Mayor Gahan Recaps Recent Developments at Site on Silver Creek

Reports Friday identified two people squatting in an illegal wooden structure on public property along Silver Creek in New Albany.  Several agencies have investigated the situation.  After inspection of the structure and site, it was determined to be unsafe and unsanitary.

Their personal belongings were returned, and the unsanitary and unsafe structure has been demolished.  The City, working in cooperation with the New Albany Township Trustee, which aids those in need, offered them temporary housing.  In addition, several other outreach organizations have been assisting and temporary housing has been arranged. 

Please see previous posts and public communications concerning this matter: https://newalbanycityhall.com/home/2019/7/28/mayor-gahan-provides-information-about-homeless-assistance-in-new-albany?fbclid=IwAR3H-VqPZoxAJ419kvDlgwZ2mGNU1D7mYlqbOgBfV-6qZho0nJv8K6ZVSKI

Mayor Gahan Provides Information About Homeless Assistance in New Albany

New Albany has a long history of being a city of industry and compassion, and we are well positioned to carry these traditions forward. Today’s Courier—Journal brings to light the situation of two people who are in need of support and a safe and secure roof over their heads. As always, the city will work with Homeless Coalition members, the New Albany Housing Authority, and other affiliated organizations to meet their needs.

Link to Courier Journal article: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/indiana/floyd/2019/07/27/homeless-camp-remains-after-new-albany-nearly-clears/1846883001/

We appreciate and hear the concerns of organizations mentioned in the Courier-Journal article, including Exit 0 and Hip Hop Cares. However, building codes, zoning ordinances, and other laws do not permit the construction of unsafe structures to be used for shelter in the woods, in parks, or in the public right-of-way.

The city of New Albany is the host of the largest public housing compound in the state of Indiana, outside of Gary, Indiana. For a city our size, it is one of the largest in the United States. With over 1100 units, the New Albany Housing Authority dwarfs all others in southern Indiana, having more than Jeffersonville, Clarksville, Charlestown, Sellersburg, and Corydon combined. New Albany is doing more than its share to provide for the homeless, even while facing budget cuts from the federal government. Due to those federal cuts, the New Albany Housing Authority has been shorted over $130 million in maintenance costs alone.

If you, or someone you know, lives in New Albany and needs help finding shelter, please contact one of the following partner agencies to receive assistance:

Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana: (812) 913-5179

New Albany Housing Authority: (812) 948-2319

New Albany Township Trustee’s Office: (812) 948-5498

More Summer Fun in New Albany

There are lots of ways to have fun this weekend in New Albany! Here are a few upcoming events that you won’t want to miss.

Children’s Theatre at the Riverfront Amphitheater

SHOW DATES: July 11, 12, 18, 19, 20. All shows begin at 7:30 pm. (201 E Water Street)

Theatreworks EDU, the educational arm of Theatreworks, will be performing both Disney’s The Lion King Kids and Seussical Jr. at the scenic Riverfront Amphitheater. Casts will perform both shows each night.

Special thanks to the following sponsors: Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County, City of New Albany, and Mayor Jeff Gahan.

---

Bicentennial Park Summer Concerts return with Appalatin!

Friday, July 12th: 6:30-9:30 at Bicentennial Park (118 E Spring Street)

On Friday evening, Appalatin brings their mix of Appalachian folk and high-energy Latin music to Bicentennial Park. The name, Appalatin, reflects the unexpected meeting in Louisville, KY of Kentucky-raised musicians and masterful Latin émigrés from Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. Americana band Grizzly Goat will open.

---

Schmitt Furniture 83rd Birthday Bash

Saturday, July 13 from 8pm-11pm at the Riverfront Amphitheater (201 E Water Street)

Schmitt Furniture will be celebrating their 83rd birthday with a huge BIRTHDAY BASH at the Riverfront Amphitheater. Local favorites the Juice Box Heroes will be performing. Local food and beverage vendors will be on hand. The concert is free to attend. Come on down and enjoy some great music on the riverfront and help celebrate this iconic local business!

---

River Run Family Waterpark

Open 7 days a week from 11am-7pm.

This weekend is set to be a hot one, and what better way to beat the heat than by visiting River Run Family Waterpark? More information available at: https://www.nariverrun.com/

Riverfront Independence Day Celebration 2019

New Albany’s Riverfront Independence Day Celebration is set for July 3 at 6pm at the scenic Riverfront Amphitheater! We want to thank the Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County for once again sponsoring this year’s event!

The Crashers will headline the concert, with local openers Between the Lines and Rock’N Horse. There will also be inflatables and games for children, as well as local food and drink vendors.

While there is seating available at the Riverfront Amphitheater, guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Coolers are permitted, but no outside alcohol can be brought into the venue.

Mayor Gahan, Jeff Speck Lead Tour About New Albany's Two-Way Street Reversion Success

The 27th annual Congress for New Urbanism (CNU) is being held this week in Louisville. The CNU is the leading organization promoting walkable, mixed-use neighborhood development, sustainable communities and healthier living conditions.

Mayor Jeff Gahan and renowned city-planner Jeff Speck.

As part of the annual congress, Mayor Gahan was invited to join world-renowned city planner Jeff Speck to help give a tour of New Albany, showcasing the successful changes from one-way streets to two-way streets. Jeff Speck, an author in addition to a city planner, highlights the benefits of the New Albany project in his new book, Walkable City Rules - 101 Steps to Making Better Places.

New Albany is featured in Jeff Speck’s new book.

“I’ve never seen a two-way reversion project move so quickly or so fully.” - Jeff Speck speaks to CNU members about New Albany’s two-way street reversion project.

New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey also addressed the CNU members, stating that in his 28 years as a police officer, he has “never seen a better scenario for public safety. Speeds have been reduced, crashes are down, and response times to calls for service is far better than it has ever been.”

“The two-way streets reversion has turned out to be even better than expected,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan as he addressed the CNU group. “Traffic has slowed, pedestrians feel more confident and comfortable walking downtown, business is up, and more families are moving to New Albany.”