The Swing And A Miss Edition Of Louisville District 8 ENews Is Live

Press release from the City of Louisville:

November 18, 2020

Councilman

Brandon Coan

Email Brandon

• Welcome: It’s the Remix to Transition
• District 8 Streets Report: Public Service Announcements
• District 8 Development Report: Worth the Wait
• District 8 Crime Report: Atlas? [Shrug]
• District 8 Events Calendar: The Fortnight Ahead
• 8 Shout-Outs: The Grateful 8th
• In Two Weeks: The Check the Record Edition

Jasmine Weatherby

Legislative Aide

Email Jasmine

Tel: 574-1108

District 8 Website

Welcome: It’s the Remix to Transition

The Coan-Council Member-Elect Cassie Chambers Armstrong transition is going smoother than Trump-Biden. Cassie and I have been meeting every other week since August to review internal office systems, discretionary budgets, capital projects, lingering issues, developing situations, need-to-know personnel, tips and tricks of the trade and more as she and I prepare to swap constituent-representative roles on January 4 at 6:00pm. We have even worked on legislation and an introduction to the process together, researching and drafting an ordinance requiring the implementation of paid parental leave for all city employees. (An amendment by substitution will be heard by the Labor and Economic Development Committee next Tuesday (11/24), hopefully in time for a vote at the last council meeting of the year (12/10) and as my final act as a local legislator.) Also, fittingly, Cassie was my 40th and final guest on Eight More Miles: the District 8 Podcast on Monday (11/16). Please give it a listen.

My whole experience with Cassie has been a pleasure and I am confident she will serve us and the city well in the years to come. As a preview, here is a message from your Council Member-Elect:

When I first became the District 8 councilmember-elect in July, it seemed like a long time until I took office in January. But I knew that Councilman Coan and I had a lot to do to ensure a smooth transition, so we got to work right away. We met regularly to talk about everything from sidewalk evaluation processes to paid parental leave policy. I have learned an incredible amount from him, and I am excited to hit the ground running on January 4th. It’s hard to believe that it’s now just a few short weeks away.

I know that things will begin to move quickly once I take office in January. Not only will we begin important conversations about a new budget cycle, but our city will also continue to talk about justice, equity, and how we recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

I recognize that my role as your representative is to make sure that I am talking to you all about these—and whatever other issues are on your mind—on a regular basis. It’s important to me to put processes in place for us to communicate well and effectively. To that end, I’ll be continuing this e-newsletter (no need to even resubscribe!) to make sure you have up-to-date information about the goings-on in our district and our city. Thanks to Councilman Coan for all he’s done to build this newsletter platform over the years.

I’ll also be starting a weekly (virtual for the time being) “Coffee with Cassie” where you can pop into the office virtually and tell me whatever is on your mind. Details to come. I also hope to attend a lot of neighborhood meetings and gatherings to meet you all where you’re at. If you’re involved in an organization or group, I’d love to come visit you early in 2021 to hear about your goals and how I can support them. You can also stay up-to-date about what’s going on in the District 8 office by following me on social media.

If you have other ideas for ways that we can stay in touch, please let me know. Communication is a two-way street, and it’s important for me that you all feel like I’m accessible and communicating in ways that work for you. Until I have an official Metro Council email in January, you can reach me by sending an email to cassie.chambers.armstrong@gmail.com.

I expect that you will also be hearing a lot from my Legislative Aide, Megan Metcalf. Megan is a graduate of Vanderbilt Law School, a tireless advocate for low-income families, and most recently the legal director for a non-profit here in town. She is a District 8 resident, and she and I worked side by side at the Legal Aid Society. I can say from experience that we are lucky to have her fierce advocacy skills working on behalf of District 8.

In this season of thankfulness and gratitude, I want to end by saying how appreciative I am of the opportunity to serve as your voice on Metro Council. I take the responsibility seriously, and I am honored to have the opportunity. I look forward to doing meaningful work with you all in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Cassie

* * *

In looking back over the last four years, I thought it was particularly important to highlight for Cassie – and you – the areas where I fell short or failed. I won’t be too hard on myself because: a) it is a hard job; b) we accomplished quite a lot; and c) that’s what social media trolls are for. Nevertheless, there are lessons to be learned specifically from goals set but not met, so I want to enumerate some of those here.

Many come from the District 8 Strategic Plan. In several instances, I set out and failed to change state law by way of Metro Council resolution and coordinated state action: on local term limits; a statewide “bottle bill” (container deposit law); local gun control; and immunity from liability for removing pets from hot cars. In the case of local gun control, we filed state and local legislation that went nowhere. In the good Samaritan case, the council and state senate passed legislation but it stalled in the house in both 2018 and 2019. I never got term limits or a nickel-or-dime refundable recycling deposit off the ground.

In terms of capital improvements, trail building was a bust and the Douglass Community Center, though now stabilized, desperately needs funding and a campus master plan. Policy-wise, I was unable to extend the Bardstown Road Overlay District (the “BROD”) south to the Watterson Expressway or protect smaller, affordable Highlands houses from market pressures. I couldn’t persuade LMPD to build a better (digital, social) block watch system or Baxter/Bardstown property owners to invest in a business improvement district.

Operationally, I failed to sustain a robust volunteer network. In the switch to a digital communications strategy, I likely left many of the elderly and unconnected behind. Perhaps as a result (coupled with COVID-19), my Homestead Exemption campaign floundered.

Even in the Metro Council Chambers, where I am proud of all that we accomplished, I consider the health care facility buffer zone ordinance and new police union contract resolution to be stinging defeats – and lapses of political tradecraft.

I put my foot in my mouth a time or two or ten.

Nobody’s perfect.

And maybe that is the most important takeaway from public life.

For the latest news, resources and government response to the coronavirus pandemic, 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: Public Service Announcements

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

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

Fall street sweeping started Monday (11/16) and continues through next Tuesday (11/24). See the schedule, by street name, here. Signage will be posted as a visual reminder prior to cleaning. Please move your car and do not blow leaves onto the roadway or else the area in front of your residence may be skipped over. (Our equipment is not designed to service large amounts of leaves.) If we experience weather or other issues, then street sweeping will resume immediately following the Thanksgiving holiday break. To sign up for street sweeping reminders, visit LouisvilleKy.gov and click Services Near Me.

* * *

Speaking of leaves, effective immediately residents who normally receive Metro yard waste collection on Thursdays or Fridays will temporarily receive collection on Saturdays until January 16 due to COVID-19 constraints on waste collection staff and operations. (Garbage and recycling routes and Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday yard waste routes are not affected.) After January 16 and until April 5, the yard waste winter schedule will begin and all yard waste will be collected on the household's regular collection day by Metro311 request only. See here for garbage, recycling and yard waste route maps (by day of the week service is provided) and other city services information.

* * *

As part of our continuing recycling education, the Department of Public Works is piloting a “Recycle Right Program” in a small section of the Deer Park neighborhood. The goal of the program is to reduce recycling contamination and increase the quality of recycled materials for reuse. The pilot area is bounded by Baxter Avenue, Stevens Avenue, Norris Place and Shady Lane and includes 127 properties.

See here the results of preliminary research conducted July 1. Last week (11/11), a recycled materials audit of the same households was conducted at an off-site location. Next Wednesday (11/25), our team will check containers in the area again, then rinse and repeat.

We will be conducting this pilot program in the Southside and Shawnee neighborhoods, as well, and we will use what we learn from these areas to expand the program to other parts of the city. We will share the results of the pilot likely by mid-December.

* * *

New FEMA flood maps become effective February 21. By sharing the following update from MSD, we receive credit points toward our Community Rating System class and could help you to save on flood insurance:

MSD Update on New FEMA Floodplain Mapping

New Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps become effective February 26, 2021. At that time, any related flood insurance requirements will also take effect. The new preliminary FEMA maps remove approximately 1,400 properties from floodplain maps and add 1,100 new properties to the maps. Flood insurance is still recommended even if your property is removed from the mapped floodplain, as the flood risk is only reduced, not removed. Check with your insurance agent to determine the right amount of flood coverage needed. Note that your lender still retains the right to require flood insurance if they feel it is necessary.

If you live in an area newly affected by a flood risk map change, review your options with your insurance agent as policies purchased 30 days before the effective map date may be eligible for a lower-cost flood insurance policy. Buildings newly mapped into the floodplain may be eligible for a lower premium during the first 12 months after a map change. Buying an insurance policy before the new flood map goes into effect will save more money. Your insurance agent can give you more information on how to save.

To see the new floodplain maps or check your property’s status please visit: www.lojic.org/preliminary-firms

For flood insurance questions, contact your insurance agent. MSD Floodplain staff can answer your questions about floodplain mapping. You may contact them at 502.540.6000 or floodpermits@louisvillemsd.org

* * *

Over the Next Two Weeks

Paving

Hawthorne Ave (Bon Air-Bardstown); Lowell Ave (Tyler-Hawthorne); Ruth Ave (Strand-Radnor); and Speed Ave (Fernwood-Bardstown). This will complete the FY 2021 Paving Plan.

Sidewalks

Sidewalk repair is likely done for the year. The FY 2021 Sidewalks Plan will be completed in spring.

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: Worth the Wait

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.

Monday (11/16), Metro announced the selection of Underhill Associates’ “Paristown Green” proposal to enter negotiations toward a development agreement for the Urban Government Center redevelopment. Underhill was chosen over Paristown Preservation Trust’s proposal. Ensuring smart redevelopment of the UGC has been part of my District 8 Strategic Plan since day one. That’s why, in January 2020, I led an effort to defeat the rezoning of the property without a development plan. Now that we know what to expect, though, I urge Louisville Forward and the Metro Council to come to terms with the developer and move this project along, including the financial incentives – and adequate security interest – necessary to close the deal. For too long Louisville has subsidized downtown development (tax policy) and suburban sprawl (land use policy) to the exclusion of meaningfully investing in urban neighborhoods and streetcar suburbs like the Highlands. You can see the results along our commercial/transportation corridors. This project is a perfect opportunity to change that.

* * *

For those who were unable to attend the Cherokee Triangle & Bonnycastle Neighborhoods Plan Virtual Workshop (Historic Preservation Keynote & Forum and Office Hours), we have created a new survey to gather your feedback on some of the proposed recommendations and best practices. Please consider taking a few minutes to complete the survey and help get the word out through social media, newsletters and other channels. The survey will close November 30. Our plan is to have an Advisory Group meeting in early December where will we present the draft goals and recommendations for feedback. We should have the framework for a full draft plan document by the end of the year and the plan should be adopted in early 2021.

* * *

Over the Last *Four* Weeks

On October 26, the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BOZA): 1) approved a variance for an addition to an existing structure that would allow a private yard area to be less than the required 30% of the area of a lot at 1865 Princeton Drive (20-VARIANCE-0109); 2) denied a conditional use permit request to allow a short term rental of a dwelling unit that is not the primary residence of the host at 1642 Lucia Avenue (20-CUP-0114); and 3) approved a conditional use permit request to allow a short term rental of a dwelling unit that is not the primary residence of the host at 2201 Strathmoor Boulevard. 20-CUP-0118

On November 2, BOZA approved a variance to allow a principal structure to encroach into the required side yard setback at 1131 Julia Avenue. 20-VARIANCE-0119

On November 3, the Bardstown Road/Baxter Avenue Overlay District approved a permit for demolition and site improvements for a beer garden at 1369 Bardstown Road. 20-OVERLAY-0048

On November 16, BOZA approved a variance to allow a detached garage to encroach into the required side yard setback at 2528 Hawthorne Avenue. 20-VARIANCE-0135

Over the Next Two Weeks

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

On November 18 at 4:30pm, the Cherokee Triangle Architectural Review Committee will hold a public meeting to review a request for a certificate of appropriateness to allow a retaining wall at 927 Cherokee Road. 20-COA-0113

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: Atlas? [Shrug]

The following Crime Report is adapted from Weekly CompStat Reports (10/18/20 - 11/14/20) provided by the Louisville Metro Police Department. CompStat reports represent preliminary information designed to allow commanders to direct officers in the field to respond quickly to emerging crime trends. The reports are preliminary in nature. District 8 comprises the LMPD 5th Division Patrol Beats 2, 3 and 4.

As previously discussed, LMPD’s neighborhood crime reporting capability remains in flux. The great maps they provided for us last time are currently unavailable. For a more complete picture of the crime activity reported in your vicinity, please follow the CrimeMapping link below, enter your address and customize the date range from 10/18/20 to present. (Again, this reporting period covers four weeks.)

* * *

Robbery – There were three robberies this reporting period. Two were in Beat 2 and one was in Beat 4.

Burglary – There were 10 burglaries this reporting period. There were five in Beat 2 and five in Beat 4. Two were business and eight were residential.

Auto Theft – There were 14 auto thefts this reporting period. There were 10 in Beat 2, three in Beat 3 and one in Beat 4.

Theft from Automobile – There were 22 thefts from automobile this reporting period. There were 13 in Beat 2, six in Beat 3 and three in Beat 4. Please remember to Lock, Take and Hide!

2020 over 2019 District 8 CompStat Data (Period 2020 46)

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.

NOVEMBER 18 7:00pm Upper Highlands Neighborhood Association Meeting

NOVEMBER 19 6:00pm Metro Council Meeting

NOVEMBER 23 7:00pm District 8 Advisory Board Meeting

NOVEMBER 24 7:00pm City of Strathmoor Manor 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 Satchel Walton, Cooper Walton, other student reporters and staff at the (duPont) Manual (High School) RedEye for exposing – unbelievably! (but is it really, though?) – Kentucky State Police training materials quoting Hitler(!) and advocating “ruthless” violence! Heads have been rolling at KSP ever since. Keep up the good, noble work of journalism, young people!
2. Shout-out, thank you and Godspeed to Kelly Ledford, the Shepherds and the entire, extended Uptown Café family for 35 years of serving the Highlands at the corner of Bardstown Road and Duker Avenue! As a lifelong customer, it is hard for me to even write this. The Uptown embodied everything a neighborhood bistro should be. I will miss having a burger and beer at the bar by myself, the jaegerschnitzel, fusilli with shrimp, Chocolate Seduction, the cool comfort of the place and, most of all, the warmth of the people working and dining there. Cheers to a true Louisville Original!
3. Shout-out to new Highlands businesses, Georgia’s Sweet Potato Pie Co. (1559 Bardstown Road) and PG&J’s Dog Park Bar (800 Baxter Avenue) – it’s the circle of life and it moves us all!
4. Shout-out to District 20 Legislative Aide Angela Webster for building a Give Every Day tracker to measure the progress of our last 100 days good deed campaign!
5. Shout-out to Highlands Community Ministries for 50 years of caring for the community, including a Holiday Curbside Food Drive on November 22 12:00-2:00pm! Click here for the donations HCM is seeking, drive up and their volunteers will unload from your vehicle!
6. Shout-out and thank you to Joann Robinson and the Paristown Point Neighborhood Association for gifting me a lovely proclamation in honor of our work together over the years! The Urban Government Center redevelopment will be a better project because of your efforts!
7. Shout-out and happy 40th birthday (11/17) to one of my best friends and consensus great guy Chris Scott! Now, for the record: on January 17, 2009 we went to this show; on January 18, 2009 we went to this game; and after that it gets a little hazy!
8. Finally, shout-out to reaching 6,000 District 8 eNews subscribers! In keeping with this edition’s theme, my goal was to reach 8,000 subscribers by 2019 but three out of four (and a year late) ain’t bad!

In Two Weeks: The Check the Record Edition

Thanks for reading, and tune back in two weeks!

Councilman Brandon Coan | Louisville Metro Council | District 8

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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.