Downtown Alley Will Transform into Inviting and Distinct Pathway

At this morning’s Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, the Board accepted an agreement between the City of New Albany and Michell Timperman Ritz Architects for improvements to the alley that runs from Spring Street to Main Street. 

The Alley scheduled for improvements. It runs from Spring Street to Main Street.

The alley and surrounding area currently has a few murals painted by local artists, and the City wants to expand on this idea and transform the alley into an inviting and distinct pedestrian pathway. Planned improvements include drop lighting, murals, sculpture pads, planter boxes, and resurfaced decorative pavement. The City of New Albany is partnering with Develop New Albany and the New Albany Floyd County Schools Art Department on this exciting project.

“Develop New Albany is completely on board and supportive of this exciting project. Improvements like this continue to attract people to visit downtown New Albany to shop, dine, and have fun,” stated Tammy Hogan, President of Develop New Albany.

"The New Albany Floyd County School System's Elementary Art Program is thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the City of New Albany in this collaborative effort.  This is such a grand experience for our students.  This will show young budding artists how community effects the arts, and give them a sense of pride and accomplishment they will be able to share with future generations.  The ability to create youth engagement, community partnership, and instilling the idea of community service in our children is the future of New Albany," stated Mary Arnold, Elementary Art Teacher Leader for New Albany-Floyd County Schools.

“This project will not only enhance the safety of this corridor, but will add another unique and inviting pathway for pedestrians in our downtown,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “I’m thrilled that Develop New Albany and the New Albany-Floyd County Schools Art Department have chosen to partner with us on this downtown improvement.”

Jingle Walk and Holiday Fest

Develop New Albany's annual Jingle Walk and Holiday Fest are just around the corner! The Jingle Walk runs from 2-6pm on Saturday, November 26th.

Looking to shop local and buy some nice gifts for the upcoming holidays? The Jingle Walk is the perfect opportunity to get your holiday shopping done while having some fun. Learn more about the Jingle Walk by watching the video below. 

Wanting to bring the kids out and have some fun with the whole family? Join us at the YMCA at 3:30pm for Holiday Fest, featuring games, crafts, inflatables, activities, and more!

Dont forget! Be sure to stop by Bicentennial Park at 6:30pm after you've got your shopping finished for the annual lighting of the tree and to get your photo with Santa!

New Albany Now: Holiday Events Preview

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