Ground Broken on New Downtown Arena
With the turn of several shovels, members of the Metro Council joined Mayor Jerry Abramson and Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher in breaking ground for a new downtown arena on Tuesday.
In January, the Council traveled to Frankfort to advocate a downtown arena before the Kentucky General Assembly. They brought with them a letter signed by 25 members in support of building a downtown arena.
“This is a great project where the Council came together, put our political differences aside and worked toward what brought us here today,” said Council President Kevin Kramer (R) 11. “We never lost sight of this goal and in July provided 23 solid “yes” votes in approving the project.
The Metro Council approved a Memorandum of Agreement with the Arena Authority which guaranteed 30 per cent local funding for the project as a partner with the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
The state approved $75 million in bonding for the project. The agreement also set goals for local jobs and minorities and women participation in the process of construction. Tuesday’s groundbreaking was ceremonial. There is much relocation and demolition work to be done before the actual construction begins on the arena in 2008. Officials hope to have the facility completed in 2010.
Councilman Kramer and Councilwoman Call will Host Meeting to Discuss Recent Crime
Councilman Kramer and Councilwoman Ellen Call will host a community meeting to discuss recent criminal activity, specifically in the Highgate Springs and Bon Air neighborhoods. This meeting will be held at St. Michael's Orthodox Church (3707 St. Michael Church Drive) on Monday, January 8 starting at 6 p.m.
New Metro TV Program will focus on "11 Historic Homes In District 11"
Stay tuned for an upcoming Metro TV (Cable Channel 25) program that focuses on “Eleven Historic Homes” in District 11. The program will show footage of some of the most historic homes in the District 11 area and will discuss the history behind the homes. Several of the Hikes and Hunsinger properties are featured in this program. To access the Metro TV programming schedule, you can go to http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroTV/
Council Members Collect Toys for Children of Incarcerated Parents
Metro Council Members recently collected money and toys for children of incarcerated parents. Santa (see Councilman Kramer above!) and Mrs. Claus (Councilwoman-elect Judy Green) collected donations on the corner of 6th and Jefferson Streets. Anyone still wishing to make a donation may drop items off at City Hall (intersection of 6th and Jefferson Streets) or can contact Steve Haag with the Louisville Metro Council at 574-1204.
"District 11 Neighborhood Leader Roundtable" will be held on January 20
The 2nd annual “District 11 Neighborhood Leader Roundtable” will be held on Saturday, January 20 from 9 am to noon at the St. Michael Orthodox Church (3707 St. Michael Church Drive.) This meeting will allow area leaders to come together to discuss issues and concerns they have in District 11. Guest speakers from several Metro Government agencies will be present. Leaders of any District 11 neighborhood association, homeowner’s association, condo association, or neighborhood group are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to the District 11 office at 574-1111.
"Meet Your Council Representative" Night to be held on February 19
On Monday, February 19, The Jeffersontown Public Library will host "Meet Your Council Representative" Night. Councilman Kramer and Councilman Stuart Benson (District 20) will be present to address issues and concerns.
MSD Winter Work in District 11
1) Buxton Drive - The installation of trench drains in several driveway aprons and the regrading of 155 feet of roadside swale from 4222 Buxton Drive to the cross drain at 4216 Buxton Drive.
2) Manner Dale Drive - Installation of new driveway apron at 4438 Manner Dale Drive to bring area to grade level.
3) Six Mile Lane - Regrading a total of 545 feet of roadside swale from the driveway at 6540 Six Mile Lane to the cross drain at Six Mile Lane and Wallingford Lane, then to the cross drain at Six Mile Lane and Raintree Gardens Drive, flushing the existing cross drains.
28th Annual Donorama Holiday Blood Drive in Louisville Dec. 27-28
Every year, blood donors disappear in the bustle of the holiday season. Many people are so busy with shopping, traveling and festivities that they simply forget about their normal routine of giving blood. Consequently, blood shortages typically follow the holiday season.
But the need for blood never takes a holiday. The American Red Cross estimates about 2.2 million patients in the U.S. will need a blood transfusion this season. The time between Christmas and New Year’s is especially critical for patients in the hospital for the holidays. Go ahead and celebrate the holidays. Just don’t forget to help us re-stock our shelves.
For the 28th consecutive year, the Red Cross will be holding a holiday blood drive and throwing a year-end party to ensure patients receive the blood they need to survive. After you’ve given your holiday gifts, take time to give back a gift that’s priceless—the gift of life.
WHAT: 28th Annual Donorama Holiday Blood Drive
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 27 & Thursday, Dec. 28 from 12 noon to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Executive West Hotel, 830 Phillips Ln., Louisville
WHY: 1,500 blood donors are needed to supply area hospitals immediately after the holidays
If you attend Donorama, you’ll receive an American Red Cross winter scarf. It’ll keep you warm long after your heartwarming gift of life. Donors will also receive a Holiday Hero lapel pin and enjoy a delicious hot meal, live music, child care and free parking.
If you are at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and are in good general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. All donors need to present positive identification. For more information, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.givebloodnow.org.
Hikes Point Beautification Project Takes Shape
The Hikes Point Business Association is teaming with the District 11 Office, the Metro Development Authority, the Nicklies Development Company, and Operation Brightside to plan a beautification project at "The Point", the intersection of Taylorsville Road, Hunsinger Lane, and Hikes Lane in Hikes Point.
This project will coincide with a new Starbucks Coffee House being built in Hikes Point. Plans for the beautification project include the planting of a flower bed and the installation of a four-sided clock (see photo right.) Improved sidewalks will also be constructed around this area. This project is expected to be completed by February, 2007.
The Hikes Point Business Association is continuing to raise money for this project. Commenting on the project, HPBA President Debbie Williams said, "We are very excited about this beautification project and thrilled that the pulse of the Hikes Point business community will beat even faster now. The clock will be a great landmark for this area and we are very proud to be a part of this plan."
Anyone interested in working with the business association on their plans may contact President Debbie Williams at 458-3001.
Upcoming Events
January 8, 2007
Meeting with Councilwoman Ellen Call to discuss recent crimes in the area
6:30 pm
St. Michael Orthodox Church
3707 St. Michael Church Drive
January 20, 2007
District 11 Neighborhood Leader Roundtable
9 am to 12 noon
St. Michael Orthodox Church
3707 St. Michael Church Drive
RSVP at 574-1111
Committee Meetings
Councilman Kramer serves as the Metro Council President and is a non-voting member on all Metro Council Committees. Committees meet the first and third weeks of the month and are broadcast live on Metro TV (cable channel 25.) Councilman Kramer is also a member of the National League of Cities Information, Technology, and Communications Steering Committee, the Kentucky League of Cities Legislative Committee, and the Arena Authority Board.
Please let me know how you feel about these or any other issues. Contact my office at 574-1111 or contact me online.
If you would like to be removed from this communication, contact me.