Mayor Gahan Announces Closure of Parks to Combat Coronavirus

For the next 14 days, New Albany city parks facilities will be closed to the public for all programming, rentals, and previously approved and permitted events.  This action is being directed to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

Effective tomorrow (Mar 16th) at 6am, all city parks facilities and shelters will be closed for the next two weeks (March 31st).  National health experts encourage social separation and distancing.  Closing of these city park facilities and shelters in combination with New Albany Floyd County School Corporation’s spring break will hopefully contain the virus and slow its spread. The City of New Albany has one of the most robust parks programming in the metro area.  Any group that has reserved and paid in advance for park reservations, please contact the parks department for a full refund or rescheduling of your event.

Programs involving the New Albany Housing Authority as it relates to homework camp and food distribution will remain as scheduled.

Golf courses will remain open at this time, but indoor rental of the facilities will be closed. 

It is encouraged to continue to use the outdoor areas of city parks, but it is advised to not congregate and follow public health guidelines as it relates to social spacing. 

City operations will remain at full staffing with regular working hours until further notice.

Officials understand that these additional precautions will be difficult and inconvenient but social spacing is the only effective measure to combat the virus according to national health experts.  

Please stay tuned for more information concerning the COVID-19 virus and any additional steps the city of New Albany will be taking to minimize the spread of the virus. Thank you in advance for your understanding and help to keep New Albany healthy and strong.

Additional Investments Expected Along Charlestown Road Corridor

In late February, the city partnered with a private developer to bring new life to the Colonial Manor Development on Charlestown Road.  The project is set to bring over 170 new jobs with salaries above the county average. Other investments in the Charlestown Road Corridor, including new housing options, greenspace and pocket parks, new sidewalks, drainage, lighting, and other safety features are also in the works.

“Infrastructure improvements and incentives to revitalize the Charlestown Road Corridor are moving forward,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “Many thanks to our partners and neighbors in one of New Albany’s most cherished neighborhoods.”

New Living Options

The former Steinert’s location is being redeveloped into 24 apartment units.

24 additional apartment units are being constructed at the former Steinert’s location (near the intersection of Charlestown Road and Silver Street). These units add to the housing boom currently underway in New Albany, bring the total to 720 apartment units that are either under construction or currently planned throughout the City. Other new housing options throughout the city include the Lancaster Lofts (54 micro units at the corner of East Market and Vincennes), the Centenary Church Project (52 units on East Spring Street), the expansion of Charlestown Crossing Apartments (36 units under construction), and others.

New Greenspace and Pocket Parks

Possible locations are being analyzed for new greenspace and pocket parks for the corridor, including the recently acquired former Zesto property on Charlestown Road.

The former Zesto lot is being analyzed for a small greenspace given its unique layout.

The city owns the former Zesto location (at the corner of Charlestown Road and Slate Run Road). Given the unique layout of the parcel, and improvements currently underway along Slate Run Road, greenspace is at the top of the list for potential uses for the property. Greenspace would be much more inviting to the neighborhood and surrounding businesses than the fenced off, cement lot that is currently there. The City is also in negotiations to purchase the former Sonic property along Charlestown Road, and is looking at a variety of uses for the space.

The former Sonic property has sat vacant for years, but the city is weighing new potential uses for the property.

“The type of structure that was utilized for Sonic is very hard to re-sell to a new investor, so the City stepped up and is in the process of purchasing the property,” stated Redevelopment Director Josh Staten. “Possible uses include a micro-park for the nearby neighborhoods, greenspace, or other appropriate commercial uses.”

New Infrastructure Improvements Needed Throughout Corridor

The City is also targeting future infrastructure projects in the area, including connecting areas without sidewalks.

“There are some stretches of Charlestown Road that do not have sidewalks, but are surrounded on each side by sidewalks,” stated Mr. Staten. “We would like to fully connect these areas, and this would also allow us to complete complimentary projects like new drainage, improved lighting, and safer crossings.”

City Officials to Attend Coronavirus Response Meeting - No Known Cases in Indiana at This Time

“Tomorrow morning, city officials will meet with the Floyd County Health Department and other local officials to discuss the community response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19),” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “At this time, there are no known cases of Coronavirus in Indiana, but the City of New Albany would like to be prepared in the event of an outbreak. We will continue to update the public on information that we receive regarding the Coronavirus.”

The CDC recommends the following everyday actions that you can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask:

  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

City Partners with Investor to Revitalize Charlestown Road Corridor

Major Investment Brings New Life to Efforts that Began in 2019

At Tuesday’s New Albany Redevelopment Commission meeting, board members approved a measure to assist developer Brian Forrest with Hoagland Commercial Realtors in his effort to revitalize Colonial Manor on Charlestown Road. Mr. Forrest purchased Colonial Manor, and is expected to invest $6.5 million into the property for various improvements. NARC board members pledged $1 million to the project for infrastructure, façade work, lighting, parking lot improvements, trees, and more along Charlestown Road.

The City of New Albany has been targeting the Charlestown Road area, including Colonial Manor, for redevelopment efforts for years, including an attempt to purchase the property in 2019. Through public meetings, the city had initially proposed numerous options for the property in 2019, including full residential options, mixed-use developments, and full commercial developments. Unfortunately, the City Council (at that time) rejected the purchase agreement, but the redevelopment efforts have found new life with this project that coincides with original options presented regarding commercial use.

“Revitalization efforts have been kick started by Mr. Forrest and the New Albany Redevelopment Commission,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “We will now move forward with the best possible option and begin resurrecting the Charlestown Road corridor immediately.”

A rendering showing potential improvements to colonial manor.

Mr. Forrest reported to the New Albany Redevelopment Commission that he already has long-term office tenants in place for Colonial Manor that will immediately bring 111 new jobs to the area. 60 additional jobs are expected within the next few years. The average salary for the positions is above Floyd County average.

Mr. Forrest stated, “I have been watching Colonial Manor for the past few years hoping to do something and revitalize it like I’ve done in other communities. When I had a couple of large service-oriented tenants reach out and say they needed to be in that area, I thought it would be a perfect fit. With the City of New Albany’s assistance, we are now making that a reality. The goal is to have it filled with retail, medical and service-oriented tenants.”

Because of the type of work that the expected tenants perform, approximately 500 visitors are expected to the property each day. This is expected to have major economic benefits to surrounding restaurants, shops, and services. Stay tuned for more exciting news about upcoming improvements to one of New Albany’s most vital neighborhoods.

Ohio River Reaches Flood Stage, but No Major Issues Anticipated

The City of New Albany is putting its flood protection pump plants into operations over the weekend. The Ohio River is steadily rising, with water projected to crest early next week at 57 feet. “Flood Stage,” where the city begins pump operations, begins at 55 feet.

This is the 5th time the Ohio River has entered Flood Stage in the past 8 years. No moveable closures of the flood wall are expected to be needed at this time. The projected water level is not expected to cause any major issues.

In recent years, the Flood Control Protection System has undergone numerous upgrades, including all new pumps, new motors, and a new back-up power generation system.

Two roadways are currently closed due to high water. One roadway is by the river itself, and the other is one of the lowest elevation points in the city:

1. Water Street (from 6th Street to the Sherman Minton Bridge)

2. Armstrong Bend Road (the intersection of Old Ford Road and Armstrong Bend)

When traveling, please do not drive through standing water.