NEW ALBANY AHEAD ON FLOOD CONTROL

Today, work began on installation of back-up power systems for the New Albany Levee System. When completed, the project will provide on-site backup power to all six pump plant facilities. This power system will allow the Levee System to continue operations in the event of a utility failure. This makes New Albany the only city in the area to have complete, on-site backup power that can operate its entire system.

“This is another important step that we are taking to improve flood protection for the citizens of New Albany,” stated Mayor Gahan.

The project is expected to be completed by October 31st, well before the start of the next flood season (December 1st – April 30th).

Other recent Flood Control improvement projects include rehabilitating, rebuilding, or replacing all pumps (19) within the Levee System to like-new status, repairing and sealing portions of the concrete flood wall, and making improvements to pump-house facilities.

Additional information can be found here:

https://newalbanycityhall.com/home/2019/4/15/improved-flood-protection-coming-to-new-albany

City of New Albany Wins Appeal

The City of New Albany tax payers won a major victory on Wednesday in the Indiana State Court of Appeals regarding ownership of the local criminal justice center.

The original criminal justice center was jointly funded by both the City of New Albany and Floyd County through a lease with the New Albany-Floyd County Building Authority. Last year, Floyd County Government Officials demanded that the Building Authority immediately transfer the title of the jail to them at no cost.

Honoring an agreement with Floyd County Government dating back to the 1950’s, the citizens of New Albany paid tens of millions of dollars in construction bonds and maintenance costs to build, renovate, and operate the jail. But Floyd County Officials attempted to abscond with the Jail property free of charge, stripping New Albany from all ownership.

Once again, Floyd County officials reneged on a long-standing agreement made with the City of New Albany.

The Indiana Court of Appeals reversed the lower court’s decision, stating that Floyd County Government must first purchase the property. The purchase price is expected to be in the millions of dollars.

Read more here: https://www.theindianalawyer.com/articles/50366-reversal-floyd-county-loses-title-to-criminal-justice-center-over-lease-dispute

Head Start Program Receives $1.7 Million Grant for School Readiness Program

New Albany - Floyd County Head Start received big news from the Department of Health and Human Services this week as they received $1.7 million in grant funding that will let them expand their “Birth to Five” program and add 27 new jobs.

“New Albany has experienced a major shortage of early child care that is both affordable and available to young families,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “This is wonderful news for young families who want the very best start for their children. It is a huge step forward for the residents of New Albany and Floyd County. We will continue to look for ways to expand this type of service to even more families in New Albany. Congratulations to Director Tara Meachum and the Head Start team on this achievement.”

The funding will offer 80 slots to pregnant women, infants, and toddlers; 40 home-based slots and 40 center-based slots.

Head Start “Birth to Five” promotes school readiness for preschool age children from low-income families by providing comprehensive services to children and families. These services and programs include education, health and development screenings, health and safety, social and emotional health, nutrition, social services, transition services, and services for children with disabilities. These services are provided to support the mental, social, and emotional development of the children and their families.

Head Start will also be adding 27 new positions to their program. Full job descriptions can be found at http://www.fcheadstart.com/jobs.html and open interviews will be held on Thursday May 9th (4pm-7pm) and Friday, May 10 (8am-11am). Head Start is located at 1902 Corydon Pike in New Albany.

Upcoming Events - Shakespeare, Le Tour De Greenway, Car Show, Summer Concerts

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Kentucky Shakespeare recently announced their 2019 SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS tour. Their 6-actor, 90-minute production of MACBETH will tour to Bicentennial Park on Sunday, May 5th, bringing free Shakespeare to the neighborhood! Come join us for a fun-filled night in downtown New Albany. The event is free of charge. Limited tables and seating available, but attendees can feel free to bring chairs and/or picnic blankets.

Shakespeare in the Park - MACBETH

Sunday, May 5th at Bicentennial Park

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Le Tour De Greenway

Saturday, May 11 8am-12pm

The parks departments of New Albany, Jeffersonville and Clarksville invite the public to Le Tour de Greenway, a family-friendly fun ride on the Ohio River Greenway. Set for Saturday, May 11, from 8 a.m. to noon, this first-ever event is meant to celebrate the full connection of the Greenway, a 7.5-mile multi-use path through the three communities. With the recent opening of a walking bridge across Silver Creek, recreational users can now ride the Greenway from end to end.

For more information, visit https://letourdegreenway.com/

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2019 Spring Mayor’s Car Show with Back in Time Car Club

Sunday May 19th from 10am-4pm @ Corner of West Market and Scribner Drive

Back in Time Car Club presents the 2019 Spring Mayor’s Car Show! The show is $15 per car, with dash plaques for the first 150 cars. Awards will be given to the top 50 cars. For more information, call Walter Smith at 812-987-6179.

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Bicentennial Park Concert Series

Fridays beginning Mar 31st from 6:30-9:30pm at the corner of Spring and Pearl Streets.

The Bicentennial Park Summer Concert Series returns on May 31st in historic downtown New Albany. Located at the corner of Spring and Pearl streets, these free concerts are open to music lovers of all ages. Come join us from 6:30-9:30pm on Friday nights in downtown New Albany! Thanks to our sponsors 91.9 WFPK & McNeely Stephenson.

For more information, please visit http://newalbanycityhall.com/bicentennialpark

INDOT ROAD WORK UPDATE: Sherman Minton Bridge, State Street & I-265 Interchange

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) continues work on 2 important roadway improvements this week here in New Albany.

Sherman Minton Bridge: The State will be closing a single lane on the Sherman Minton Bridge as part of the Sherman Minton Renewal Project this week to perform survey work. A single westbound lane closure will begin on Tuesday, April 23rd from 6am-3pm. A single eastbound lane will be closed on Wednesday, April 24 from 9am-6pm. Thursday, April 25th will be used as needed in case of weather or other delays. Learn more about this update at www.shermanmintonrenewal.com

State Street & 265 Improvement: INDOT is currently repainting the bridge and overpass on State Street over I-265. Traffic congestion is being caused due to the lane closures needed to safely complete this work. The City is currently working with the State of Indiana to shorten wait times by modifying the traffic measures that are in currently place. This work should be completed and fully open by the end of the month.