Mayor Gahan Endorses Local Schools Referendum - Urges Yes Vote

Mayor Gahan is proud to announce his full support for the New Albany Floyd County Schools referendum as proposed by the administration and adopted by the school board.

“After touring the schools and reviewing the conditions in New Albany and Floyd County, I am excited to support the many improvements in store for our students in New Albany-Floyd County Schools.

Each renovation and addition will improve the safety of the students, the value of surrounding property, the strength of our neighborhoods, and most importantly, the opportunity for our children and young adults to excel now and in the future.

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.

I plan to spend the next few months making clear to everyone the importance of passing the NAFCS referendum. Great schools are an essential economic driver, and our collective health and the growth of New Albany and surrounding areas depend on our ability to continually improve. It’s important for us to remain the scholastic leader in the region, and these improvements help accomplish that mission."

An aerial rendering of the proposed new design for Green Valley Elementary School.

 A rendering of the proposed new design for Slate Run Elementary School.

The proposed cafeteria redesign at Floyds Knobs Elementary.

Keeping our Public Schools Strong

Over the past few weeks, Mayor Gahan toured and reviewed the condition of our New Albany Floyd County Public Schools (NAFCS) in preparation for the anticipated referendum.  Mayor Gahan and the City of New Albany’s public safety team, consisting of the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Building Commissioner, met with NAFCS administrators, including Superintendent Bruce Hibbard, and toured the following schools:

Slate Run Elementary, Green Valley Elementary, Floyds Knobs Elementary, New Albany High School, Greenville Elementary School, Prosser Career Education Center.

Mayor Gahan discusses the proposed cafeteria expansion with Principal Suer while touring Floyds Knobs Elementary.

Slate Run Elementary Principal Amy Niemeier discusses the anticipated referendum with Mayor Gahan, city staff, and NAFCS administrators.

Reconnecting to our River Heritage

The third phase of New Albany’s commitment to the Ohio River Greenway Project is set to begin this July. The Ohio River Greenway Project was designed to help provide better access for the public to view and enjoy the seven-mile stretch of the Ohio River and its riverfront amenities by creating a linear park connecting the communities of New Albany, Clarksville, and Jeffersonville.

The third phase of New Albany’s commitment will coincide with construction by Clarksville to complete the connection between the two communities across a renovated bridge over Silver Creek, which the City of New Albany helped in acquiring for the project. Clarksville’s construction, including the renovation of the bridge over Silver Creek, which for years has been a stumbling block towards the final completion of the project, is set to be let in July. Between Clarksville’s new construction and New Albany’s third phase of the project, the new developments total an investment of over $10 million towards reconnecting residents of southern Indiana to the Ohio River. The third section of New Albany's  portion of the project is an 80/20 match.  INDOT funds cover 80% of the project cost and New Albany is responsible for the other 20%. Construction is estimated to take approximately 1.5 years.

"The imminent completion of the Greenway, after decades of planning, is an extremely exciting time for the citizens of New Albany.  We are proud to have been able to initiate the final steps in bringing the Greenway to completion," said Mayor Jeff Gahan.  

The Loop Island Wetlands and former Moser Tannery.

As part of our commitment to the project, the City of New Albany purchased the area surrounding and including the Loop Island Wetlands. This area is a major component of the Greenway and a major asset for the City of New Albany.  Not only will the Greenway project go directly through the site, creating more recreation, fitness, and economic opportunities, but plans are underway to protect the rich, natural beauty of the land by creating a nature preserve area. The area offers wonderful views of the natural beauty and wildlife contained in the area. The nature preserve, in addition with other beautification efforts on site, will create a beautiful space to relax and reconnect to our roots as a river community. 

You can read more about the history of the Loop Island Wetlands by clicking HERE.

A nature trail alongside the Loop Island Wetlands. Photo by Al Goodman.

Geese swimming near the north boundary of the Wetlands. Photo by Al Goodman.

Cranes along the wetlands. Photo by Al Goodman.

In addition to the recreational and nature preserve aspects, the Loop Island Wetlands area has immense uses with regards to Flood Control and water mitigation. With the purchase, the City assumed control of a few buildings in the area, including the former Moser Tannery. These buildings are currently being evaluated by a structural engineer to determine future viability or usage for development and restoration, as appropriate.

Wide shot of Loop Island Wetlands. Photo by Al Goodman.

Remembering Muhammad Ali

Mayor Gahan will be joining tens of thousands attending the memorial service for Muhammad Ali today at 2:00 pm in Louisville, KY. He will be there honoring the life of a world-renowned, local hero who left a giant imprint on American and world culture. We are saddened by this tremendous loss.

K9 Kool Off at the Comfy Cow

The New Albany Animal Shelter understands the importance of spending time with the entire family, dogs included. On June 11th, 2016, from 12-4pm, join us at the corner of State and Market in New Albany (right next to the Comfy Cow) for the K9 Kool Off!

In today's fast-paced world, it can be hard enough to find time to spend together, let alone with our K9 friends. The furry members of our families sometimes miss out on all of the fun. However, many area businesses now have dog friendly areas to help families bond and stay connected.  The Comfy Cow is one of these businesses!

During this event, the shelter will be offering your canine friends a nice cooling dog bath! For $12 you can sit back and relax with your own ice cream treat while we get your canine friend cooled down and cleaned up. The Comfy Cow will also be offering their specialty "Pooch Pops" at half price.

The P.A.W.S. Mobile Unit will also be in attendance with many adoptable animals - be sure to stop by and find a new pal!