Concerns Regarding the Regional Development Authority

At tonight’s city council meeting, One Southern Indiana (the Chamber of Commerce) will present to the council an overview of the Our Southern Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA). 

In light of this presentation, Mayor Gahan wanted to voice some concerns regarding the RDA initiative.

“The current RDA legislation (IC 36-7.6) undermines voters in Indiana,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “As written, it transfers oversight of public funds and projects away from City and County Councils to persons who have not been elected by voters to hold public office. It grants vast autonomy and protections to those who have not taken The Oath of Office and who have not sworn to act in the best interest of the people of Indiana. And, at this time, there is no money to support the RDA and no funds have been pledged by the current members, which could be a good thing. Elected bodies have a history of being accountable to the wants and the needs of the people. Democracy is good, right?”

Mayor Gahan Appoints Kenneth Brooks to Human Rights Commission

Earlier this month, Mr. Cliff Staten submitted a resignation letter to the Human Rights Commission. Mr. Staten will be moving to Florida and will no longer be able to serve on the Commission.

In order to fill this vacancy, Mayor Gahan is pleased to appoint Mr. Kenneth Brooks to serve on the Human Rights Commission. Mr. Brooks is a U.S. Navy Veteran and a retired small businessman.

“I believe I offer the commission a unique perspective and skill set,” stated Mr. Brooks. “I am a service veteran offering the benefit of experiences learned from working with a diverse team for our national good. As someone who has been both an employee and a small business owner, I can offer unique experiences felt by both positions. As an African American, I have experienced the challenges our community faces in overcoming bias based on race and other identity.”

“I appreciate Mr. Brooks stepping up to serve on the Human Rights Commission,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “He has accepted and committed to a 3 year term and we are grateful for his service to New Albany.”

City Finance Update

Mayor Jeff Gahan is happy to report the City of New Albany closed the books for 2018 under budget once again. This makes seven years in a row of fiscal strength and stability for the citizens of New Albany.

Additionally, we are happy to report an A+ Bond Rating and regular exemplary reports from state and federal authorities.

Mayor Gahan thanks the entire staff and team for their diligence.

“Our strong fiscal oversight is paying off, and the future for New Albany continues to improve every day,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan.

Russ Segraves Appointed Interim Building Commissioner

On December 31st, 2018, City of New Albany Building Commissioner David Brewer resigned from his position and was sworn in as New Albany Township Trustee after winning the seat in the Fall 2018 election.

“It has been an honor to serve the people of New Albany, and I look forward to continuing my public service as the New Albany Township Trustee,” stated David Brewer.

As of January 1, 2019, Russ Segraves has assumed the duties of Interim Building Commissioner at the City of New Albany. Mr. Segraves was previously a building inspector within the department, and also has 10 years of experience as a building commissioner in the past.

“Russ Segraves has solid Building Commissioner experience and we welcome him in his new leadership position at the City of New Albany,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan.

Mayor Gahan also wishes David Brewer the best of luck as a newly elected official, and thanks him for his outstanding work as Building Commissioner.

Rails to Trails: UPDATE

At today’s Redevelopment Commission meeting, the board approved a motion for Faegre Baker Daniels (FBD) to assist with advancing the Rails to Trails project. The vote was 4-1, with the lone dissenter being Scott Stewart.

“This Rails to Trails development is an exciting possibility for the City of New Albany, and we are working with partners throughout the state on making it a reality,” stated Mayor Gahan. “Trails like these improve the quality of life for all citizens, and we are thrilled at the prospect of a North-South Nature Trail connection to the New Albany Greenway. Trails are key economic revitalization tools for cities and towns, as well as tourist destinations for health and nature minded tourists.”

The Rails to Trails project would convert an old, abandoned CSX route that runs through 63 miles of some of Southern Indiana’s most scenic and natural landscapes into a recreation trail. The trail begins just north of the new Sazerac facility (at the former Pillsbury Plant) and ends near Bedford, Indiana.

“I can’t see anything but benefits for New Albany by us taking the initiative on this project,” stated Dr. Irv Joshua, President of the Redevelopment Commission. “Its something that Mayor Gahan saw an opportunity for and was able to take the initiative to lead the project. The project would probably not have gone anywhere without him taking that initiative. The Rails to Trails project will bring more people and recognition to our city, and we stand to benefit greatly.”

Over the past year, city officials have worked quickly to advance the Rails to Trails project. The city began in December 2017 by filing necessary paperwork securing the right to acquire the corridor under the Trails Act. The city then began developing a working relationship with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, who now supports the trail development. Mayor Gahan has met with the majority of the towns and counties on the CSX line, and has received unanimous support for a trail.

Additionally, Governor Holcomb announced on September 6th the availability of $90 million worth of funds to support trails in Indiana.

FBD will now assist by completing negotiations with CSX to determine a final cost of the corridor, prepare an initial development plan and funding strategy, and prepare an application to the State of Indiana for funding of the corridor acquisition.