ENCOURAGING NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION

ENCOURAGING NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION

The City of New Albany is partnering with local professional architect firm TowerPinkster to create a package of pre-approved house concepts to encourage single family home ownership and new home construction. By offering these pre-approved plans at no cost, the City can save homebuyers and developers thousands of dollars on the cost of a new single-family home.

"We know that single family homes and building long-term residency are key components of a strong city," stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. "Over the last several years, many apartments and rentals have been developed in New Albany, but it is time to focus on long-term home ownership. This is another great step in our efforts to improve home ownership for the people of New Albany."

Many times, families looking to build a single family home do not want the worry or hassle of having to jump through multiple planning and zoning meetings, building commissioner permitting, or other bureaucratic steps. These pre-approved housing plans will be available at no cost to skip those hurdles and jump-start single family housing developments. This pro-active measure will also help address the housing demand while preserving the character and charm that makes our city unique.

Additionally, the City of New Albany recently entered into a partnership with the Urban Studies Institute at the University of Louisville to improve housing accessibility and make long-term housing plans and recommendations for the future of our River City. The result of that study is expected back in mid-September.

NEW ALBANY PARTNERSHIP TO IMPROVE HOME OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Homeownership plays a vital role in building strong neighborhoods, improving city health, and providing long-term stability for growing families. That’s why Mayor Jeff Gahan and the New Albany Redevelopment Commission (NARC) are partnering with the Urban Studies Institute (USI) at the University of Louisville to improve housing accessibility and make long-term plans for the future of our River City.

“Over the past several years as our city continues to grow, many local developers have invested in apartments and rental units within the City of New Albany,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “But now, it is time to focus on long-term home ownership for the people of New Albany, and provide new opportunities and pathways for first-time buyers and others to invest in a home. This partnership with the Urban Studies Institute is a great first step in planning for the future of housing in New Albany.”

USI will gather essential data and provide a comprehensive analysis of the City’s housing landscape that will help shed light on the current state of homeownership, provide an overview of the city’s rental market, and identify areas where the city can take action to improve homeownership opportunities.

The City’s partners at USI will begin the study immediately and results are expected back to the City by late September.

An Update on the Animal Shelter from Mayor Jeff Gahan

Tonight, we move forward with a new chapter for our city’s animal shelter.

For years, the City has operated under an “Interlocal Agreement” with Floyd County Government to share services and costs with respect to the Animal Shelter. The shelter services both the City of New Albany and outside the city limits in Floyd County. However, for the past several years, Floyd County Government has chosen to not fully fund their portion of the agreement.

We are now 6 months into 2023, and Floyd County Government has paid $0 towards animal care in our community. Throughout the years, Floyd County Government is behind over $1.3 million in payments.

Last month, I received a letter from the Animal Shelter Board of Directors’ President urging immediate action to terminate the Interlocal Agreement. After years of attempted negotiations with Floyd County officials, I agree with the board’s recommendation. At tonight’s City Council meeting, the council agreed and voted to terminate the failed Interlocal Agreement.

Tonight’s action by the City Council underscores the need for us to move forward to ensure the protection and wellbeing of animals in New Albany. It is in the best interest of the people of New Albany, the employees of the shelter, and the animals in our community for us to move forward by fully funding the Shelter this year. Additionally, the Shelter will continue to provide service outside the city limits in Floyd County through the end of 2023.

Our shelter is one of the best in the region. This step will ensure that the health and welfare of animals will remain a top priority for our River City.

-Mayor Jeff Gahan

City Continues Support of Housing Improvements

CITY CONTINUES SUPPORT OF HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS

In 2021, the City of New Albany announced intentions to invest $2.4 million of American Rescue Plan funds towards adding new pathways for homeownership, increasing access to housing, and improving the condition of our housing stock across all economic levels.

At tomorrow morning’s Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, the board will move those intentions into action by transferring $2.4 million of ARP funds to the New Albany Housing Authority. This action was approved by the New Albany Redevelopment Commission in 2021, and these funds will be used mainly towards the redevelopment of the Beechwood neighborhood, along with other housing improvement initiatives.

The Beechwood neighborhood was constructed by the federal government during World War II, and the barracks-style housing had seen little to no improvements since. Since 2010, the federal government announced a $138 million maintenance shortfall in the Housing and Urban Development department, causing many properties to fall into even further disrepair. That’s when the City of New Albany and the New Albany Housing Authority decided it was time to remove outdated and unsafe structures and construct new, modern, mixed-income housing for the neighborhood.

Picture of the old barracks-style housing in Beechwood neighborhood.

Picture of the old barracks-style housing in Beechwood neighborhood.

“Housing defines a community,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “We have worked for years to improve housing across all sectors and economic levels. I am proud to see the sweeping improvements for the Beechwood Neighborhood and the revitalized energy it will bring to our city and our residents.”

83 newly constructed units are planned for the property, with a combination of both affordable housing AND market-rate housing. The barracks style structures will be replaced with a mix of 53 single family and duplex style homes that fit the historic character of surrounding neighborhoods, 30 senior-preferred apartments, and 12 lots to be sold for future home ownership at a market-rate. This is the first development in the state of Indiana that will mix private home ownership into an affordable housing development.

A Rendering of the future beechwood neighborhood.

the development will combine affordable housing and market-rate housing.

12 lots will be sold for future home ownership.

“The goal would be to have mixed-income levels reside in the neighborhood, with multiple paths for future home ownership,” stated New Albany Housing Authority Director David Duggins.

For more information about this initiative, see here: https://newalbanycityhall.com/home/2021/10/12/city-considers-investing-american-rescue-plan-funds-to-redevelop-beechwood-neighborhood

Protecting and Restoring Our Historic Cemeteries

City of New Albany's Cemetery Department Restores Historic Tombstones – Cleanup Scheduled for Mar 15

The City of New Albany's Cemetery Department is proud to announce the restoration and protection of tombstones and monuments in two of New Albany's historic cemeteries – Fairview Cemetery and West Haven Cemetery. The department has been working tirelessly to pressure wash tombstones, repair damaged or broken stones, and bring the cemeteries to a like-new status. In the picture attached, you can see the difference made through the pressure washing efforts.

"The Cemetery Department's work in restoring these historic tombstones is a reflection of our commitment to preserving and honoring the memory of those who came before us," said Mayor Jeff Gahan. "New Albany is now over 200 years old – even more reason to maintain the beauty and history of our cemeteries for future generations."

Additionally, the full annual cleanup of both cemeteries is scheduled for March 15th. We kindly request that any flowers or mementos placed on grave sites be temporarily removed while cleanup of the cemeteries takes place.

Since 2017, the department has successfully restored and repaired 602 tombstones and this year alone, they have pressure washed and cleaned 240 tombstones. This work is important to respect the history of New Albany and to honor those who came before us and helped settle our River City.

West Haven Cemetery holds a special place in New Albany's history as it was predominantly an African American cemetery. The City of New Albany is proud to highlight the efforts of the Cemetery Department in preserving this important piece of history.