Earlier this month, Mayor Gahan put forward a proposal that would improve services across three key areas: a new animal shelter to better serve the needs of residents and animals, a new public works facility to improve equipment and services, and new developments aimed at improving Health and Wellness as well as initiatives to help preserve the New Albany Shoreline.
At their last meeting, the New Albany City Council voted 6-2-1 in favor of moving these projects forward. Today, the New Albany Redevelopment Commission also unanimously voted in favor of advancing these projects.
“It is great to see that both the City Council, your body of local elected representatives, as well as the New Albany Redevelopment Commission, composed of business leaders, residents, and stakeholders have all agreed on the need for these improvements,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “We are excited to break ground on these initiatives this year so that we can continue improving the quality of life, health, and public services for the people of New Albany.”
NEW ALBANY ANIMAL SHELTER
The City of New Albany is committed to providing high-quality care, adoption services, health services, and more to the animals in our community. In 2024 alone, the New Albany Animal Shelter served over 1,000 animals, pushing the limits of the current facility. The need has been increasing in recent years, and this new animal shelter will help meet the growing demands for adoptions, health services, training, and other services.
“New Albany has a tradition of providing high quality health care and services to our furry friends, and this new Animal Shelter will continue and add to that tradition for years to come,” stated Mayor Gahan.
PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY
The current public works facility is over 50 years old, but this new initiative will refresh, modernize, and expand the facility to house more materials and equipment, as well as provide more space for training. These new improvements will help better prepare for the high level of demand that can be placed on public works departments during emergency response and inclement weather response events, as well as improve day-to-day services and operations like pothole repair, improving roadways, and training.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS: Preserving our Shoreline
Over the past decade, New Albany has improved many of its shoreline and recreational facilities and areas, but feedback from surveys, public meetings, and talking with residents and businesses shows that there is a strong desire for people to have opportunities to stay fit, be outdoors, and enjoy natural amenities.
“It’s clear that people want more local opportunities to improve their health and wellness, but they also want to be in spaces where they can enjoy our wonderful natural resources,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “These public improvements will unlock new opportunities to stay healthy and fit, while protecting some of the most beautiful, natural areas of our Shoreline for all of our residents to enjoy.”
Two of these improvements are along the western Shoreline, and include both a Recreational Vehicle Park and a Mountain Bike Trail. These new areas will expand opportunities for people to use our Shoreline, protect the natural beauty of the area for all to enjoy, and encourage additional growth and private investment in our city.
Other planned health and wellness improvements include the addition of new turf fields at Silver Street Park. This new surface will replace existing grass fields, and will allow the fields to be used for an addition 190 days per year! Not only will there be more days for leagues, practices, games, and more, but the maintenance cost of the fields will reduce significantly.
"These initiatives reflect our dedication to the people of New Albany. These types of improvements and investments will provide the groundwork for a more vibrant, resilient, and thriving community. Together, we are ensuring that New Albany remains a city where every resident can afford a high quality of life, today and well into the future," stated Mayor Jeff Gahan.
