New Albany Adopts Downtown 2-way Street Grid

HWC Engineering presented 3 design options to the Board of Public Works and Safety on September 13, 2016. At this meeting, they recommended a conversion of all roads encompassed in the downtown grid system which included Pearl, Bank, Market, Spring, and Elm Streets. Additionally, the final environmental document required by the Indiana Department of Transportation was just recently approved, allowing action to be taken by the Board of Public Works and Safety.

Spring Street with 2-way traffic during the 1960s.

At this morning’s meeting of the New Albany Board of Public Works and Safety, the board moved to accept HWC Engineering’s recommendations on the Grid Modernization Project, and have begun the process of converting the one-way streets of Pearl, Bank, Market, Spring, and Elm Streets to two-way traffic.

“I think this is a positive change for our city. After months of review and preparation, the Board of Public Works and Safety has reached the same conclusion as planners and engineers. The City of New Albany has been one-way long enough. These changes improve walkability, the connectivity of all residents, and will further enhance our downtown,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan.

The full text of the resolution adopted and approved by the New Albany Board of Public Works and Safety can be viewed below:

A RESOLUTION APPROVING GRID MODERNIZTION

WHEREAS, the Federal Highway Administration issued a revised Record of Decision approving construction of 2 new Ohio River Bridges projects and in 2013 toll rates were established for the new construction of the Ohio River Bridges with the Sherman Minton Bridge without tolls.

WHEREAS, in 2014 the City Administration hired Jeff Speck, a nationally known city planner and urban designer to analyze the City of New Albany’s downtown street grid system.

WHEREAS, the City of New Albany held 3 public meetings to discuss the Grid Modernization project with residents, businesses, and community stakeholders.

WHEREAS, the City Administration also hired HWC Engineering to review the recommendations of Jeff Speck and to provide options and alternatives that addressed the matters and issues presented by the public during the meetings.

WHEREAS, HWC Engineering was tasked with the goals of ensuring the Spring Street Corridor did not become a toll dodging route, improve safety and walkability in downtown, ensure adequate flow of vehicular traffic on downtown streets, and enhance downtown as a destination location.

WHEREAS, HWC Engineering presented 3 design options to the Board of Public Works and Safety on September 13, 2016, and recommended a conversion of all the roads encompassed in the downtown grid system which included Pearl, Bank, Market, Spring, Elm Streets.

WHEREAS, the final environmental document required from the Indiana Department of Transportation was just recently approved allowing action to be taken by the Board of Public Works and Safety.  

BE IT RESOLVED by the New Albany Board of Works and Safety hereby adopts and approves the recommendations of HWC Engineering to convert the current one-way streets of Pearl, Bank, Market, Spring, and Elm Streets to two-way traffic.

Railroad Crossing Work Begins Today

Numerous railroad crossings throughout the city are currently being repaired/replaced. Please be on the lookout for workers completing these important projects over the next month. A tentative schedule of locations and dates can be found below.

"I'm happy to announce an important road and safety project which will make travel in New Albany much more pleasant. With the help of CSX Railroad and the Board of Works, nearly 20 railroad crossings will be reconditioned beginning today. Many thanks to Mr. Chuck Deaton of CSX Transportation for his consideration in making New Albany a priority. Pardon our dust while we make much needed infrastructure improvements," stated Mayor Jeff Gahan.

11/14/2016
King Street

11/15/2016
E 16th Street
Beeler Street

11/16/2016
Locust Street

11/17/2016
Chartres Street
Grant Line Road

11/21/2016
Vincennes Street
South Street

11/22/2016
Vance Street
Silver Street

11/28/2016
McDonald Avenue
Jaycee Drive

11/29/2016
Bald Knob Road

11/30/2016
Beechwood Avenue
Payne Road

12/1/2016
E Market Street

12/5/2016
Highway 111

Mayor Gahan Congratulates NAFCS

Congratulations New Albany Floyd County Schools on your tremendous victory in passing the school improvement referendum. This investment will provide our children with  much-needed school improvements that will allow them to continue to compete and excel in the future.  Great job in getting the message out to the people that our kids deserve safer and more modernized schools. In addition, our community will see improved property values, better neighborhoods, and most of all, a rededication to scholastic excellence in New Albany and Floyd County without increasing taxes for the community. 

Let the passing of this school referendum serve notice to the entire State of Indiana that parents, teachers, grandparents, and many working professionals will not surrender our position of leadership when it comes to the education of our children. 

Terrific job Superintendent Dr. Bruce Hibbard, Families for Floyd County, the New Albany City Council, and many other organizations for leading in a crucial and fragile time when public education is under attack in Indiana. 

Many, many thanks to the people of New Albany and Floyd County for supporting this measure. Your effort, faith, and commitment keeps New Albany moving forward to an even better future. 

Sincerely, 

Mayor Jeff Gahan

One Southern Indiana Endorses NAFCS Referendum

One Southern Indiana, the local Chamber of Commerce, has endorsed the NAFCS Referendum. Read their full letter of support to the News and Tribune from President and CEO Wendy Dant-Chesser here:

Dear Editor,

One Southern Indiana (1si) represents 1000+ business members and investors in addition to our role of managing economic development services to growing and expanding companies in Clark and Floyd counties. Many of our members, as well as those companies looking to locate in the area, are concerned about our community's support of public education. 

As we look to the referendum for New Albany-Floyd County Schools, our support in this decision is quite simple as to the directive from the businesses we serve: We all rely on our public schools to lead in developing future workers to fill the talent pipeline on which both new and existing companies depend for their future workforce.

Therefore, 1si supports fiscally responsible investments in our public education system that result in quality educational opportunities for all learners. These investments must result in measurable increases towards establishing a competitive workforce. High performing and competitive schools drive economic development, resulting in improvements for our workforce and our overall economy.

With the availability of industrial and commercial sites in the area, we are fortunate that business growth in Southern Indiana has been steady over the past several years. However, our job growth rate is surpassing our ability to fill the pipeline with talented workers in the area that are prepared to take positions.

Our public schools play a critical role in addressing the needs for a talented workforce in our communities. The children in the NAFC school system will benefit from this investment into their future.

Sincerely,

Wendy Dant-Chesser
President and CEO
One Southern Indiana

NAFCS Referendum Gains More Support

With Election Day just over a week away, more groups and residents are throwing their support towards the New Albany Floyd County Schools Referendum.

On this year’s ballot, New Albany-Floyd County Schools will be asking the community to reinvest in our schools, transforming them into modern, safe places that will prepare the next generation of students. If passed, the referendum will bring much needed improvements to nine (9) local schools, all while maintaining the current tax rate.

In June, Mayor Gahan announced his full support of the referendum, and was followed by the New Albany City Council and the Southern Indiana Realtors Association.

“This should be the easiest vote we ever make – a yes vote means we will receive $87 million of local school improvements, all for the same rate we are currently paying today. A yes vote keeps the tax rate at the current level, and drastically improves our community and future,” stated Mayor Gahan.

“The funds will come at no additional cost to taxpayers and will be used to improve safety and access," stated Sara White, President-Elect of the Southern Indiana Realtors Association. "Strong schools improve property values which is a win for homeowners with school-aged children and those without. I'm especially excited about the proposal for Prosser, allowing it to grow with the times and help meet the strong demand for workforce development in our community,” 

Just today, committed community partners Metro United Way released an endorsement of the NAFCS Referendum.

“Metro United Way’s top priorities are for our young children to arrive at kindergarten prepared to succeed and for our students to graduate on time, prepared for college, life and career. We are also know that learning environments play a large role in student success. That is why, we are hopeful that the New Albany Floyd County School referendum will be embraced by the Floyd County community on November 8th,” stated Joe Tolan, President & CEO of Metro United Way.

NAFCS Superintendent Bruce Hibbard recently penned an open letter to the community detailing the strengths and recent history of New Albany Floyd County Schools, and how the referendum can help our community continue to provide high rated rigorous academic programs, championship athletic teams, and world-class performing arts. To read his full letter, please click HERE.

Not sure where to vote? For a full list of voting centers, please visit the Floyd County Clerk’s website at http://floydcountyclerk.org/index.php/floyd-county-indiana-elections/floyd-county-indiana-vote-centers or call 812-948-5411.