at 1576 Cherokee Road. 20-VARIANCE-0002 and 20-VARIANCE-0003

On July 8 at 4:30pm, the Cherokee Triangle Architectural Review Committee will hold a public meeting to review: 1) a request to construct a dormer on the side of the 3rd level of the home at 2126 Grinstead Drive (20-COA-0093); 2) a request for a proposed pergola addition to the front and garage and master suite addition to the rear at 2651 Cherokee Parkway (20-COA-0085); and 3) a request to replace five boarded up basement windows with new glass block windows at 1249 Everett Avenue. (20-COA-0010)

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: Interdependence Day

The Crime Report relies on 5th Division Weekly Crime Updates provided by Sgt. Stuart Hamilton and Traffic Enforcement Reports provided by Ofc. Robert Ward. Unfortunately, they have had limited time in the office over the last six weeks. Most of their nights have been spent downtown and dealing with other issues. We are all committed to catching up on these reports as soon as circumstances permit.

For the third straight year, District 8 and the Fifth Division are dedicating additional resources to keeping people safe this Fourth of July Weekend. Historically, I have replenished a Neighborhood Development Funded D8 non-scheduled overtime account for police to use at their discretion late-nights on the weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Due to COVID-19 business closures, protests and disruption to life in general, June 2020 was different. But with the holiday, bars reopening, civil disorder and the virus resurging, we are taking all precautions. I have asked Maj. Bridget Hallahan and Lt. Rob King to spend down whatever is necessary. (Not to mention, LMPD’s $8,955,100 in FY21 general overtime funding kicks in today.) Their direct patrol will include parks and neighborhoods, too.

I received reports and have seen video of tailgating in private parking lots and parties in the streets and sidewalks last weekend (6/19-20) that were patently dangerous, a disturbance to residents’ quiet enjoyment and totally unacceptable – and I have notified and shared this information with the Mayor’s Office, Alcoholic Beverage Control, Property Maintenance/Code Enforcement and the Health Department. I fully expect the administration’s support and assistance to prevent the recurrence but, also, property and business owners must be responsible and will be held accountable for enabling any public nuisance. I have spoken with neighborhood association presidents in the Lower Highlands, too, and we will stay coordinated.

Have fun, be safe and – with a hat tip to Ballard High School – respect your own and others’ life space this weekend.

2020 over 2019 District 8 CompStat Data (Period 2020 25)

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.

JULY 6 1:00pm Board of Zoning Adjustment Public Meeting 20-CUP-0027 2632 Wendell Ave and 20-VARIANCE-0002 and 20-VARIANCE-0003 1576 Cherokee Rd

JULY 8 4:30pm Architectural Review Committee Public Meeting 20-COA-0093 2126 Grinstead Dr; 20-COA-0085 2651 Cherokee Pkwy; and 20-COA-0010 1249 Everett Ave

JULY 9 7:00pm Deer Park Neighborhood Association Meeting

JULY 15 6:30pm Upper Highlands Neighborhood Association Meeting

JULY 27 7:00pm District 8 Advisory Board 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 District 8 primary runners-up Shawn Reilly and Dan Borsch for pouring their hearts and souls into their election campaigns, our neighborhoods and this city! I know both men and they are good, honorable citizens who contribute a lot to this community. They, too, deserve our thanks, best wishes and some rest!
2. Shout-out to Librarians for Justice Heather Lee, Jocelyn Moore, Sarah Llewellyn, Yalonda JD Green, Erin Williams, Janet Gifford and Natalie French for their bold and tragically underreported plan to our library system and services more truly equitable! Proposals like theirs are exactly what we need to hear from current employees in every Metro Government department and agency! I strongly encourage these women to hold onto their vision and will it into existence!
3. Shout-out to everyone who has contributed to our six Positive Change boxes located along Bardstown Road at Highland Avenue, Grinstead Drive and Eastern Parkway! One-hundred percent of collections – $226.25 deposited so far – goes to the Coalition for the Homeless. Just $5 covers the cost of getting one person off the streets and into shelter for one night of extreme weather. It doesn’t seem like much but $226.25 means 45 nights. Please watch out for the boxes and, in the meantime, you can give directly to COH here.
4. Shout-out to our loyal Eight More Miles listeners in the U.S., Romania, Germany, France, Australia, The Netherlands, Canada, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Chile! Really!! Check out our archive to see what all the worldwide fandom is about;)
5. Shout-out to Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts for holding the grand experiment together, at least a little longer!
6. Shout-out to Wall Street Journal reporter Arian Campo-Flores for elevating Breonna Taylor and the debate over Louisville’s budget in the national consciousness!
7. Shout-out to the return of Dairy Kastle! Full stop.
8. Finally, shout-out, happy 4th of July birthday and I Iove you to the only woman of equal stature to Lady Liberty to me, my wonderful mom Patti Gordon Coan of Boston, Massachusetts!

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