New Albany Receives Grant for Additional Art Projects

In late July, the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) awarded the City of New Albany a $5,000 grant towards additional public art murals in downtown New Albany. Recently, the city and its partners have completed numerous public art murals, including murals on the State Street Parking Garage, Main Street Parking area, Schmitt Furniture Building, Vincennes and Spring Street location, and more.

After receiving the grant, the City of New Albany and the Urban Enterprise Zone have approved another public art mural project. Local artist Dave Thrasher was hired to restore the old ghost sign on the side of “The Root” in downtown New Albany. The project is expected to take 2-3 weeks to complete, and the artist will utilize a lift to access the site in order to not damage the historic buildings.

“Special thanks to our local residents and business owners who have been so supportive of public art in the City of New Albany. Your support made this grant possible,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan.

DESPITE COVID-19, ROAD AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS MOVE FORWARD

New Sidewalks Coming to Schell Lane

Yesterday, the New Albany Redevelopment Commission approved a design proposal to bring new sidewalks to Schell Lane. Schell Lane has a gap in sidewalk connectivity, and this new project will add sidewalks from Clara Lee Court to S Parkline Drive. This project will also connect the neighborhood into the larger Daisy Lane sidewalk system. Schell Lane has been in need of additional sidewalks for some time, and the city is excited about bringing this safety improvement and connectivity project to the neighborhood.

Additional Work Needed to Stabilize Slate Run Road

Work continues on the Slate Run Road Project. The project aims to bring improved drainage and stormwater systems to help reduce flooding, new curbs and gutters, a repaved roadway, and new sidewalks to the neighborhood.

Crews began milling and repairing the base roadway earlier this month. Through this construction phase and new core sampling, it was determined that the roadway needs additional stabilization work. This stabilization work will require a few more days of the current road closure and detour routes, but we hope to wrap it up as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding while we work to complete this important neighborhood infrastructure project.

Should residents have any questions or concerns regarding these projects, please feel free to call us at 812-948-5333 and ask to be directed to the City Engineer.

COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT REINFORCES NEED TO WEAR MASKS

COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Indiana, edging closer to 60,000 confirmed cases. The Floyd County Health Department confirmed today that even with current mitigating measures, we are still seeing an increase in cases. In late March, Mayor Gahan urged residents to take additional precautions to protect themselves from the spread of COVID-19 by wearing simple, made from home masks, and now, state and county officials are following suit and mandating masks for residents. Additionally, last Thursday, the New Albany City Council unanimously passed a resolution encouraging the use of face masks.

Yesterday, Governor Holcomb issued a statewide mask mandate that will go into effect on Monday, July 27. Today, the local health department went one step further and mandated that mask wearing begin on Friday, July 24th and remain in effect for six weeks (until September 11, 2020).

We must all do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, and mask wearing is an easy and effective way to protect our friends, neighbors, and loved ones.

For information regarding the state mask mandate, visit coronavirus.in.gov/maskuphoosiers

For more information regarding the local health department’s mask mandate, visit www.floydcounty.in.gov/index.php/floyd-county-government/floyd-county-indiana-health-department

For more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the use of cloth face coverings and how they help slow the spread of COVID-19, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

City Returns to Restricted Work Schedules Due to COVID Resurgence

Due to the resurgence of COVID-19, New Albany City Hall and all city operations will return to restricted schedules. Effective tomorrow, July 23, all nonessential personnel will revert back to a previous stage of the City’s reopening plan which reduces work site personnel to minimum levels. Work from home assignments will be mandated through August 7th.

Police, Fire, and safety operations will continue as currently scheduled with particular care being given to social distancing, hand sanitation, and wearing of masks/face coverings. Sanitizing of all workforce spaces will continue.

The city encourages everyone to do their part to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Please wear a mask or face covering when in public spaces where social distancing cannot be applied.

Board Of Public Works and Safety Approves Limited Reopening of YMCA

The New Albany YMCA reopened its doors to the public, with adjustments being made in order to follow all health department guidelines and ensure a healthy, safe environment.

The YMCA has been implementing new guidelines to help protect users, including touch-free check in, protective barriers at desks, enhanced cleaning procedures, limited capacity, and more. Certain areas and activities within the YMCA will not be available immediately, including showers, saunas, basketball courts, and others.

City officials approved the opening guidelines at Tuesday’s Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, and will continue to monitor the situation, including the current capacity restrictions. If numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to trend downward, the Board of Public Works and Safety may consider easing current capacity restrictions.

The YMCA is asking all guests to follow these guidelines in order to keep our city healthy and safe:

• Arrive at the Y dressed to workout. By doing so you reduce touch points and help increase social distancing.

• Wash/sanitize hands frequently, especially upon entering the Y.

• Wipe down equipment before and after use.

• Maintain social distance. Please exercise only on designated equipment and respect all signage regarding social distancing. Strive to maintain at least six feet between you and others whenever possible.

• Cloth face coverings or masks are recommended for members while in our YMCA facilities.

• Please do not come to the YMCA if you have a fever, are experiencing flu-like symptoms, or have been in close contact with someone who is ill.

More information can be found at https://www.ymcalouisville.org/reopening-guide/membership.html