The public has until June 3 to comment on the environmental review of the Ohio River Bridges Debacle. Which means absolutely nothing. [C-J/AKN]

The only thing that’s sad here is that faith leaders from a community that has been on the receiving end of sickening oppression would continue advocating homophobia. [FOX41]

We’re not sure how horses have anything to do with Mother’s Day but whatever. The newspaper seems to think it’s a big deal. [H-L]

You can’t even live on Bardstown Road these days without an LG&E worker hitting a gas line. [WAVE3]

Three years ago, President Obama was rolling out an ambitious vision for high-speed rail in America. “Imagine whisking through towns at speeds over 100 mph,” the president said at the time. Today, there are a few Amtrak trains going that fast, but for the most part, the president’s plans for high-speed trains have slowed considerably. [NPR]

Churchill Downs is seeing its shortest spring meet since 1975 and some in the horse industry say the meets could get even shorter. [WHAS11]

Haha, so, funny story… A Kentucky Newspaper’s telephone system didn’t even work after it recklessly and confusingly announced paywalls and subscription price increases. Also, Wes Jackson is pushing the paper because of it’s “coupon savings.” These folks are doing a real disservice to the hardworking people employed by the paper and the community in general. [C-J/AKN]

Wondering about the latest Medicaid dramas out in the rest of the state? Here’s a look at one bit. [WLKY]

Everybody is freaking completely out over the latest news about Whiskey Row. [Business First]

The homicide of a Churchill Downs worker, 48 year old Adan Fabian Perez of Guatemala, the day after Derby has raised questions about the culture of backside work at racetracks. [WFPL]

Maybe Downtown Louisville wouldn’t be in such a sorry state if all of the city’s development cash hadn’t been squandered on Cordish Cos. [FOX41]

So much for promised transparency! Jerry Abramson and the Beshear Administration tried to hide today’s tax “reform” meeting by asking the Legislative Research Commission to keep its cameras turned off. [Page One]

We wanted to check this thing about moms from Ken Selvaggi out but couldn’t read it because he is apparently drunk with apostrophes. [WAVE3]

It’s interesting that next to no one is talking about how Democrats worked against Dick Lugar because they prefer to run against the teabagger. Or that those Democrats are some of the most corrupt in the country. It’d be hilarious to watch them lose to the teabagger. [TPM]

It’s apparently a big deal that a local fast food restaurant is going to be featured in that joint’s parent company’s commercial? Even though locals are working for free. [WHAS11]

You bending over and grabbing your ankles yet? Because Greg Fischer really wants to push this utilities merger through before his term is up. [WFPL]

Lexington got something else right: the council voted against discussing a reduction of ambulance staffing levels. In Louisville, Metro Government allows EMS to continually fall off a cliff. [H-L]

Don’t worry! Everything is puppies and rainbows downtown. Despite next to no one living there and absolutely no local businesses within reach. [C-J/AKN]

That historical marker was finally placed outside Muhammad Ali’s childhood home. [WLKY]

Can you imagine how embarrassing it will be when Covington – the armpit of Kentucky – becomes more developed and livable than Louisville? [Business First]

Are you ready for this fancy Ben Sollee documentary? Get ready because it’s on its way. [Wooden Box]

For most people, there’s life despite the Kentucky Derby and a few reporters were bored out of their minds. In fact, many people in Louisville leave town every year just to avoid the mess. [FOX41]

The 138th running of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby races, and all the activities surrounding those events, brought plenty of attention to Louisville over the last few days. [Business First]

This disgusting woman who stole from her ill father can now have her ass handed to her by elder abuse legislation passed last year in Frankfort. [WAVE3]

Just what Churchill Downs needs right after the Kentucky Derby. A murder that makes international news. [Reuters & C-J/AKN]

Churchill Downs says the crowd for the Kentucky Derby topped 165,000 people and 112,000 showed up for Oaks. Wagering on Oaks totaled $35.9 million. [WHAS11]

You may want to find out if you have outstanding parking tickets so you don’t get the boot. [Click the Clicky]

Apparently a lot of celebrities came to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby. Thank goodness the city looks clean once per year for a two week period. [WLKY]

The utility task force studying a potential collaboration between the Metropolitan Sewer District, Louisville Water Company and Metro Public Works is nearing the end of its work. Which basically means nothing. [WFPL]

Really? You’re still pretending your local Clear Channel station isn’t absolute right-wing hype? [84WHAS]

Kentucky’s efforts to overhaul its public education system are being put to their first test. [H-L]

Many readers have had questions about leases these businesses sign with Cordish.

So we thought it’d be worthwhile to share a bit of the interesting tidbits we’ve found from a few leases businesses have shared with us:

Tenant shall not play or present any music within the Premises that is likely to have a detrimental affect on the Shopping Center, that is likely to create a perception that the Shopping Center is not safe for families and the general public, or that it is likely to attract organized “gangs”, as determined by Landlord in its sole discretion. Tenant shall not play or present any music within the Premises that can be heard outside the Premises. Tenant shall immediately comply with Landlord’s written directions concerning any music presented within the Premises. Thus if Landlord instructs Tenant to reduce the volume of the music played or presented within the Premises or cease playing or presenting a particular type of music within the Premises, Tenant shall immediately comply with such instructions.

-SNIP-

Tenant shall pay to Landlord the Minimum Rent in the sums set forth in … above and the Monthly Tax Charge, Monthly Common HVAC System Cost Charge, Monthly Common Area Maintenance Charge, Monthly Air Handling Unit Charge and any other monthly charges under this Lease in advance on the first day of each calendar month during the Term, without offset, notice, deduction, recoupment, setoff or demand therefor.

-SNIP-

WIthin twenty (20) days after the end of each calendar quarter during the Term, Tenant shall submit to Landlord a complete written statement showing the amount of Gross Sales from the Premises (and from such other business as may be required pursuant to Section 704 above) during said calendar quarter. If Tenant fails to timely deliver the statements required by this Section …, Tenant shall pay to Landlord a late charge in accordance with with Section …

-SNIP-

Landlord shall have the right to have an audit made of Tenant’s books and records pertaining to all Gross Sales. Tenant shall promptly pay Landlord any deficiency found in Tenant’s payment of Percentage Rent and any overpayment shall be promptly refunded or credited. If any statement required by Section … is found to differ by more than two percent (2%) from the audited amount, Tenant shall also pay for any and all costs and fees of such audit within fifteen (15) days after notice from Landlord, and if such audit proves such statements to be correct, or such statements collectively do not vary by more than two percent (2%) from the results of the audit, then the expenses of such audit shall be borne by Landlord.

-SNIP-

Tenant shall pay to Landlord, as Additional Rent, Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of all impositions of every kind and nature imposed by any federal, state, regional, municipal, local or other governmental authority or agency in connection with the ownership, operation or use of all or any portion of the Shopping Center (“Taxes”).

-SNIP-

The term “Common Area Maintenance Costs” means any and all costs and expenses of any kind incurred by Landlord in managing, maintaining, repairing, replacing, improving, operating and insuring the Common Areas, the Project, all improvements within the Shopping Center, without limitation, and an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of the Common Area Maintenance Costs as an administrative fee. Landlord shall amortize items that should be capitalized under its normal accounting principles and/or tax regulations.

The fear of “gangs” is what stood out the most for us. Strangely, there was no mention of the racial profiling that’s regularly used by “security” folks at 4th Street on the weekends to determine whether or not patrons are granted entrance.

And the fact that CAM charges are just glossed over with no specifics, of course.

Possibility City!

Turns out, those businesses are partly leaving because of Common Area Maintenance (CAM) fees that get imposed on tenants without any warning. Often in amounts that are three or four times the amounts quoted by Cordish during lease negotiations.

One business leaving the strip this month was billed more than $50,000 in back CAM reconciliation fees. Two restaurant chains were hit in 2009 with back CAM fees reaching to 2003. When they asked questions and complained, they were threatened with legal action.

Seems to us, based upon the businesses we’ve spoken with, that Cordish makes a practice out of estimating low CAMs to lure tenants and then drops excessive charges on them. Bait and switch? It’s hard not to think so since hundreds of thousands of dollars get paid to Cordish from those fees for “management” and “services” each year.

Let’s take a look at just the 2009 fees:

• Cleaning $95,503.85
• Building Repairs & Maintenance $261,974
• Loading Dock $35,799
• HVAC $16,189.80
• Elevator & Escalator $35,419.36
• Security & Safety $281,412.12
• Trash Removal $4,291.39
• Control Center $84,762.97
• Utilities $184,856.84
• Mall Office Expenses $208,318.88
• Contracted Services $427,363.24
• Snow Removal $1,879.61
• Insurance $82,991.79
• For a total of $1,720.762.85
• 20% Administrative fees were charged: $344,152.57
• For a grand total of $2,064,915.42

We won’t even get into the 2007 and 2008 fees. (Though, you can see those after the jump>

Cordish tells tenants the large reconciliation is due to outdoor cooling.

It’s time for Adam Edelen to audit everything related to Cordish with Metro Government. Because Memphis was on to something. When Cordish tried to move to that city, the local business association banded together and sued both the city and Cordish. They eventually backed out of the deal over unfair business practices and such.

Possibility City!

View 2007 and 2008 fees after the jump…

2007

• Cleaning $211,777.10
• Building Repairs & Maintenance $109,273.49
• Loading Dock $19,054
• HVAC $12,304.22
• Elevator & Escalator $39,082.76
• Security & Safety $425,833.85
• Trash Removal $3,419.46
• Control Center $90,830.28
• Utilities $197,163,68
• Mall Office Expenses $239,658.12
• Management Fees $370,330.32
• Contracted Services $167,804.74
• Snow Removal $1,128.93
• Insurance $69,765
• Auto/Travel $17,253.15
• For a total of $1,974,679.10
• Plus 20% Administrative fees: $394,935.82
• Grand Total of $2,369,614.92

2008

• Cleaning $226,097.18
• Building Repairs & Maintenance $242,369.14
• Loading Dock $23,776
• HVAC $20,450.43
• Elevator & Escalator $35,651.18
• Security & Safety $382,194.42
• Trash Removal $3,822.18
• Control Center $71,592.04
• Utilities $194,597.78
• Mall Office Expenses $205,523.70
• Contracted Services $414,586.91
• Snow Removal $5,818.36
• Insurance $72,283.59
• For a total of $1,898,762.91
• Plus 20% Administrative fees: $379,752.58
• Grand Total of $2,278,515.49

The orchestra and its musicians plan to sign a full agreement this week. Will the cat fighting finally end? [FOX41]

The mainstream finally wrote about that crazy book from Karen Sypher. Rather, from that person who doesn’t exist about Karen Sypher. Her attorney now says it could have been written by someone who “served time” with her. How someone could get to know everything about the case, find a publisher and get the book edited and into the public hands since she’s been in custody, we have no idea. We guess magic is real. [C-J/AKN]

Here’s more of WAVE’s slow spiral back into the depths of right-wing hooplah and away from a focus on news. You knew it would only last a couple years, anyway. [WAVE3]

Some fancy Lady Republicans that Mitch McConnell said agree with him? Turns out they don’t agree with him. Not even remotely. [Page One]

What? Yet another suspect in the murder of that 15-year-old boy was released from prison early? Imagine that. [WHAS11]

Papa John’s purchased 56 franchised restaurants which means the company continues to grow. [Business First]

This latest Teddy Gordon bullying story was the only thing local television stations could talk about yesterday. It was literally discussed ten million times. [WLKY]

An annual air quality report shows Louisville is making progress. But pollution? It’s still a huge problem. [WFPL]

Yet another downtown business is closing up shop. Seems to be the trend lately. Unless the business is affiliated with Cordish. [Consuming Louisville]

Metro Government and Greg Fischer are waking up a tiny bit. Joe Riffe has been given more time off – until August 31 – to try to get back into life with his new leg. [Prosthetic Medic]

Greg Fischer is reading this story about whistleblower retaliation and taking notes. So his misadministration can continue to attach and demean people who blow the whistle on corruption. [HuffPo]

You’re probably not shocked that Louisville is apparently the worst city in America for sleep. [WHAS11]

Debby Yetter’s new position as an editorial writer at A Kentucky Newspaper is a strong move for the paper. She not only deserves the position but is one of the most solid and honest journalists in the state. [C-J/AKN]

The family of 15-year-old Gregory Holt continues praying for closure and answers after the Farnsley Middle School student was found murdered inside his mother’s apartment. Let’s not pretend this isn’t super-awful. [WAVE3]

Lexington’s downtown is booming with new development and revitalization. Louisville’s downtown? Haha, well, you already know the answer to that question. Cordish does not a downtown make. [H-L]

Why is this town still talking about the orchestra? The orchestra is nice and all. But. Uh. It’s getting more and more difficult to care. [WLKY]

The Kentucky Supreme Court will hear arguments this Wednesday in Frankfort on a case that could force Jefferson County Public Schools to change its student assignment plan. [WFPL]

Kentucky Education Television whitewashing has gone on for several years. And it’s about to get worse, it seems. [Page One]

Pat Mulloy, chairman and CEO of Elmcroft Senior Living, a Louisville-based provider of senior housing services, has been elected to the board of directors of Republic Bank. [Business First]

What would you do if your home, place of employment and entire community were wiped off the face of the earth by a tornado? Recovery in Eastern Kentucky will take a long time and only the Red Cross remains on the ground supporting the people who most need it. [Click Here To Give]

Correction – we meant Chris Poynter, as that’s who often Tweets for Fischer.

Morrison hit the nail on the head. Here’s the article in question:

Chris Poynter, a spokesman for the mayor, said the park has “in essence become a homeless camp.” He added that the city has received complaints from citizens and businesses in the area, and that about $7,000 in damage has been caused to the grass.

-SNIP-

Activist Curtis Morrison, who has been part of the Occupy movement from the beginning and is running for the Kentucky State Senate in District 35, said he thinks the administration is trying to get rid of the encampment before Kentucky Derby events begin.

“Scattering the homeless is hiding the symptom, not treating the disease,” Morrison said. “Hiding us won’t make our problems go away. It’s frustrating (Fischer) doesn’t get that.”

Really? $7,000 worth of grass damage? HAHA.

While we absolutely roll our eyes at the “occupy” movement here in Louisville – because it’s the same old people who protest everything – Morrison is right about why they’re kicking folks out.

Can’t have tourists seeing homeless or less than attractive people when they come into town for the Kentucky Derby. Those are the only two weeks a year when Louisville looks clean and colorful. Let’s get real.

And a pro-tip to Greg: blocking us from your Twitter account doesn’t prevent us from seeing your public feed.

Your fancy new police chief will address Metro Council’s Public Safety Committee today at 3:00 P.M. The meeting will be carried live on Metro TV/25. You may also stream it live. [Click Here]

Greg Fischer says he will “do the right thing” with travel expenses when he goes to the Final Four. Why would that even need to be mentioned? [WAVE3]

Death and disarray at America’s racetracks. You should probably read this horsey story. [NYT]

Meals on Wheels is a terrific organization that everybody should support if given the opportunity. But how the living shiz does Greg Fischer have time to pretend he’s delivering food? [FOX41]

Americans United for the Separation of Church and State is questioning the $2 million being spent on a road near the Ark Park Church Orgy Funtimes Pool Party Warehouse. [H-L]

Are you holding your breath that Jack Conway is paying attention to corrupt elected officials in Eastern Kentucky openly admitting to breaking the law in a serious manner? [Page One]

Yes, Dean Corbett is slightly full of himself. But that doesn’t make him a bad person. And his situation is the perfect reason local media outlets should calm the fuck down when it comes to jumping to immediate and wildly incorrect conclusions. [WHAS11]

Louisville’s terrific East Market district is getting all kinds of attention in Chicago these days. [Chicago Tribune]

A memorial in honor of Trayvon Martin will take place at Waterfront Park on Saturday. [WLKY]

On Thursday, April 5, at 6:00 P.M., Metro Council will address the firefighter settlement. They’ll be discussing whether or not Kentucky Retirement Systems, led by Fischer crony and Beshear apologist Tommy Elliott, is trying to pull the wool over Louisville’s eyes for a sweet $11 million wad of cash. If Jim King doesn’t sack up and chap a ton of ass, we can all go ahead and write him off as laughable. And it’s highly likely that he won’t. [Press Release]

Silver Trail Distillery, a Marshall County-based maker of legal “moonshine,” has joined the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, which primarily represents makers of bourbon. [Business First]

Locals supported Sexual Assault Awareness by wearing denim. Does this mean we support awareness nearly every single day because we all wear denim? Does it mean we support awareness more when wearing Sevens than when wearing Levi’s? [WFPL]

Kelly Downard and Brent Ackerson aren’t happy about it:

But during the hearing, Councilman Kelly Downard, R-16, admonished the mayor’s economic development team for failing to ask Cordish enough follow-up questions, adding it underscores what he calls the city’s one-sided relationship with the developer.

“Why in the world would you go forward based on incomplete information? Especially since to access the money there’s a requirement to have a copy of the lease. If you didn’t know who the tenant was we’re running out to get money and we don’t even know who it is yet we have to know by contract,” he said.

-SNIP-

Government Accountability Vice-Chairman Brent Ackerson, D-26, says the city’s deal with Cordish is fundamentally flawed because it gives the developer too much important property under different agreements with little recourse or transparency.

“One person having multiple contracts where they control so much of this city’s valuable real estate is not a good situation. It does not promote competition and it does not promote true market values to what’s happening. The concern really boils down to we cannot allow one entity to monopolize what’s going on downtown,” he says.

Oh, and Greg Fischer is sorry, kinda:

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer’s administration apologized for a botched loan agreement with The Cordish Cos.—the developer of Fourth Street Live—during a Metro Council committee hearing on Tuesday.

Click here to read the entire thing.

Meanwhile, Fourth Street Live continues to fail, isn’t utilized by locals, it’s riddled with crime and weird shenanigans and not even out-of-town visitors care to spend their cash on homogenized bars or whatever they are.