JBS admits "mistakes were made"

At tonight's JBS Swift's neighborhood meeting at Hall's Cafeteria, both the plant engineer and general managers admitted that "mistakes were made" in the way they went about expanding their facility. They also acknowledged that the structure they are using to unload the live pigs has not been inspected by city officials, which poses potential hazards for their workers who unload between 15,000 to 16,500 pigs per day. Those numbers seemed to exceed the maximum production rate they are allowed to slaughter at 10,000 per day, but further investigation is required to determine that. They also informed us that no union labor was used in the illegal construction, which gave mixed signals coming from such a strong union facility, one would assume that a union contractor would be used to show support of local unions.

Fox 41 link to story that was on the late news

Courier-Journal's coverage here

The panel of JBS Swift representatives were asked tough questions, and to many of them they did not have solid answers. Their application for expansion gave a reason for increased "storage," but the plant engineer stumbled when he was asked to show where the storage would be. Also, JBS Swift informed the neighborhood that they haven't considered using an exterior facade that would allow the new structures to fit into the fabric of the historic neighborhood.

While the neighborhood's questions poured out, local union members sat silent- perhaps in awe of how their employer has jeopardized their safety and left the door wide open to serious consequences by the Metro Government.

More to come, and bet your bottom dollar we will let you know when the next hearing on this topic is.

Come One, Come All

Yup, it is finally here. All the e-mailin', phone callin', brown nosin' and elbow greasin' will show its colors this wonderful Sunday, May 17th at the Butchertown Art Fair. Please bring a smile, some cash and absolutely everyone you know.

Amongst the sea of vendors, you can also experience some puppy cuddles, haircuts for cash, some local herbs, kite babies in the breeze, bluegrass, organic coffee, beer and lots more.

Translation:
The Humane Society will be there with their traveling adoption truck
A local Botanist will be on hand showcasing plants native to Kentucky
Art Sparks, from The Speed Art Museum, will be building kites with children
The Thomas Edison House will sponsor a Home & Garden Tour
Local Bluegrass and Jug Bands playing it up
Beverages by BBC and Redhot Roasters
Food from J Gumbos & The Bodega
And artists peddling their wares, of course.

Not "EARLY IN THE PROCESS"

Thanks for stopping by, and our regular posts will commence once the Art Fair registration period is over.

Butchertown has a very important neighborhood meeting planned for Tuesday May 19th, 6pm at Hall's Cafeteria located at 1301 Story Ave. This is in regards to JBS Swift's application to modify their existing Conditional Use Permit, as they are requesting to expand their facility. This case parallels the current JAVANON zoning and planning disaster, in which construction began without any permits and only once they were caught have they sought the proper permitting. Click here for details.

The meeting, according to design firm QK4, is" an informal meeting to give you the opportunity to review the proposed plan and discuss the proposal with the developer and its representatives." The notice goes on to say, "At this meeting, representatives for the Applicant (Swift) will explain the proposal and then discuss any concerns you may have. The purpose of this meeting is to increase your understanding of this case early in the process. We encourage you to attend and to share any concerns you may have about this proposal."

As the photo shows, they are not early in the process, but nonetheless- we must attend to voice our opinions for or against the proposed plan.

Hope to see you there.

(picture courtesy of Brokensidewalk.com)

Not SWIFT (JBS) Enough

Hello Butchertown and surrounding communities:

Do to ongoing problems with JBS Swift, we are taking a new angle at our information gathering on the truck traffic and odor complaints. We have a new email address that will be specifically for issues dealing with JBS Swift.

Swiftodor@gmail.com

Please note that this is not to replace calling Air Pollution or 311 Metro call, but it is a means for us to gather information on a city wide issue centered around our great neighborhood.

When emailing this account, please include
1) Full name
2) Address (phone # would help too!)
3) Time of day
4) Reason for action- odors, back truck traffic, dirty trucks, ect...

This issue is going to need the support of all of the effected communities to promote good corporate citizenship in how JBS Swift operates. Please pass this on to anyone who you know who is effected by this.

Sincerely,

Andy Cornelius
President
Butchertown Neighborhood Association

UPDATE!!! 155 North Campbell

This past Thursday morning, Butchertown residents gathered at the Old Jail building downtown for the appeal hearing on the Oakleaf's property at 155 N. Campbell. If you recall earlier posts, they are responsible for demolishing many historic homes north of the flood wall. This is the last standing home in a row of what was once a quaint block of shotguns.

Appeal hearings are called when an applicant is denied a demolition permit and feels that there was either a clerical error, or bad factual evidence used in the conclusion that the structure should not be demolished. After the Oakleaf's council fully acknowledged that they didn't feel that there was any error in the fact finding or a clerical error, the Landmarks Commission then asked what there grounds were for appealing. Her lawyer then did his song and dance which led to what he is now calling "economic hardship" which gives them a chance to extend the case even longer. Even though the Commission voted down the appeal, in favor of preservation and Butchertown, the Oakleafs have until the May Landmarks meeting to prove economic hardship.

Although it was a small win for now, it was sad to see Oakleaf's council trying to argue an appeal that he had clearly not researched. Landmarks had to walk him through the procedures, holding his hand to even determine grounds for the appeal. On the other hand, it should be hard to prove economic hardship for a person who owns so much property. If they just rented this out over the years for a marginal cost, the place would have paid for itself, it's upkeep, and be a revenue stream for them. Clearly this property is worth more to the Oakleafs as a bulldozed lot than as a historic home. And my question to the Oakleafs is, if you are experiencing such "economic hardship," then why haven't you put any of your real estate up for sale to raise capitol? !?!?

Stay tuned for updates!

Pictures of Butchertown

We are proud to announce that a book on historic Butchertown is in the works! BNA member Edna Kubala has been hard at work hunting down old pictures of Butchertown, and she is looking for some help from all of us to add to her collection. If you have old photos that you are willing to share with her for the book, please contact her and she will fill you in on the details.

Her phone number is 540-9970 and email is edna.kubala@gmail.com

Any and all pictures would be welcomed and useful.

All New Butchertown Art Fair

Hello Butchertown residents, and other visiting individuals!

We are pleased to announce the All New Butchertown Art Fair!
Mark your calendars and cancel any planned vacations.. .
Sunday, May 17, 2009, 11a-5p
We are now accepting booth reservations for artists & crafters at our lowest rates ever—only $25 if you live in Butchertown!

CALL FOR ARTISTS!

Reserve Your Space
10 ft x 10 ft
$25 /Butchertown residents
$50 /non-Butchertown residents & all businesses
Multiple booth spaces available, if you'd like more information, be sure to get in touch with us.

If you are interested in renting a tent or table for the day of the event, send a note to Natasha Maze, nmaze1@yahoo.com

Location
On Washington St between Webster St & Adams St in the heart of Butchertown.
Parking will be available for vendors day of event.

Additional Info
After your order is received, we will email you a confirmation letter. Prior to the event, you will receive
an information packet with full details about the event, including day-of instructions, booth number & parking
information. Questions? Please contact Natasha Maze at 502-681-2730, nmaze1@yahoo.com.

Applications and payment due no later than May 2, 2009. Checks payable to the Butchertown Neighborhood Association.
Remit to: Natasha Maze, Butchertown Art Fair, 1401 Quincy Street, Louisville, Ky 40206

Download Application Form Here !

PalPal payment options coming soon!
We look forward to hearing from you!

Miss C's Kitchen and Pantry

We are proud to be showcasing our first company profile of a Butchertown business. It was only right and fitting that our first selection was that of Miss C's Kitchen located at 1319 Story Ave. Charlotte and Chris have been Butchertown advocates and involved in the BNA since moving into their location two years ago. As their website proclaims the famous words of Kentucky environmental writer, Wendall Berry, "eating is an agricultural act," these ladies turn out some of the finest Kentucky Proud foods in the region.

They maintain three local gardens in town in which they use sustainable, pesticide free farming methods to produce some of the tastiest jams, jellys, and preserves I have ever had. Apparently the whole state agrees, and it is proven by their numerous State Fair Champion recipes. Miss C's is also the only Kentucky Farm Bureau Certified Roadside Farm Market in the city of Louisville which allows them to produce and sell products made from local farmers. This helps when the demand is too great on their gardens and they locally source fresh produce for some of their products.

They offer private chef services, catering for private parties, businesses, and events. In the summers you can find them at the St Mathew's Farmer's Market, and if you are gearing up for your Derby party, they only have a few openings left for that special day in May! Speaking of springtime, you must try their ice-cream and top it off with one of their amazing fruit preserves- a hit amongst any group. Also starting this spring, they will be serving breakfast on Saturday mornings at their Story Ave location, and all Butchertown residents will be receiving 10% off!!!!!

You may contact Charlotte and Chris at 795-1085, but even better yet, stop in and say hello while you enjoy this Butchertown treat!