2012 Southwest Pride Cleanup set for Saturday, March 31st

Homeowners, business people, children and adults will be among the hundreds of volunteers who will answer the call, roll up their sleeves and get to work at the Spring Southwest Pride Community Cleanup on Saturday, March 31st.

“This event has always had so many people and groups who come out to help make our community the special place that it is to live and work,” says Councilman Rick Blackwell (D-12). “It’s one of the most successful of the community wide cleanups held in the spring.”

On Saturday, volunteers will gather at 9080 Dixie Highway, next to Dairy Queen in the Park Place Mall and then fan out across the area to pick up litter and trash along roadways and other areas.

Registration for volunteers begins at 8:30 am. The cleanup is from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Individuals and groups are welcome. Everything needed for the cleanup will be provided.

“The organizers of this event have everything ready to go,” says Councilman Bob Henderson (D-14). “I want to encourage everyone who has some free time on Saturday to come out and help us.”

Cash prizes will be awarded to the largest groups of volunteers so recruit friends from your neighborhood, business, school, church, sports team or troop and choose any area you feel needs cleaned. All groups must be present at the sign in location to participate in cash award contest.

“We had such great success with our cleanup last fall and I look forward to yet another successful effort this weekend,” says Councilman David Yates (D-25). “This is how people make a difference in a community and set an example for others.”

For more information about the Southwest Pride Community Cleanup, please contact Kim Leanhart at 502-367-3880 or Jim Caskey at 502-367-3886

Public hearings on landmark ordinance scheduled for March

The Louisville Metro Council’s Planning and Zoning Committee will hold two public hearings on a proposed ordinance amending Louisville Metro’s Designation of Historic Districts and Local Landmarks.

Public Hearing#1: Tuesday March 13 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. at Metro Council Chambers of City Hall (601 W. Jefferson Street). It will be aired live on METRO TV (Insight Cable, Channel 25) and will also be streamed live on the Metro Council’s home page. Go to www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocouncil and click on the “Watch Gavel to Gavel” icon.

Public Hearing #2: Tuesday, April 3 from, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the meeting hall of UAW Local 862 (3000 Fern Valley Road). This hearing will not be aired live via Metro TV or streaming video due to the fact that the meeting is being held at a remote location. An audio recording of the meeting will be available on the Metro Council’s website after the conclusion of the meeting and recording of minutes.

Hearing Rules: Persons wishing to address the committee will have the opportunity to sign up one (1) hour prior to the start of either hearing. Those who sign up to speak will be called to address the committee in the order in which they signed up, and will each be given up to three minutes to speak. Persons will not be allowed to sign up to speak via phone call or e-mail to the Metro Council in advance, nor will they be allowed to grant their time to another person. Any person who speaks before the committee or is unable to speak will be allowed to submit written testimony for inclusion in the record of the hearing.

Persons attending the meetings are not allowed to bring signs, props or other materials that are larger than 8 ½” x 11” in size or that might block the view of persons attending the hearing.

Councilwoman Vicki Welch has released the following statement on her support for modification of the ordinance.

The ordinance would change Louisville Metro’s Designation of Historic Districts and Local Landmarks by changing signature requirements and place final approval of a local landmark with Metro Council. Currently, 200 signatures are required to have a structure declared a landmark. The proposed amendments to the ordinance would require that over half of the signatures be from residents who own property within a mile of the proposed landmark. This would give residents actually living near the proposed landmark a say in the designation of the property. This community input is vital since these local residents will be most affected by the designation of the property – as it may affect their homes’ values, safety in their communities, and economic development in their neighborhoods.
These proposed changes came about because of controversial landmark designations, such as the debate over the landmarking of the South End’s Colonial Gardens. Myself and many of my colleagues are supporting this ordinance so that community members, rather than just the members of the Landmarks Commission, can have an equal say in what is happening in their neighborhoods. Allowing Metro Council to have a final say in approving historic landmarks will help provide oversight over the Landmarks Commission.

You can read my commentary on the proposed changes via Insider Louisville by clicking HERE.

A copy of the ordinance is available at http://www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocouncil.

Revised dumping ordinance allows confiscation of vehicles

Louisville Metro Council is sending a strong message to anyone illegally dumping in Metro Louisville. If caught, you not only face a fine, but impoundment of your vehicle for up to twelve months.

The Council on Thursday unanimously approved the new section to the illegal dumping ordinance.

“I want to thank the Council for their strong show of support,” said Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15), the primary sponsor of the ordinance. “We now have another tool at our disposal to make it very costly for anyone who decides to use an alley, side street, vacant property or empty field as their own personal dumping ground.”

The legislation allows for LMPD Officers, Code Enforcement Officers and any other city officials authorized to enforce any provision of the Louisville Metro Code the ability to enforce the additional section of the Code. Prior to releasing any vehicle that has been impounded, all outstanding citations, towing, handling and storage charges shall be paid in full.

During the review of the new law, Council members saw how easily hidden cameras used by Metro Public Works in certain areas clearly show illegal dumping and the vehicles involved.

“We feel strongly that this new law will put a dent in the illegal dumping problem. At a minimum, it might make someone think twice before dumping debris,” says Butler.

The measure will take effect once it is signed by the Mayor.

Yates seeking volunteers for veterans memorial clean-up

As we told you earlier this week, Councilman David Yates (D-25) has made keeping the district clean a top priority.

Today Yates announced a new initiative and is organizing a community clean-up event at the Southwest Government Center to help remove unsightly trash and litter around the Vietnam Memorial and Government Center building. They are seeking volunteers willing to help.

"We are taking residents concerns about cleaning up our neighborhoods seriously" says Yates, "Volunteer efforts like this will help with the awareness of the problem."

WHERE:

Southwest Government Center

7219 Dixie Highway

WHEN:

Saturday, January 14, 2012 12:30 p.m.

For more information, contact the office at 574-1125.

Councilman Yates and volunteers clean up illegal dump site on Old Third

In the spirit of the holiday season, Councilman David Yates and volunteers will lend a helping hand to a couple along Old Third Street Road who have fallen victim to illegal dumping in District 25.

“Illegal dumping continues to be a major concern throughout Metro Louisville,” says Yates. “In this case, the victims of it are not the ones who caused it.”

At 10:00am Friday, December 23rd, Yates and the volunteers removed hundreds of illegally dumped tires. The property at 8201 Old Third Street Road is owned by Charles and Shawn Foerster.

“Twice every year, Southwest Jefferson County has one of the largest Brightside cleanups in the entire city. We take pride in our community,” says Yates. “I want everyone to know that District 25 is paying closer attention to illegal dumping.”

For more information, contact Councilman Yates office at 574-1125.

Welch and Yates form partnership for Brightside Cleanup

From Fairdale to Auburndale, the volunteers are ready with bags, gloves and determination for this Saturday’s Brightside Cleanup.

Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) & Councilman David Yates (D-25) are encouraging everyone in South Louisville to get involved with groups and volunteers who will be out picking up trash and litter to keep the districts clean.

“Every year, our neighborhood associations and community groups take the lead when it comes to the Brightside Cleanup,” says Welch. “We have dedicated groups of volunteers who show community pride with their unselfish willingness to get involved.”

One of the main goals of the fall cleanup is the New Cut Road Corridor. Councilwoman Welch will lead volunteers along New Cut Road from the Outer Loop to the railroad crossing. Councilman Yates’ groups will cover from Southside Dr. to Palatka Rd.

Among the District 13 groups signed up to volunteer are the Fairdale Community School, Kenwood Heights Christian Church, Lassiter Middle School, the Candlelight Neighborhood Association, Tree Line Estates, the Holsclaw Hill Blockwatch program and the District 13 New Cut Road group. District 25 has the Redbud Neighborhood Association and a large group from the Auburndale Neighborhood Association. District 25 is also involved with the Southwest Pride group on Dixie Highway.

Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) and Councilman David Yates (D-25) will partner in providing a pizza lunch from Little Caesar’s at the K-Mart Outer Loop for all of the volunteers who help clean the Auburndale/Fairdale area. We want to thank Little Caesar’s for a discount on the pizzas for these volunteers. The lunch will be provided at Lassiter Middle School after the cleanup around noon.

“This is another way that we as Council Members can partner to help make our districts a nicer place to live,” says Yates. “We are fortunate to have so many people who care about their community, and we thank them for volunteering.”

If you would like to learn more to volunteer with the Brightside Cleanup, contact Councilwoman Welch’s office at 574-1113 or Councilman Yates’ office at 574-1125. You can also click HERE to see details of the cleanup via the Valley Station Business Association.

Workshop to explore Southwest Greenways Trail System plan

Join Metro Parks for a Community Workshop on Saturday, September 24th, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital.

A continental breakfast and registration will available at 8:30 a.m. Learn about the Southwest/South Louisville Greenways trail system and how it will affect you.

This workshop is designed to let you plan for the future of your neighborhood and community. Click the image at right to view the flyer for this event.

New Cut Road/Taylor Boulevard Corridor Design Workshop Sept. 10

A message from the Auburndale Neighborhood Group:

New Cut Road/Taylor Boulevard Corridor Design Workshop - Sept. 10

See The Possible!

We invite you to join us.

Together, we can build a brighter future for the residents and businesses along the New Cut Road/Taylor Boulevard Corridor. Council members Welch (D-13), Butler (D-15), Johnson (D-21), and Yates (D-25) represent the area along the Corridor. They firmly believe that people who get involved in civic work and strive to be good neighbors can move mountains. That’s why we made the commitment to help sponsor a Community Design Workshop — a public meeting that invites everybody to be a part of making our neighborhood a better place to live.

The Design Workshop welcomes and encourages every citizen to participate in this visual depiction of your ideas. We want you to help choose community priorities and then work together to make grassroots change that creates the future we all want.

The New Cut Road/Taylor Boulevard Corridor Design Workshop will be fun and collaborative. The workshop will be held Saturday, September 10th at 9 a.m. Lynnhurst United Church of Christ at 4401 Taylor Boulevard. Refreshments will be provided by Metro Council members.

Let’s put our heads together for a better future!

Valley Report Rewind: 2009 "Hicks House" story links

In March of 2009, I wrote a series of articles on the old home located at 8601 Dixie Highway, opposite the Target/Burlington/Value City shopping complex. Since I reposted the original article today on facebook, there has been significant interest in the whole story. I thought it may be helpful to gather all of these links into a singular post to make them easy to read. Below you will find a convenient list of chronological links to all the stories.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy.

http://valleyreport.blogspot.com/2009/03/home-on-dixie-creating-mystery-buzz.html

http://valleyreport.blogspot.com/2009/04/historical-dixie-hwy-home-feedback.html

http://valleyreport.blogspot.com/2009/04/tuesdays-dr-hicks-home-update.html

http://valleyreport.blogspot.com/2009/04/thursday-doc-hicks-house-update.html

http://valleyreport.blogspot.com/2009/04/hicks-house-update-for-tuesday-april-28.html

http://valleyreport.blogspot.com/2009/05/hicks-house-update-for-sunday-may-10.html

http://valleyreport.blogspot.com/2009/09/hicks-house-set-to-burn.html

http://valleyreport.blogspot.com/2009/10/hicks-house-and-genealogy-report-update.html

Free Junk Drop-off Sunday, April 17th

Free Junk Drop-off Sunday, April 17th

Waste Management Landfill

2673 Outer loop

9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Residents wanting to get rid of bulk waste or junk will have an opportunity to drop off items at the Waste Management Landfill on April17th. This is a free service provided by a partnership between the Louisville Metro Division of Solid Waste Management and Waste Management of Kentucky.

Items that would normally not be picked-up during regular garbage service, such as appliances, furniture, and mattresses will be accepted but, metal must be separated for recycling purposes.

Yard waste, hazardous materials, paint, tires and commercial trash will not be allowed for drop-off on the 17th.

Bulk waste and junk can also be disposed of for free throughout the year at the Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Ave. but, there is a limit of three items per drop-off.

Any residents wishing to get rid of paints, fertilizers, batteries, and household chemicals can do so at the Louisville Metro Household Materials Collection Center ( or HAZ BIN ) at 7501 Grade Ln.

There is no charge.

For more information, go to louisvilleky.gov or call MetroCall at 311 or 574-5000.

Dist. 13 is ready for Brightside Spring Cleanup, are you?

Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch knows when the spring cleanup is over on Saturday, March 26th, there will be some hungry volunteers. That’s why she holds a very special cook out as a way of saying thank you to those who want to help keep District 13 clean.

“A few years ago, I decided we need to say thank you for those who would give up their Saturday to help us out,” says Welch. “I have never been disappointed in the turn out of people in our area who want to make a difference and help their community.”

Welch will hold her Annual Cookout lunch at Lassiter Middle School beginning at 12:00pm when volunteers have finished their work. The school is located at 8200 Candleworth Drive.

Several groups are planning cleanups in District 13. They include:

· The Green Mile

· Holsclaw Hill Road Block Watch Group

· Candlelight Neighborhood Assoc.

· Fairdale Community School

· Fairdale High School / UPS Freight Facility

· Kenwood Heights Christian Church

· Fairdale Florist

“District 13 covers such a large area and many of these groups over the years have done a wonderful job of getting litter and trash out of some of the more scenic and beautiful areas of our district,” says Welch. “We can always count on them to do a great job.”

To learn more about the District 13 Annual Brightside Cleanup or to find a group with which to volunteer, call Councilwoman Welch’s office at 574-1113.

Westboro weirdness and Monday updates

Thankfully, this did not happen in Louisville

- The crazy train passed through Louisville yesterday and stopped in front of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in southwest Louisville.

Five (5) members of the infamous attention whores from Westboro Baptist Church held a laughable demonstration, proving once again that not all religions are interested in "loving one another".

The counter-demonstrators are said to have numbered around 400 and were articulate, peaceful and promoted a positive message. 

It was a good showing from the community. [CJ]

- Deborah Koch, who lives in District 13, has been awarded a $15,000 METCO loan for her new business in Valley Station. Deborah will open an art gallery in the shopping area at the corner of Bethany Lane and Dixie Hwy. She has 47 artists who will participate in the gallery. Eventually she hopes to offer art classes at this location also. Deborah led the efforts and organized the teens who painted the pool house mural at Hornbeck Park in Fairdale. Thanks to Councilwoman Vicki Welch and The Local Weekly for this news.

- The Southwest Pride Community Cleanup 2011 is upon us. This year there will be two starting locations thanks to the Valley Station Area Business Association to help serve our community on Saturday, March 26, 2011. Both locations will start with registration at 8:30 am and begin the cleanup promptly at 9:00 a.m. Come early and enjoy coffee and donuts. All the supplies you need will be available at these sites.

The two locations are 7053 Dixie Highway next to Fairleigh Pet Center in PRP and 10719 Dixie Highway next to Kroger’s in Valley Station. *If you received a yellow Southwest Pride t-shirt from a previous cleanup, please wear it again so that we will have an ample supply for our new volunteers**

We hope that you will be a part of this community event. Your support of this cleanup effort is greatly appreciated and we encourage you to spread the news of this event. If you know of a school, church, business, sports team or anyone interested in helping, please call 367-3880 or email prpaba@insightbb.com.

Once again, cash prizes will be offered to the largest groups who participate in this event. Volunteers must be present at the sign-in booth and list their group they are volunteering to qualify for this prize. Completed forms for Community Service Hours will be available upon request.

Louisville Loop Signage System public meeting TONIGHT!

Louisville Loop Signage System Public Meeting

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

6:30-8:30pm

Riverside, the Farnsley-Moreman Landing

7410 Moormen Road

Exercise enthusiasts and the public are invited to give feedback on the $200,000 federally funded sign and way finding master plan for the Louisville Loop, the 100 mile shared use path that will one day circle Louisville.

Metro Parks staff is developing guidelines for improving access, safety, education and the overall experience of the existing and future sections of the Louisville Loop.

Citizens may sign up for emails about the Louisville Loop by visiting www.metro-parks.org/cityofparks

“Home Ownership Outreach Workshop” in Hallmark Neighborhood

Woolridge supports “Home Ownership Outreach Workshop” in Hallmark Neighborhood

Event set for Thursday, December 9th at 5:30pm

Councilwoman Mary C. Woolridge (D-3) is offering an important way to help potential homeowners who would like to live in the Hallmark Neighborhood. A special workshop will offer valuable information to those who look to buy a home in this friendly District 3 Neighborhood.

“The Hallmark Neighborhood is a wonderful place to live and raise a family,” says Woolridge. “With the help of the Louisville Urban League, this workshop is a way to make purchasing a home in this community easier.”

A "Home Ownership Outreach Workshop" will get underway on Thursday, December 9th at 5:30pm at H. Temple Spears located at 1515 Cypress Street on the corner of Cypress & Hill Streets.

The Hallmark Neighborhood runs from Dixie Highway & Algonquin Parkway south to Wingfield Lane and west to Cane Run Road.


Participants will obtain the following information:

· Eligible Hallmark properties

· Savings & Credit needs for Homeowners

· Other steps in the Homeowner process

Eligible buyers can receive up to $10,000 of down payment assistance when purchasing in the Hallmark Neighborhood. This workshop will be presented by the Louisville Urban League’s Center for Housing & Financial Empowerment and is supported by Woolridge.

“This workshop will answer questions and give direction for those who want to be part of a caring community,” says Woolridge. “I would encourage anyone who would like to make the Hallmark Neighborhood their home to attend.”

Call the Urban League at (502) 566-3362 for more information.

Wednesday Updates

- Architects have completed plans for the new Southwest Regional Library that is planned to be built in Valley Station. The public is welcome to view the architect's renderings of the new library at the current Southwest Library on Tuesday, October 26 at 6:30pm, 10375 Dixie Highway. [The Local Weekly]

-  Southwest Pride Community Clean-Up: Saturday, October 23, 7053 Dixie Highway. Cleanup is from 9:00am until noon. Registration begins at 8:30am.  For more info, contact Kim Leanhart at 502-367-3880 or prpaba@insightbb.com

- According to the site FactCheck.org, Jack Conway's "Aqua Buddha" ad isn't all that far from the truth. [FactCheck.org]

Southwest Pride Community Cleanup

Once again, residents and businesses from Pleasure Ridge Park to Valley Station are invited to come out and help make the community a better and cleaner place to live through the 2010 Southwest Pride Community Cleanup on Saturday, March 27th.
“This is a great community event and it is always nice to see so many people, families and groups come out, roll their sleeves up and get to work,” says Councilman Rick Blackwell (D-12). “This shows great pride in our community and sense of accomplishment.”
The Southwest Pride Community Cleanup will get underway on Saturday, March 27th as part of the citywide Brightside Spring Cleanup. It gets underway at 9:00am. Volunteers will meet at 7503 Dixie Highway, next to Fairleigh Pet Center.
“This cleanup comes at a time when we see trash all over many areas of our community,” says Henderson. “I want to thank the people who always come out to help us. It a shame others do not take more pride in our community and stop throwing trash everywhere.”
For that last six years, the Pleasure Ridge Park Area Business Association has organized the cleanup. This year cash prizes are being offered for those who bring at least 20 volunteers per group. There is also a cash prize for the two groups with the largest amount of volunteers. Groups can register for the cleanup beginning at 8:30am.
“The groups are very important to the cleanup but over the years, we have seen a good many individuals come out and do their part as well,” says Blackwell. “This is a good way to meet other people who care about how our community looks.”
Coffee and donuts will be provided before the cleanup gets underway. Supplies such as bags and gloves will also be provided by Brightside.
“All across the city of hundreds of people will be joining their neighbors to do some good work,” says Henderson. “We need the volunteers, you will enjoy yourself. “
For more information about the Southwest Pride Community Cleanup, contact Kim Leanhart at 502-367-3880. Or contact either the office of Councilman Rick Blackwell at 574-1112 or Councilman Bob Henderson’s office at 574-1114.

SW Community Cleanup - Nov. 7, 2009

Southwest Pride Cleanup
Saturday November 7th

Register 8:30am; Cleanup 9am-12pm

7770 Dixie Highway (next to Auto Zone). Join Councilman Blackwell and other civic minded Southwest Louisvillians to make our community a better place. Volunteers will be provided with gloves and garbage bags and will be treated to free coffee and doughnuts. Groups of over 20 will receive $100 for their participation, with the largest group over 20 receiving an additional $100. If you have a suggestion for an area that needs attention, please call Kim Leanhart at 368-3880.

Thanks to Councilman Blackwell for this information!

Volunteers Needed for Stream Clean Up

Councilwoman Ward-Pugh seeks volunteers for Louisville Xstream Clean-up
15 Sites in Metro areas targets for Saturday, May 30th event

Louisville –On Saturday morning, volunteers in Kentucky and Indiana will get to work cleaning up local waterways for a healthier and safer community. That’s when the Louisville Xstream Clean-up will get underway as part of a nationwide effort spearheaded by Living Lands & Waters.
“This is something every community should focus on,” said Ward-Pugh. “It is a chance to renew our concern about our environment and at the same time restore our waterways as beautiful piece of land and not a garbage dump.”
The Louisville Xstream Cleanup will get underway from 9:00am to 12:00pm on Saturday, May 30th. Volunteers of all ages are needed to assist with the cleanup effort.
At many sites, there will be a clean –up by removing trash such as tires and junk that may have been dumped. Volunteers will also clear out invasive species of plants as well as put in native species.

Sites locations in the Metro Louisville area:

• Falls of the Ohio
• Portland Wharf Park
• Eva Bandman Park
• Butchertown Greenway
• Lexington & Payne
• Bluegrass Trail
• Cherokee Park –Willow Pond
• Cherokee Park – Big Rock
• Louisville Nature Center
• Greasy Ditch
• Wilson Creek, Fairdale Road & National Turnpike
• Salt River- Fort Hill Park in West Point Ky

Joining as co sponsors of the event with Living Lands & Waters are the Metropolitan Sewer District, Brightside, Metro Parks, American Commercial Lines, Natural Resource Conservation District, Salt River Water Watch, Jefferson County, Jefferson County Soil Conservation Science, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Louisville Nature Centre.
“If we are serious about being good stewards of the environment, then this event is one way to show our commitment,” said Ward-Pugh. “I hope everyone will get involved.”
To learn more about the Louisville Xstream Clean-up, you can go on line to:
www.livinglandsandwaters.org/XStreamLouisville/default.htm. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged as all sites have a volunteer limit and can fill up quickly.
For specific questions, please contact Shanon Reineke, Louisville Xstream Cleanup Coordinator, at 309-236-5627 or at shanon@livinglandsandwaters.org.

Beechmont Festival This Saturday

The Beechmont Festival of Flowers runs from 9am to 3pm this Saturday, May 9th and is held at the gazebo area on historic Southern Parkway at the Woodlawn intersection. There will be flowers, plants, and herbs for sale. There will also be live music and live demonstrations.

HERE is a link to the blog that includes all the information.

Councilman Blasts Mayor Over Cleanup

Councilman Dan Johnson hopped up on a soapbox today and scalded Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson for his administration's terrible handling of the storm debris clean up process. Johnson, a Democrat representing the 21st District that includes Beechmont, said today that the effort has been mismanaged from the start and that South Louisville had once again been "forgotten" by the mayor's office.

This Saturday, the Beechmont Neighborhood Association is holding a neighborhood festival, and residents fear the debris will still be present during the event. The CJ has the story HERE.

HERE is a link to WAVE3's coverage of Johnson's press conference.

HERE is a link to FOX41's coverage.