'Grand Opening' for Fairdale library, March 24

The grand opening celebration of the new Fairdale Library will take place on Saturday, March 24 at 1:00 p.m. at 10620 W. Manslick Road.

There will be tours of the library, refreshments, and fun activities for the whole family.

The first 250 people over 12 years old will receive a commemorative USB flash drive - courtesy of the Library Foundation - with a downloaded copy of Don Wittry’s “History of Fairdale.”

Note: The former Fairdale Library branch (in the Playtorium) closed this past Saturday to move books and materials to the new building. The new branch will be open after Saturday's ceremonies.

March District 12 Dialogue to focus on Economic Development

The effort to coordinate job creation and economic growth for Metro Louisville will be in the spotlight for Councilman Rick Blackwell’s next District 12 Dialogue on Tuesday, March 20th.

“Metro Louisville is slowly recovering from the recession and it is important to understand the role of economic development and job creation,” says Blackwell. “Many people may not realize what all is involved in growing the local economy.”

Pattie Claire, Assistant Director of Economic Development and Innovation for Metro Louisville will be on hand to give an overview of his department, its function, and the new added role of Innovation and what it means for residents of the city.

"Innovation is an interesting concept for Louisville," says Blackwell. "This is a fantastic opportunity for District 12 residents to learn more about what that means for them."

The March District 12 Dialogue is set for the Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway beginning at 7:00pm.

Representatives from IPL, MSD, LMPD, and Congressman John Yarmuth's office will also be on hand to answer your questions.

For more information, contact Councilman Blackwell’s office at 574-1112.

Fairdale library grand opening, March 24

The new Fairdale Library officially opens on Saturday, March 24. There will be an event at 1pm.

Tour the library, try out the new computers and enjoy refreshments and fun activities for the whole family. The first 250 people over 12 will receive a USB flash drive - courtesy of the Library Foundation - complete with a downloaded copy of Don Wittry’s “History of Fairdale.”

The free-standing 7600 square foot library more than doubles capacity. Built adjacent to the current Fairdale branch library in the Playtorium., the new Fairdale Library employs state-of-the-art technology, has a large children’s section, and makes use of energy efficient and green building methods and materials.

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.

Valley Woman's Club accepting scholarship applications

Applications for Valley Woman's Club Scholarships are now in the schools. High school seniors should contact the Senior Counselor. JCTC students who will be second year students should also see the Counselor at JCTC for these applications. The information for completing the application is at the bottom of the application.

ALL information MUST be completed and a written narrative included for the application to be considered by the committee.

The requested information and application MUST be received BEFORE March 15, 2012.

District 12 "Coffee with your Councilman" - Saturday March 3rd

Councilman Rick Blackwell invites residents to District 12 to come out and chat over a warm cup of coffee at the “Coffee with your Councilman” on Saturday March, 3rd.

“I hope that the District 12 residents will take this opportunity to talk directly with me about what matters to you,” says Blackwell.

The relaxed atmosphere allows for residents to voice questions, concerns and suggestions to Councilman Blackwell.

The event will take place at Old Louisville Coffeehouse, 4956 Manslick Road beginning at 10:00 a.m.. There is no formal program, just stop in to talk with the Councilman and enjoy a cup of free coffee.

For more information about the March “Coffee with your Councilman”, contact Councilman Blackwell’s office at 574-1112.