OPIOID CASE SETTLED – CITY TO RECEIVE SETTLEMENT MONEY

Since 2017, the City of New Albany has been actively engaged in pursuing damages caused by the manufacture, prescription sale, and distribution of opioids through outside counsel in multi-district litigation. The opioid crisis has had a devastating effect on the people of Indiana, and none more-so than those who reside in Floyd County.

In a six-year period, 47,106,936 prescription pain pills entered our community. That equates to 91.6 pills per person per year in Floyd County. In 2016 alone, prescription rates for opioids were at a horrendous 132 prescriptions per 100 residents. Now, years later, recent legislation amending Indiana code and signed into law has determined a weak, but solitary course for all who seek damages associated with the aforementioned parties and crimes.

Today, at the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, the board agreed to opt into the State of Indiana’s settlement that won against key opioid distributors. The City of New Albany is expected to receive about $250,000 from the settlement.

“New Albany and Floyd County families have suffered great losses at the hands of these villains,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “I believe this settlement is better than nothing, but our fight with addictive substances and their producers will continue as we seek new measures to contain the devastation brought by corporate sponsored addiction.”

Over $1 Million Awarded to Help Small Businesses

Over $1 Million Awarded to Help Small Businesses

Over $1 million has been awarded to local, small businesses to help offset negative impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Made possible through funding from the American Rescue Plan, the city has awarded over $1 million to 110 local small businesses, affecting 659 local employees.

“This would not have been possible without funds from the American Rescue Plan and bipartisan support from the New Albany City Council,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “Local small businesses are a key part of New Albany’s success, and this action helps over 100 local businesses keep employees on payroll and continue operating in New Albany. We are proud to be able to offer this kind of support to our hardworking local businesses and their employees.”

“We recognize that small businesses were heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and these funds will hopefully offset some of those negative impacts and aid in their economic recovery,” stated Josh Staten, Director of Economic Development and Redevelopment at the City of New Albany.

NEW ALBANY DEDICATES $50,000 TO HELPING AMERICAN VETERANS IN NEED OF HOUSING

NEW ALBANY DEDICATES $50,000 TO HELPING AMERICAN VETERANS IN NEW ALBANY WHO ARE EXPERIENCING A NEED OF HOUSING

Our United States Veterans are volunteers who signed up to potentially give the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and supporting them when they return home is the least we can do.

That’s why the New Albany Redevelopment Commission is allocating $50,000 in American Rescue Plan funding to support Liberty Place, a sober, transitional living environment for veterans. Liberty Place helps veterans return to the community as a positive and productive member of society while maintaining their sobriety.

Liberty Place, operated by Kaiser Home Support Services, receives referrals from Veterans Court, and provides living accommodations for veterans for a period of 12 to 24 months. While staying at Liberty Place, our veterans will receive a private bedroom, meals, transportation to appointments and support groups, and other supportive services. Liberty place has around-the-clock support staff, including a Veteran Program Manager.

“We are so proud of what we have uniquely created in Liberty Place,” stated Kelley Troutman, Executive Director for Kaiser Home Support Services. “You will not find anything else like it in Indiana.  We look forward to growing and providing even more services for our veterans in need, and we appreciate the support from the American Rescue Plan and the City of New Albany.”

Neighborhood Stormwater Improvements

NEIGHBORHOOD STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS: The City of New Albany will be looking to utilize American Rescue Plan funds to complete several localized, neighborhood stormwater projects. Previously, the City has used American Rescue Plan funds to help numerous individuals, businesses, and organizations deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The City has provided funding that targets multiple issues, including homelessness, rent and utility insecurity, food insecurity, drug and alcohol addiction services, mental health services, veterans’ services, and others.

While primarily a tool to combat negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, local governments are also encouraged by the American Rescue Plan to “make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.”

At today’s New Albany Redevelopment Commission meeting, the board will discuss moving forward with a series of projects that will utilize American Rescue Plan funds to address several localized, neighborhood-based stormwater issues.

Five projects were identified to be completed through a combination of citizen reporting, engineering review, and stormwater staff review. These include drainage and stormwater solutions aimed along the following roadways:

1. Slate Run Road near intersection with Charlestown Road

2. Slate Run Road near intersection with Laib Drive

3. Ealy & Griffin Intersection

4. Oakwood & Pennwood Intersection

5. Vincennes Street near Lopp Avenue

HOW YOU CAN HELP: The City is currently updating its Stormwater Master Plan, and we are looking for your feedback in identifying other localized, neighborhood-based stormwater projects. Please help us by filling out a brief survey about stormwater in your area. The survey can be found at this link: https://newalbanycityhall.com/stormwaterplan

STORMWATER PUBLIC MEETING: The City will be hosting a public meeting to discuss the Stormwater Master Plan on Wednesday, March 30th at 5:30PM. The meeting will take place at City Hall (142 E Main Street) in the Council Chambers (room 100).

Railroad Crossing Repairs Underway

RAILROAD CROSSING REPAIRS:

15 Railroad Crossings in New Albany will be fully reconstructed over the next few weeks. Crews are estimating a 2-day construction period for each crossing, weather permitting. The new railroad crossings are a concrete based model, which should allow for smoother travel over the railroad crossings. These crossings have a much-longer anticipated lifespan than the former asphalt crossing models.

The full list of crossings scheduled to be reconstructed are as follows:

King Street, Elm Street, Beeler Street, Locust Street, Chartres Street, Grant Line Road, Vincennes Street, South Street, Vance Avenue, Beechwood Avenue, Silver Street, McDonald Avenue, JayCee Drive, Spring Street, and Market Street. 

Please be aware of crews working in these areas over the next few weeks.