October 31, 2016

One Southern Indiana Endorses NAFCS Referendum

October 31, 2016/ Michael Hall

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

October 31, 2016

NAFCS Referendum Gains More Support

October 31, 2016/ Michael Hall

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.

October 25, 2016

Reconnecting to Silver Creek

October 25, 2016/ Michael Hall

Today, two quality of life projects aimed at reconnecting our city to Silver Creek were presented to the Board of Public Works and Safety. These projects are designed to provide residents of New Albany with new, safe, and easy access to Silver Creek, helping reconnect the City to our river heritage. Silver Creek connects to the Ohio River, and at various points provides beautiful scenery, wildlife, and fishing in the middle of two populated communities.

In recent months, the City of New Albany has also announced and taken steps to reconnect residents to the Ohio River with the final construction phase beginning of the Ohio River Greenway Project in the city. The Ohio River Greenway Project, along with other quality of life initiatives, have been undertaken by the City of New Albany during Mayor Jeff Gahan’s administration.

"We will remove barriers and encourage access to some of the most scenic and natural areas of our waterways," stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. "Silver Creek has long been a place of natural beauty, and these measures will allow more residents to enjoy them."

Mayor Gahan would like to thank the City Council and the New Albany Redevelopment Commission for their support of these quality of life initiatives that will make New Albany an even better place to live.

Spring Street Silver Creek Access

Pedestrian Gathering Area and Overlook Access
2-way access off of Providence Way
Streetscape Improvements (trees, bollards, traffic calming)
Potential Art or Education Opportunities, Murals
Staircase providing access to lower creek
ADA path
Overlook, access point to creek
Existing man-made path (to remain)
Gathering area
Parking, sidewalk access to Creek Access area
Additional Parking with turn-around, ADA parking
Stone seatwalls for seating and bank stabilization

Armstrong Bend Silver Creek Access

Widened road for safer vehicle maneuvering
Dedicated parking area
Trailhead with scenic creek views, shade, seating, signage
Potential secondary trailhead, for exploration and possible access to lower creek areas

October 19, 2016

Fire King Set to Expand and Hire New Employees

October 19, 2016/ Michael Hall

Tomorrow night, the New Albany City Council will debate two tax abatement requests.
The first abatement would be for a $6.5 million investment in a new building in the Grantline Industrial Park West. The building would be approximately 112,500 square feet, and will be developed by The Carlisle Family, LLC.

The Carlisle Family LLC was formed in 1989 and is an investment and real estate development company. This building will be their fourth property in New Albany.

“We are very pleased to continue our investment in New Albany,” stated Van Carlisle of The Carlisle Family, LLC. “We are very excited that Fire King is the anchor tenant in the new multi-tenant building that we are developing.”

After development of the building finishes, Fire King International LLC will invest $2.2 million worth of manufacturing and IT equipment into the location, and will seek a personal property tax abatement on that equipment from the City Council. This abatement would last for 5 years, and would assist in new manufacturing, research, development, and logistical distribution equipment. Fire King plans to add 50 new positions at this location over the next five years, totaling nearly $1.9 million in salaries. The new Fire King location will serve as a distribution center for Fire King International LLC.

“Fire King International LLC, continues to be one of our best employers and we are happy to assist them in any way,” stated David Duggins, Director of Economic Development and Redevelopment with the City of New Albany. “The Redevelopment Department was able to help invest in utility infrastructure to ensure the project of this magnitude came to fruition, and we worked at a fast pace to ensure we could break ground this construction cycle.”

“We welcome the expansion of a long-term employer and manufacturer here in New Albany. We are happy to assist them, and welcome them to the new industrial park,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan.

October 18, 2016

Trunk or Treat - Saturday October 29th

October 18, 2016/ Michael Hall

Calling all ghosts, goblins, and ghouls! The City of New Albany's annual Trunk or Treat event is BACK! Bring the whole family out for games, bounce houses and inflatables, a climbing rock wall, lazer tag, and trick or treating! Be sure to stick around after the trick or treating ends for a showing of Halloween time favorite HOCUS POCUS!

It all takes place on Saturday, October 29th at 6pm at the New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater. In the event of rain, the event will take place at the State Street Parking Garage.