Copart's junkyard close to becoming reality

In a note to constituents today, Councilman David Yates (D-25) tells the awful truth about Copart and the company's plans to open what any sensible person would call a junkyard on Pond Station Road.

There has been significant outrage in the community since Copart's plans were revealed.

Yates' statement:

The District 25 office has been notified by Metro Planning and Design that the proposed Copart Facility does not require a Conditional Use Permit, citing that their operation does not exceed the already permitted use of the property under the Land Development Code.

Metro Planning and Design has based their decision on the contention that Copart has applied to only stores vehicle, will not "part" them out for sale, and may only store them in a manner that allows for ease of access.

After several meetings with Copart representatives and their legal counsel, we have voiced our objection to the proposed use at the proposed location. However, our office has continued to work diligently to assist Copart in finding an alternative resolution for all parties- that embraces new business, but protects the use and enjoyment of our neighbor’s properties and the integrity of neighborhoods. We have proposed four alternative suitable options as locations for the Copart facility in other, already heavily industrialized areas more suitable for their business, and we will continue to lobby for their consideration of another site.

It is an understatement to say that we are disappointed with Metro Planning and Designs decision. Based on the current Zoning of the proposed location, it was understood that your Metro Council did not have the authority to review the BOZA decision of the conditional use permit. However, both I and several of my colleges on the Metro Council were prepared to speak out for our constituents and voice our concerns with the proposed use. It is unfortunate that we will no longer be afforded the opportunity to make a public argument to a neutral board on behalf of the citizens directly and indirectly affected.

We will continue to keep you up to date on the progression of this issue.

Click HERE for a copy of the Opinion from Planning and Design.

Please contact our office should you have any concerns, or would like any additional information.

How this plan fits in with the Southwest Greenways project, the Louisville Loop project or the Dixie Highway Corridor Study plan isn't clear. That is because it doesn't fit.

Promised improvements to "quality of life" are obviously not coming for people here.

Just more junk.

The next time you see the mayor, you should ask him what he thinks of our new junkyard. Hell, maybe he will cut the ribbon on it.

While timing the traffic lights on Dixie Highway is nice and new bus shelters and trash cans are better than the over-turned shopping carts riders sit on to wait for the next TARC, these things do not make a real difference in people's lives.

It doesn't help political careers, either.

Last year, people said they didn't want Miller Transportation to build a giant bus maintenance facility at the entrance to a neighborhood. Residents lost.

Last year, people said they didn't want a developer to transfer a parcel of property over to the city because Metro Parks couldn't explain what they were going to do with it. Residents lost.

This year, people said they didn't want these yard sale or flea market businesses to be able to pop up just anywhere. Residents lost.

This year, people said we have finally have enough Family Dollar and Dollar General stores. Please stop granting them permits. Residents lost.

It is over.

We lost.

Dixie Sears Essentials returning to K-Mart roots.

The Sears Essentials store on Dixie Highway is holding a clearance sale in preparation of a "remodeling". The remodeling will once again turn the store into a K-Mart.

The store started as a K-Mart years ago, before being converted into the now-failed Sears Essentials.

A sign inside the store states the new K-Mart will be opening in November 2011 and will feature some of the same items currently being sold under the Sears name, including the popular Craftsman tools and Die-Hard lines of merchandise.

On again, off again: SW Cracker Barrel deal turns sour.

Parody: Not to be taken seriously.

Chris Thienenman's deal with the folks at Cracker Barrel has taken yet another twist.

After jumping through flaming hoops for the neighbors, the city and the people running the company, Thieneman says the restaurant chain is now demanding city tax credits to build the project in Valley Station. If newly-elected Greg Fischer doesn't come of his wallet, the ol' hacks at Cracker Barrel will balk on the deal.

Good. Let 'em go somewhere else, I say.

One day people will look back on this extortion by the corporate chain and be amazed that such a demand could be made of the citizens. It is, indeed, who pays for "tax credits" to businesses in the first place.

Interested parties are already saying that this is Fischer's "chance" to "do something" for southwest Louisville.

I disagree.

This isn't about creating jobs. Restaurant servers earn $2.13 an hour. That's not an amount that's enough to justify dumping a truckload of city money on the corner to entice them to operate here.

This is about a rich company's attempted hold-up of this community by first agreeing to do business here, then not agreeing to do business here unless its potential customers foot the bill for construction, training, or whatever else they say they need.

Recently, much was made of a proposal in the state legislature to make mandatory drug testing a requirement to receive government assistance. In that spirit, I would demand a hair and urine sample from the businessmen making these tax credit demands over at Cracker Barrel headquarters.

We will be in touch after the results are in, fellas.

As far as Chris Thieneman is concerned, the local Tea Party's sweetheart sure was singing a different tune when he was running for mayor. The one-time "free market" supporter is now demanding the "boot heel" of metro government be applied in the form of free tax money so he can close his deal and line his own pockets.

As for me, I will continue spending my money at locally owned and operated businesses that don't threaten the city over tax credits. The money spent at these establishments stays in the area.

I hope you will join me in buying local first, and resist this destructive and dangerous trend of corporate welfare without any guarantees.

Local activists protest Chase Bank branch in Louisville - Tom Owen tries to avoid crowd

Chase Bank, Baxter & Highland

Yesterday afternoon a group of local union activists gathered on a Louisville sidewalk to protest the greed-driven actions of JPMorgan Chase. The protest, held in front of a Chase Bank location at Baxter and Highland, drew support from passers-by as well as Chase customers.

The protests were part of a nationwide action against the bank yesterday.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Chase is #1 in foreclosures, many processed improperly (some during the federal loan modification process), causing great harm to American homeowners, property values and the nation's economy.

Chase has $18.9 billion worth of home loans in foreclosure on its books as of September 30, 2010. 7.48% of all JPMorgan Chase-owned residential mortgages are in foreclosure, the largest foreclosure rate among the big banks.

JPMorgan Chase reported 2010 net income of $17.4 billion, an increase of 48% compared with $11.7 billion for the prior year. Earnings per share were $3.96, compared with $2.26 for 2009. For 2009, JPMorgan Chase Chairman and CEO James Dimon received a $1 million salary and equity awards valued at $14 million.

The protesters, demanding that Chase declare a moratorium on home foreclosures, were approached by people on the street that had problems themselves or knew someone who was having problems dealing with Chase on their mortgage.

"My poor mother is going through this exact thing with these bastards!", said one woman who stopped to see what the fuss was about. "Oh my God, they are such liars. They keep saying they lost my mom's modification paperwork like 10 times, and now they're in the process of taking her house away before she can get the modification approved."

Sound familiar?

Tom Owen (D-8): "What, me worry?"

The strangest moment of the hour-long rally came when Metro Councilman Tom Owen (D-8), while walking a bike, attempted to pass through the middle of the protest without taking literature or even acknowledging the presence of the crowd. Protester Kirk Gillenwaters, a local UAW retiree, said of Owen, "Tom Owen has a reputation of being a good listener, but we sure didn't see that here today. I practically had to jam this flyer under his arm. In a district that has had as many foreclosures as Councilman Owen's, I sure would have thought he'd have taken this issue more seriously today considering some of the people affected by this bank's actions are his constituents."

Councilman Owen, with flyer in hand, hastily made his way across the street after trying his best to ignore the issue.

The attempt to send a message to Chase continues on March 18, culminating in a rally at the bank's headquarters in New York.

Mayor Fischer's latest back-room deal crushes Iron Quarter

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer confirmed the suspicions of his detractors yesterday when it was announced yet another "back room" secret deal had been made, this time between the new mayor and developer Todd Blue.

Blue will be allowed to raze the historic Iron Quarter buildings on Main Street within 90 days, "hopefully" saving the facades.

A Leo Weekly article from May 2010 cited the Main Street corridor as "home to the second-largest number of cast-iron facades in the world, exceeded only by the famed Soho district in New York City. At least two of the buildings owned by Blue are listed on the National Register of Historic Places."

A Fischer spokesperson says a deal was made because the city was afraid it might lose in court. That is an unfamiliar tactic in Louisville. The city always seemed willing to pursue every other case to the bitter end -even when it was wrong to do so- as it did during the recent legal battle with the firefighters on overtime pay.

But in this case, a deal that circumvented public input and tip-toed past the Landmark Commission was the best the city could do.

In an interview on Fox41, developer Blue said he was impressed with the "pro-business" attitude of the city's new administration while he, like so many others, struggled to make the transition to saying "Mayor Fischer" rather than "Mayor Abramson". It is worth noting that former Mayor Abramson wanted to protect the buildings and tried to coax Cobalt into a deal to save face and get out of the project in 2008.

Blue purchased the dilapidated buildings and allowed them to deteriorate further under his watch. That much is certain.

Holes in the roofs of the buildings since 2008 have gone ignored by Blue and his company, Colbalt Ventures.

Fischer will go to the Metro Council with a request that $450,000 be given to Cobalt Vultures Ventures.

The ultimate fate of the buildings now seems clear.

A sad day. A sad fate. One question remains: What's next?

Read More: Insider Louisville - Downtown getting new parking lot? Iron Quarter deal with city gives Todd Blue permission to clear historic buildings

Metro Citizen's Bill of Rights reveals: You're a "customer"

Mayor Greg Fischer recently released his "Citizen's Bill of Rights". It is published on the city's website for your convenience. The Bill of Rights is loaded with "corporate-speak" and double-talking jive. It is surely corrupt communication.

It is my opinion citizens are not "customers" and should not be treated as such. They are the "owners".

While a detailed Bill of Rights for citizens is a good thing, the wrong approach was taken on this one.

The text of the Bill of Rights can be found after the jump...

Friday rundown - zoning madness, wild rumors

- More zoning madness: Here's my take on the Metro Planning Commission's hearing yesterday. It was a mess.

- New rumors: Darden Restaurant group buys old Circuit City building on Dixie? Darden operates Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52 restaurants.

- Dept.of Please Stop Making Us Defend Your Stupid Decisions: President Obama has appointed William Daley as his Chief of Staff. Daley had been serving as Midwest chairman for JP Morgan Chase, and you know how I feel about those assholes.

- Mayor Greg Fischer's "Day of Service" is tomorrow, January 8. Here is a poster with info (.pdf).

Big trouble - Soon come: Happy New Year 2011 Edition

"So let's drink to Kentucky, way out in the east, where a woman's ass and a whiskey glass made a horse's ass of me.”

Governor Beshear

Tonight is "amateur night" at parties and bar rooms all over Louisville. Places like the venerable Phoenix Hill Tavern will, at the stroke of midnight, have its restrooms coated with vomit by the uninitiated.

It takes years of practice to learn how to celebrate appropriately on New Year's Eve and by the time one is old enough to actually do so, the whole idea of going out has lost its luster.

I have not been out in years. Mostly because of the constant threat of police roadblocks and mass arrests on the streets. But there was a time at a place in Louisville called The Toy Tiger, and I was there and in proper form.

That is a story for another time.

My current New Year's Eve ritual began a couple of years ago. In a lasting fit of boredom, I checked out the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission's website and read the "prefiled bills" to be considered for the upcoming session of the General Assembly. It has become a tradition among some of my friends to make bets on which bills will get out of committee, and this year's collection contains some real gems.

- Making over the counter medicines like Sudafed require a prescription. [BR12]

- Forcing school districts to implement "wellness programs" and mandating physical activity time. [BR13]

- Creating a behemoth, regional MSD-type agency for Bullit, Hardin, Jefferson, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, and Spencer Counties [BR19]

- The Kentucky Firearms Freedom Act. [BR92]

- Amending the state constitution to extend the terms of State Representatives from two to four years and State Senators from four to six years. [BR249]

There are many more examples of disturbing behavior emanating from Frankfort, but we can save those for the New Year. Chew on these prefiled bills for a while, then place your bets. And avoid the Jägermeister.

In 2011, four blessings upon you:

Older whiskey.
Younger women.
Faster horses.
Smarter government.

Happy New Year.

Fischer has bell rung after media stunt

George W. Bush Greg Fischer, Louisville's mayor-elect, took a turn as a "bell ringer" for the Salvation Army yesterday at the Highlands Kroger. The event lasted all of 30 minutes and was set to coincide with the noon news programs on a traditionally slow news day. It appeared to be less of an attempt to help out than it was a chance to get on television. [Fox41]

I don't know about you, but I think if this guy really wanted to help, he'd just write a gigantic check from his entrepreneur bank account instead of staging a failed, half-hour photo opportunity.

Fischer states his Christmas plans include a huge celebration at home "with his entire family".

True leaders "lead by example". That means showing up unannounced to a soup kitchen or shelter on Christmas, not by displacing petty criminals on community service detail.

The more we see of Fischer, the more we have to fear. Who convinced him this was a good idea?

Donohue ruled ineligible - crashes, burns

Jeff Donohue, candidate for state representative in the 37th district, has been ruled ineligible by Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Fred Cowan. The outcome was expected by many observers and was, in my opinion, the correct judgment. Click HERE for background on the debacle. It is a terrifying story of spectacular failure and arrogance.

Donohue's attorney has promised an appeal, the thought of which sends shivers down many Democrat's spines for it is insanely bad politics. Insanely. Bad.

Insiders familiar with the whole shebang say Donohue had it coming. They also say to "watch where he ends up" with respect to future employment. One blamed retiring incumbent Ron Weston, saying Weston "did everything else for him [Donohue], walked him around like a toddler, got him out there talking right...I guess Ron should have done Jeff's damned paperwork too."

I had high hopes for Jeff Donohue. It should have been an easy win.

Louisville/Jefferson County Democratic Party Chairman Tim Longmeyer and attorney Jennifer Moore deserve the credit for starting this trend in the first place by filing lawsuits to remove candidates that were certain losers from the ballot. Well done. You two are about as sharp as a rat’s turd in a glass of buttermilk.

Breaking News: Thieneman endorses Hal for mayor

In an about-face, South End trailer park king Chris Thieneman endorsed his former Republican mayoral opponent today during a media event described as a "near disaster" by insiders.

Thieneman said he is sure Heiner wouldn't trade an endorsement for a promise of employment in his administration because he tried to get one and was denied. Yes. Thieneman offered his endorsement in exchange for an appointment in a Heiner administration four months ago.

To his credit, Heiner said no.

This is just the latest in a string of weird admissions by the self-proclaimed "South Louisville activist". In April during the Republican primary for mayor, Thieneman admitted to bribery in his past dealings with the zoning board.

Thieneman says his "respect" for Hal grew after his offer was denied.

Rubbertown Economic-Development Meeting

 There will be a "Rubbertown Economic-Development Meeting" at the Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway, on Thursday, June 3 from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM. There is no news on why this meeting is being held on West Broadway, five miles from Rubberown. For more info contact April Jones, Louisville Metro Economic Development, 574-4140 or april.jones@louisvilleky.gov

News From The Department of WTF

- The second worker death this week has been reported at Jeffboat.  Both victims fell to their deaths, the first on Monday.  More on the sad, sad news at the CJ. [LINK]

- Burglaries are rising sharply in South/Southwest Louisville.  No one knows why. Go home and lock up all your stuff.[WHAS11]

- Doug Hawkins brags of endorsement from "Miss Wheelchair KY" in his latest campaign email. Laura Reynolds points to improvements in Waverly Park, saying "Hawkins made sure it was all handicapped accessible."

Isn't that part of the deal? I mean, is that an option? To make it inaccessible?

- Councilman and mayoral candidate David Tandy claims he's really standing on that construction crane in his campaign commercial. Take a look. What do you think?

Striking Jeffboat Workers Illegally Threatened

It has been revealed that striking Teamsters at Jeffboat were illegally threatened by the company 10 days ago in a letter mailed to their homes.  The letter, obtained by FOX41 News, states that workers would lose state unemployment benefits if they didn't return to work.  Sadly, this seems to be the operative ethic in American business these days.  There's no word on possible NLRB charges against American Commercial Lines, the operator of Jeffboat, for such an irresponsible and dirty move.

Talks between the company and the union will resume next week.  Stay out boys, until you win.  Some of us are behind you and your families 100%.  If you or someone you know is a Jeffboat worker on the picket line, please send me an email.  I'd like to speak with you. Just click my name above the Blogroll. Confidentiality is assured.

Kosmos Cement Wants to Burn Tires as Kiln Fuel

The following is posted at The Local Weekly:

Currently, Kosmos Cement Company uses coal as the primary fuel for operating our cement plant. To reduce our fossil fuel usage, improve the economic viability of our operations and to support Louisville Metro’s green initiatives, we are proposing to use tires (tire derived fuel: TDF) to replace up to 25% of our traditional fuels in the production process. Because we operate under a Conditional Use Permit, we are submitting an application to modify the permit to allow us to use TDF. As a result, we are hosting a public meeting with our neighbors to explain this process and the benefits it will offer, including the potential of reducing Kentucky’s tire waste stream by up to 3 million tires a year. We will also explain the permitting and approval process at that time and answer any questions you may have. The meeting will be held on: Monday, April 19th, 6PM at Farnsley Landing, 7410 Moorman Road, Louisville, KY 40272 Please feel free to contact Shannon Sherman Graves at 933-6331 regarding any questions or thoughts you may have. See you there.

I'm not an environmental expert by any means, but I think it is a little misleading to say your company wants "to support Louisville Metro's green initiatives" by burning tires. It is common knowledge that burning tires in the open is extremely harmful to human health and the natural environment. Why would it be any different in a cement kiln along with burning coal?  The fumes emitted are packed with the many toxic chemicals that tires contain, including volatile organic compounds such as benzene, metals such as lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzopyrene, and synthetic rubber components such as butadiene and styrene. Additionally, the chlorine content in tires leads to the creation of dioxins and furans (which are extremely toxic chemicals) when tires are burned.

"TDF" stands for "Tire-Derived Fuel", and it is not without serious consequences.  Look it up.  Please attend this meeting, listen politely, and tell them to shove those burning tires up their asses. Enough is enough.

If You Want Blood, You've Got It

The first all-out assault on a Louisville mayoral candidate has arrived, courtesy of Chris Thieneman. "Shallow" Hal Heiner takes a beating on heinersheist.com.  Thieneman stomps Heiner's incessant claims of job creation and reminds voters of the nearly-forgotten scandal involving Heiner's company and the Technology Park of Greater Louisville (Naval Ordinance Station) while Hal was Chair of the Labor and Economic Development Committee.

FOX41 has the story HERE.

Shallow Hal & Co. maintain this is a desperate act by a man running behind in an election. What do you think about this tactic?

News and Nonsense: Happy St. Patrick's Day

- According to this news release from the mayor's office, Kentuckiana Curb will receive $1,125,000 in state incentives to create 50 jobs. Kentuckiana Curb is a metal fabrication shop and manufacturer of metal roofing components located in Jeffersontown.

- An insolent child was suspended from her middle school for failure to follow directions. The next thing you know, there's a "prayer circle" outside the school and the newspaper is reporting on the situation. Sounds like someone should be praying for forgiveness for using a child to further their political objectives. [CJ]

- The Vogt Achievement Scholarship Award winners have been announced by JCPS. 8 of the 20 winners are from schools in Southwest Louisville. Congratulations to all the students.

Drug Testing and A "Pact With The Devil"...Thursday's Nuttiness

- Shively's City Council has voted to exclude themselves from the city's new random drug testing policy. Shively's mayor, Sherry Conner, thought the city's elected officials should lead by example, but a majority of the council thought otherwise. Do as we say...not as we do. [C-J]

- If you want to own a business that never has to take a loss, buy an electric company. LG&E is seeking yet another rate hike (+12% electric and +9% natural gas) to cover the cost of storm repairs and to pay for things normally associated with routine maintenance. The Kentucky Public Service Commission is expected to rule on the phony request by Aug. 1. [C-J]

- Wacked-out "religious" nutcase Pat Robertson has stated Haiti has been cursed by a pact with the devil, hence the devastating earthquake that may have killed thousands. He then went on to mutter some nonsense about voodoo rituals. Question: If we pray for Robertson's speedy death, do we feel guilt when he croaks or is it simply God's will? [Yahoo]

Another Company Leaving Louisville: Traughber Says "See Ya"

A company that has been in Louisville for 121 years looks to be moving to Jeffersonville, IN. soon. Cook Compression's 110 union workers manufacture piston rings and oil field equipment at 8th and Breckenridge downtown. Bruce Traughber, the "economic development" guy for the city says Cook has been talking about moving for 10 years, so Traughber seems indifferent to the situation. HERE is the story in the Courier-Journal.

Question: Exactly what type of jobs are these "economic development" people looking to attract or to keep in Louisville? High-paying manufacturing jobs certainly don't seem to fit on their list.

Bike Station Delayed

Dan Klepal from the Courier Journal has written an excellent article in today's edition detailing what could be the beginning of the end for the proposed downtown bike station. It seems the terms of when the project has to be completed as well as the deadline for bidding construction has been pushed back. The mayor has written a letter to cyclists, council members and business leaders asking for a business plan on how to make the station sustain itself without long term government subsidies. One would think that the mayor would already have a plan in place before cutting the ribbon for construction.

The mayor obviously jumped the gun on announcing the project, and is now back-pedaling after significant public outcry from citizens and dedicated cyclists, and intense questioning of the city's priorities by council members. Hopefully, this delay will give the mayor the cover he needs to let this idea die.