Not to be missed: The Southwest Center's upcoming events

The Southwest Center is holding two fabulous events this month. Please make some time for them. The Southwest Center and the people who run it stand for everything that is good and positive in our community.

• The Southwest Center’s 8th Annual Open Rod Run: Saturday, August 11, 2012 from 10am-4pm at the Center, 8009 Terry Rd Louisville, KY 40258. Registration is only $15. Food, Cars, Raffles, Cars, Silent Auction and more Cars All proceeds benefit the people who attend the Southwest Center.  
• Back To School Golf Scramble: August 25, 2012 at Quail Chase Golf Course, start at 1:00pm All proceeds to benefit Southwest Center and Pitt Academy. Pitt Academy is an accredited, independent, non-profit school that serves students in K-12 with learning differences or learning disabilities. The Center needs golfers and sponsors! Cost is $300 per Team .Sponsorships start at $50. For more information, Please call the Southwest Center at 502-935-1848

The Southwest Center is a 501 C(3), non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a supportive environment combined with enriching work opportunities that foster growth and independence for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All services provided are designed to help each person to live and enjoy life in his or her community.

For information, please contact the SWC at 935-1848.

Louisville Metro Council passes scrap metal ordinance

A new law will enhance a state requirement of daily tracking of scrap metal purchases in Louisville.

By a unanimous vote, the Louisville Metro Council is putting into place significant steps to address the problem of scrap metal theft throughout the city. In recent years, a growing number of small businesses, churches and residents have reported metal as stolen.

Commonly stolen items include air conditioners, gutters, piping, manhole covers, sewer grates and even cars - all taken to scrap metal buyers who pay cash for the value of the metal.

The ordinance will offer tools to track scrap metal transactions and make it more difficult for scrap metal thieves to successfully sell stolen property. “Working with the recycling and scrap metal industry locally along with Metro Police, we believe we can now realistically track the theft of scrap metal and catch those who have victimized so many groups and individuals,” said Councilman David James (D-6), the primary sponsor of the ordinance. Councilwoman Tina Ward-Pugh (D-9) is a co-sponsor of the legislation. “It was critical to our success that all the stakeholders worked out a solution that adds new tools in law enforcement’s bag to stem the tide of metal theft,” says Ward-Pugh. “I particularly appreciate the legal expertise around the table of River Metals Recycling, who helped lead the statewide amendment in the Spring General Assembly.

The Council’s action follows recent legislation passed by the Kentucky General Assembly. The ordinance enhances the requirements of House Bill 390, calling for daily reporting of purchases made by scrap yards.

In addition, the measure includes:

· A requirement that no vehicle 10 years or younger may be sold to a scrap metal business without a title;
· The creation of a database maintained by the Louisville Metro Police Department that will aide LMPD in their investigation of scrap metal theft;
· Confiscate any vehicle used in the act of scrap metal theft.

“This is a good piece of legislation that enhances what state lawmakers have already passed,” said Councilman David Yates (D-25). “We are now putting those on notice who think they can steal scrap metal for profit that you are going to be caught.” Since last year, James along with Ward-Pugh, Yates, and Council members Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), Marianne Butler (D-15), Kelly Downard (R-16), Jerry Miller (R-19), Kevin Kramer (D-11), Councilman Bob Henderson (D-14) and President Jim King (D-10) along with others have talked with representatives from the scrap metal industry and the law enforcement community to come up with a solution to the growing problem of metal theft.

The new ordinance will take effect upon the signature of the Mayor.

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.

Get on board for the New Cut Road Trolley Hop, beginning July 28

Saturday, July 28th brings a monthly opportunity to see and enjoy the best attractions in South and Southwest Louisville when the New Cut Road Trolley Hop kicks off its inaugural run.

“We are announcing an easy way to combine the fun of many events in our region with a convenient and economical way to spend a great day with family or friends,” says Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13). “This Trolley Hop is a first for our area and wonderful way to showcase some of the great places we know and love in the Southwest.”

On its inaugural run, the New Cut Road Trolley Hop leaves the Iroquois Amphitheater headed for the Jefferson Memorial Forest's Welcome Center. Along the way, there will be stops at the Little Loomhouse, Auburndale Village Shopping Center, the southwest corner of Third Street Road and New Cut Road; Outer Loop Center, northwest corner of New Cut Road and Outer Loop and the new Fairdale Library.

“Our kickoff coincides with the Kentucky Music Weekend at Iroquois Amphitheater which is a traditional event for the summer,” says Councilman Dan Johnson (D-21). “This event is a tradition for many people and the Trolley Hop will show people who may not come out to this area that we have some great attractions.” Metro Council members are providing the funding for the program.

Joining Welch and Johnson as sponsors are Rick Blackwell (D-12), Bob Henderson (D-14), Marianne Butler (D-15) and David Yates (D-25).

While the July Trolley Hop is being held in conjunction with the Kentucky Music Festival, in August the Trolley Hop will run in conjunction with "H.M.S. Pinafore," the classic Gilbert and Sullivan musical that will have a six-night run at the Amphitheater.

September's Hop will feature the Fairdale Community Fair.

October will highlight the Mayor's Healthy Hometown Hike at the Jefferson Memorial forest.

“This is another example of the Southwest members of the Metro Council working together and, in this case, promoting a growing area that is special and unique to us,” says Yates. 

For more information about the kickoff of the New Cut Road Trolley Hop, click HERE.

Yates and fellow SW Councilmembers invite residents out to discuss Dixie Highway Corridor Study

Councilman David Yates (D-25) is encouraging business owners along Dixie Highway and residents throughout South Louisville to come to a special public meeting on Monday, July 16th at the Southwest Government Center.

Council members Rick Blackwell (D-12) and Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) are working with Yates to actively encourage residents of southwest Louisville to attend the meeting which seeks public comment as the Dixie Highway Corridor Study moves into its final phase.

The meeting is also an opportunity to see how the project is moving forward. “We have now arrived at the point where the consultants will soon begin finalizing their recommendations for the full length of this project, “says Yates. “We need to hear from the people who live, work and drive along Dixie Highway to ensure all hopes and concerns are addressed.”

Yates secured $52,000 in the 2011- 2012 budget to fund the planning initiative.

HNTB is the consultant firm on the project.

The Dixie Highway Corridor Study is an effort to revitalize one of the area’s busiest thoroughfares and continue to seek improvements for traffic flow, economic development and sustainability. “This study is critical if this area plans keep pace with others areas of Jefferson County,” says Blackwell. “We cannot neglect Dixie Highway if there is a way to improve it in the future.”

Joining Southwest Metro Council members at the meeting to answer questions will be Mayor Greg Fischer, State Representatives Joni Jenkins, Charles Miller, Dennis Horlander, Mike Nemes and State Senators Perry Clark and Dan Seum and Louisville Free Library Director Craig Buthod.

“It is crucial to this community to bring Dixie Highway into the 21st Century,” says Yates. “If anyone has a thought or idea on how to achieve that goal, they should attend this meeting.” The Southwest Government Center is located at 7219 Dixie Highway For more information, call Councilman Yates’ office at 574-1125

Free summer movies continue at Iroquois Amphitheater

“Moneyball” is this weekend’s free featured film at the Iroquois Amphitheater.

“We have a great film for the whole family and now that the heat has broken it will be a fabulous weekend to get out and enjoy a summer evening,” says Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15).

The 2011 film stars Brad Pitt and Phillip Seymour Hoffman in the story of the 2002 Oakland Athletics and how the team took a different approach to winning and broke an American League winning streak record.

The film begins at 8:30pm and is free to the public thanks to funding by several members of the Louisville Metro Council. Joining Butler as sponsors this year are Dan Johnson (D-21), Rick Blackwell (D-12), Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), Mary C. Woolridge (D-3), David James (D-6), Jim King (D-10), Bob Henderson (D-14), Kelly Downard (R-16), Jon Ackerson (R-18) Robin Engel (R-22), David Yates (D-25) and Brent Ackerson (D-26).

“This is turning out to be a great year for the Amphitheater and Iroquois Park,” says Butler. “The community has given us a very positive response to this program and other events that are ongoing here.”

Here is the schedule of Free Summer Movies for the remainder of the summer:

July
Sat. July 14 Moneyball PG-13
Mon. July 16 The Magnificent Seven NR
Mon. July 23 The Secret Life of Bees PG-13
Mon. July 30 Raiders of the Lost Ark PG

August
Mon. Aug 6 The Princess Bride PG
Sat. Aug 11 Cars 2 G

September
Sat. Sept 8 Zookeeper PG

Concessions will be available. The Iroquois Amphitheater is located at 1080 Amphitheater Road, off New Cut Road. To learn more about events at the Iroquois Amphitheater go to: http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/IroquoisAmphitheater/2012iroquoisamphitheaterschedule.htm