Phase 2 of Historic Main Street Revitalization to Begin this Summer!

HISTORIC MAIN STREET: The City of New Albany will begin the next phase of the Main Street Revitalization Project this summer!

“It is time to kick off the final phase of our Main Street Revitalization Project which we started in 2014,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “The new phase promises to deliver a more attractive, better functioning, and all around more safe living experience for downtown businesses, residents, and shoppers. We can’t wait to get it underway and we are hopeful it will be completed in Spring 2023.”

In 2014, East Main Street was fully reconstructed from Vincennes Street to East 5th street. This project brought new sidewalks, enhanced pedestrian safety, multi-model transportation, improved lighting, and traffic calming measures to the historic neighborhood.

Now, beginning in June 2022, the next phase will begin. This phase will bring similar improvements from State Street to East 5th. This project will replace or rehabilitate the deteriorated pavements and sidewalks, improve walkability, and increase multi-model accessibility of the Main Street corridor. Safety is a big focus of the project, with features that will improve pedestrian, cyclist, and motorist safety, while enhancing and retaining the historic character of the corridor.

Utility work is expected to begin before full construction begins in June 2022. The project has a substantial completion date of Spring 2023. While the cost of the project is estimated at $3 million, this project is an “80/20” match with the federal government, meaning New Albany is only responsible for 20% of the cost of the project.

Proposed design renderings can be found below.

Mayor Gahan Happily Reports on City Finances

“I’m pleased to announce, for the first time in history, the City of New Albany has experienced a decade straight (2012-2021) of balanced budgets, finishing in the black each year.

This is how good government works. Thanks to our dedicated staff, we have been able to provide improved services for citizens, invest within our means, and still have cash reserves on hand.

It is important to note that this was accomplished with NO NEW TAXES for the people of New Albany.

The City of New Albany continues to have an A+ financial rating, as well as exemplary financial reports and audits from state and federal authorities. Our cash reserves on hand will serve us well into the future.

Working with the City Council, our fiscal oversight continues to pay off for the residents of New Albany and the future of our River City.”

-Mayor Jeff Gahan

NAPD Adds Electric Vehicle to Fleet

ELECTRIC MUSCLE: The New Albany Police Department has added the first electric vehicle to its fleet, an American-made 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

This new vehicle will be the first-of-its-kind in an electric vehicle pilot program for the New Albany Police Department. The Police Department will analyze the performance of the car over the next 6 months and compare it with current vehicles utilized for public safety services. The City is hopeful that the all-electric vehicle will reduce operating costs while still meeting or exceeding performance expectations for the Police Department.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is the first electric vehicle added to the NAPD fleet.

New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey and Mayor Jeff Gahan with the new Ford Mustang Mach-E.

American Rescue Plan Funds Continue to Help Those in Need

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS CONTINUE TO HELP THOSE IN NEED

The New Albany Redevelopment Commission will be discussing additional plans for American Rescue Plan Funds at today’s afternoon meeting.

At today’s meeting, the commission will discuss funding $50,000 to two additional non-profits that serve New Albany residents: Blessings in a Backpack and St. Elizabeth’s. Blessings in a Backpack provides thousands of meals to local school-age children each year, providing meals for times when children may not have other assistance, like weekends and school breaks. St Elizabeth’s is a local charity that helps women, children, and families achieve self-sufficiency, empowerment, and independence. 

The Commission will also discuss funding for the City of New Albany’s Emergency Repair Program. This program allows income-qualified homeowners within the City of New Albany to apply for home repair assistance to make “emergency” repairs to urgent conditions that threaten the health and safety of the occupants.

At the last NARC meeting, members opened bids for three projects along the New Albany Shoreline and Ohio River Greenway that will help improve connectivity to local neighborhoods, create healthy recreation trails, and add Blueway access for fishing and kayaking along Silver Creek. The Commission is expected to discuss these items at their meeting and possibly accept bids for these projects. Learn more about these projects here: https://newalbanycityhall.com/home/2021/12/14/new-albany-shoreline-expands-new-trails-and-water-recreation-options-on-horizon

“The utilization of American Rescue Plan Funds will move into high gear in New Albany, as the Redevelopment Commission prepares to improve connectivity to our waterfronts, neighborhoods, and nature,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “These new additions and improvements will move the city forward in many ways, and they will especially bring more opportunities to improve mental and physical health for the residents of our river city and beyond.”

HISTORY OF ARP FUNDING IN NEW ALBANY

Local Nonprofits Served: 12 local nonprofits have been assisted so far, ranging from assistance with Food and Household Insecurity, Homelessness, Drug and Alcohol Addiction Services, Tourism and Hospitality, Healthy Childhood Environments, Services for Youth or Families involved in Child Welfare System, Early Childhood Learning Programs, Mentoring Services for Youth, Assistance for Adults with Developmental Disabilities, among others.

Local Small Businesses Helped: 43 Small Businesses within the City of New Albany have been assisted by American Rescue Plan Funding so far, helping them keep their doors open, retain employees, and continue serving the people of New Albany. The city of New Albany recently launched an additional round of Small Business Grants, and local small businesses can apply for funding through this link: https://newalbanycityhall.com/smallbusinesshelp

Healthcare Services: The City of New Albany has provided ARP Funding towards a Lifespring affordable care clinic that provides non-emergent health care such as physicals, mental health care, and substance abuse resources. Funding was also awarded to a pediatric care center that will take over the former Schad and Schad building in downtown New Albany.

New Albany Shoreline Expands, New Trails and Water Recreation Options on Horizon

Three bids are set to be opened at today’s New Albany Redevelopment Commission meeting for projects that will increase recreational trail opportunities, promote better access to waterways, increase Ohio River Greenway connectivity to local neighborhoods, and expand on the highly popular Ohio River Greenway.

“This is an exciting time to live in New Albany, Indiana,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “As we expand opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, we will also improve connectivity for our residents and all of Southern Indiana.”

The first project is an extension of the Ohio River Greenway trail. Currently, the Ohio River Greenway trail stops near the New Albany Flow Park along the Shoreline. This project will connect from that point down to the future River Recreation Site at the old QRS Recycling Center. This project will also distance the roadway from the Flow Park, improving safety for skaters and bikers. Construction is set to begin early next year. 

The two other bid openings were for projects at the Silver Creek Landing near the historic Glenmill Dam. The first project is a kayak launch point that has been in the works since 2016.

“This launch point is designed to provide the people of New Albany with new, safe, and easy access to Silver Creek, helping reconnect the residents to our city’s river heritage,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan.

The final bid opening was for a recreational trail branching off of the Ohio River Greenway and connecting to the kayak launch at the Glenmill Dam. This connection will also tie in local neighborhoods along Silver Creek to the Ohio River greenway, increasing connectivity for residents. This trail is the first connector piece along the South Monon Freedom Trail.

The South Monon Freedom Trail is a 68-mile long recreational trail that will stretch through 5 Indiana counties (Clark, Floyd, Lawrence, Orange, and Washington), and connect nine Indiana towns and cities (Bedford, Mitchell, Saltillo, Campbellsburg, Salem, New Pekin, Borden, Orleans, and New Albany). When completed, this would be the longest, continuous recreation trail in Indiana, creating immense recreation and economic opportunities for the region.

Additional funding for the South Monon Freedom Trail was applied for by the City of New Albany through both the Regional Development Authority and Governor Holcomb’s Next Level Trails applications. Further announcements regarding the South Monon Freedom Trail are expected soon! 

Learn more about the New Albany Shoreline at newalbanyshoreline.com