NA Parks Now Eligible for Land & Water Conservation Fund Grants

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Last year, with the help of community input, the New Albany Parks and Recreation Department finalized their 5 year master plan for 2017-2021. 

In a letter to the New Albany Parks and Recreation Board, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources stated that they have reviewed the plan, and have certified that it meets all of the department's requirements. Additionally, Indiana DNR has validated that New Albany is now eligible to apply for Land and Water Conservation Fund grants. The letter stated that Indiana DNR supports New Albany Parks and Recreation planning efforts and encouraged participation in the grants programs administrated by the Division of Outdoor Recreation.

According to the National Park Service's website, the Land and Water Conservation Fund provides matching grants to States and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.

The fund has provided 40,400 grants to state and local governments over 40 years:

  • $4.1 billion, matched for a total of $8.2 billion in grants and funding
  • 10,600 grants for acquisition of park and recreation lands, including 3,200 "combination" projects for both land purchase and initial recreation development
  • 26,420 grants for development of recreation facilities, in addition to the "combination" projects above
  • 2,760 grants for redevelopment of older recreation facilities, including improved access for people with disabilities
  • 641 state planning grants, to produce six "generations" of analytic studies on recreation potentials, needs, opportunities and policies

"Congratulations to board president Steve Sipes and the entire New Albany Parks Board," stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. "This plan will serve us well over the next 5 years of developing our parks and recreation in New Albany."

Demolition to Begin Next Week

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Revitalization set to begin at Vincennes and East Market Streets.  The New Albany Redevelopment Commission obtained possession of the old Tommy Lancaster’s Restaurant and Market Boy Convenient Store. Both structures, over years of neglect, have become eyesores and blight in the area. Tommy Lancaster’s Restaurant once served thousands of customers over several decades. However, the restaurant closed in 2011 and has been vacant and deteriorating since its closing. Market Boy, which sits adjacent to Tommy’s, has not seen any improvements for years and too has become a blight and eyesore for the area. 

tommys
marketboy

Both properties, Tommy’s and Market Boy, are set to be razed in the coming week. The properties were evaluated and determined to be unsalvageable. Upon demolition, the Redevelopment Commission will begin the process of revitalization by putting the properties together in a Request for Proposal to spur economic development in that area and along the Vincennes corridor. 

“Tommy’s and Market Boy are two establishments that have served our community well over the years,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan, “but it is exciting to facilitate and make way for brand new development here in New Albany.”

Housing Authority Director Requests Delay in Vote

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The City of New Albany and the New Albany Housing Authority worked together for months to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the future of public housing in New Albany. The City was hopeful that it would have been adopted tonight at 5:30pm during the New Albany Housing Authority’s regularly scheduled meeting.

This morning, the City of New Albany received a letter from Bob Lane (Executive Director of the New Albany Housing Authority) explaining that he instructed the Board of Commissioners Chairperson to delay voting on the Memorandum of Understanding. A full copy of the letter from Mr. Lane is attached here.

Per Mr. Lane’s request, the vote has been moved to the April 10th, 2017 meeting.

McDonald Lane Improvements Resume

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The next phase of the McDonald Lane Improvement Project is underway. Crews began milling the road yesterday in preparation of laying stormsewer lines. This work will be from Rita Drive to Grant Line Road. 

Roundabout completed from earlier phase of project..

Roundabout completed from earlier phase of project..

This next phase calls for a full complete reconstruction of the roadway, similar to previous segments. During this project, curbs, gutters, and complete stormwater system are being added, along with new traffic signals, sidewalks, new road reconstruction, and paving. This project is expected to be complete in the Fall of 2017.

History of the Project

This slideshow goes through the first stage of the project, starting from December 18, 2015 (Charlestown Road to Rita Drive).

NAFD Releases Final Incident Report Regarding Breakwater Fire

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The New Albany Fire Department has concluded their investigation regarding the fire at the Breakwater complex over the weekend. Additionally, they have released the final incident report.

“Once again, I’d like to reiterate how fortunate the City of New Albany is that, despite the amount of damage and the size of the fire, there were no injuries. I’d also like to thank the New Albany Fire Department, New Albany Police Department, and all of our neighboring communities for their help in extinguishing the blaze and assisting at the scene,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan.

A full copy of the report can be found here: NAFD Incident Report - Breakwater