STATEMENT FROM MAYOR GAHAN ON ORIGIN PARK’S DEER ERADICATION OPERATION, GREENWAY TO CLOSE AT 3PM FOR SAFETY CONCERNS

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR GAHAN ON ORIGIN PARK’S DEER ERADICATION OPERATION, GREENWAY TO CLOSE AT 3PM FOR SAFETY CONCERNS

We have received numerous calls from Greenway users, trail users, and other residents who are deeply concerned about public safety and the welfare of wildlife in and around Origin Park in Clarksville.

Let me be clear: I am concerned too.

The City of New Albany has had no part in the planning of this event. Like others, we share the same concerns about the justification for this. We felt compelled to notify the public, because Origin Park failed to do so. Origin Park needs to explain clearly why they are doing this, and as of now, they have not.

Unfortunately, we have still not received adequate information about how this operation will be conducted, and equally important, why it is needed.

Because of the many questions and concerns, and lack of answers and transparency from Origin Park, the City of New Albany has no choice but to close the Ohio River Greenway beginning at 3:00pm (at the Loop Island Wetlands near Silver Creek at the entrance to Clarksville) today to ensure the safety of all users.

This morning, I spoke with Clarksville Town Council President Bob McEwen and others regarding Origin Park’s decision to kill 80 deer using suppressed firearms. Mr. McEwen expressed to me that he was also unaware of this planned slaughter by Origin Park, and mentioned that he would not have known about it without the City of New Albany’s previous Facebook post informing the public.

We will continue seeking answers from Origin Park and we will provide updates if more information becomes available. We want to thank WDRB News for reporting on this important safety matter, as well as Clarksville Town Council President Bob McEwen for his assistance.

You can see WDRB’s Reporting on this matter here: https://www.wdrb.com/news/town-leaders-left-in-the-dark-about-wildlife-reduction-operation-at-clarksvilles-origin-park/article_9b86b7e5-51c9-43ed-9295-195feb05996c.html

PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE: "Wildlife Reduction Activity," Gunfire Expected in Origin Park in Clark County

PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE: "Wildlife Reduction Activity," Gunfire Expected in Origin Park in Clark County

The City of New Albany, along with other surrounding public safety agencies and police departments, have been notified by Clarksville officials of a planned wildlife reduction operation at the site of Origin Park in Clark County. According to the information that we were given, this operation will involve the shooting and eradication of deer during overnight hours beginning February 23 and concluding February 27.

We were told to be aware of the following information regarding their planned activities, and are passing that along to New Albany residents:

We were told that suppressed gunfire may be heard during the listed dates, and that deer and their remains will be processed on site at Origin Park. Additionally, Clarksville officials told us that Emery Crossing and McCollough Pike may be closed during times for safety reasons. At this time, this is all the information the City has received.

Mayor Gahan said, "Out of concern for the public as well as the wildlife population, we want the public to be informed about this activity and gunfire in Origin Park in Clark County."

💪❄️ Crews Continue Winter Cleanup Efforts

New Albany Public Works crews continue battling the ongoing effects of this winter storm. Main roads and most secondary streets are now in good condition for travel, and crews are shifting their focus to neighborhood streets throughout the city.

With the extreme cold temperatures, snow has hardened and compacted, making removal more difficult and requiring specialized equipment. Crews are now using skid steers and other heavy equipment to help break up and remove snow from neighborhood streets. In addition, teams have been clearing parking spaces near local businesses to help support our small business community as recovery continues.

We know that some alleyways that are used for trash pickup are still being impacted by the winter storm, and EcoTech may not be able to access all areas during this week’s collection. To help, the City has placed dumpsters at Bicknell Park and in the parking lot across from Billy Herman Ballpark for residents to utilize. We kindly ask that these dumpsters be used for household trash only - no commercial use. Please do not dispose of tires, electronics, batteries, or other prohibited items.

Mayor Jeff Gahan: “We appreciate everyone’s support as our crews continue to fight against the snow and ice. We also want to give a big shout out to our Public Works and Public Safety teams for their efforts. They’ve been working tough, long hours in extreme cold temperatures to help restore travel throughout our city, and we truly appreciate their dedication.”

❄️ Winter Storm Update ❄️

Winter Storm Update

It’s been a busy weekend for New Albany’s Public Works and Public Safety teams. Public Works crews continue plowing snow and working to restore safe travel throughout the city, while Public Safety teams have been assisting across the community by responding to stuck vehicles, slide-offs, and other weather-related incidents.

"Thank you to our teams for their hard work and thank you to everyone for their patience and cooperation as we continue our efforts,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan.

Despite the storm, many families have been out enjoying some winter fun at the New Albany Shoreline, sledding and making the most of the snow.

Road conditions are improving, but impacts from this winter storm will remain for some time, and some roads may still be difficult to travel. Please continue to use caution when driving.

Trash services will attempt to operate tomorrow on a one-day delay schedule.

❄️ Winter Weather Update ❄️

Winter Weather Update

Public Works crews continue plowing snow and working around the clock to restore safe travel throughout the city. Crews will continue to plow snow until snowfall ends, and then will begin reapplying salt to roadways.

City Hall will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 26, for non-essential personnel.

EcoTech trash services will not operate on Monday.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as our teams continue to work.