City Unlocks Key Component For Future Monon South Freedom Trail

City Unlocks Key Component for Future Monon South Freedom Trail

At today’s New Albany Redevelopment Commission meeting, the board voted unanimously to pursue the acquisition of the New Albany Golf Course property, located at 1706 Graybrook Lane.

The City of New Albany is currently constructing Phase 1 of the Monon South Freedom Trail, which will ultimately span nearly 63 miles from New Albany to Mitchell, Indiana. Phase 1 ends just outside the current New Albany Golf Course, making the property a critical connection point for future trail development. Phase 2 of construction will extend the trail toward the Clark-Floyd county line.

In recent years, several developers have expressed interest in the golf course property for large-scale, multi-family residential projects. By moving to acquire the property, the City of New Albany is not only working towards the long-term preservation of this important community asset but also unlocking new opportunities to expand and enhance the Monon South Freedom Trail for future generations.

“The timing could not be better!” said Mayor Jeff Gahan. “Our ongoing commitment to Health and Fitness is bringing new connections and opportunities to be outdoors: on the Greenway, on the Shoreline, and now on the Monon South Freedom Trail!”

HARVEST HOMECOMING PRESENTS UPDATED FESTIVAL PLAN TO CITY

HARVEST HOMECOMING PRESENTS UPDATED FESTIVAL PLAN TO CITY

This morning, following a series of planning meetings with Mayor Jeff Gahan, Police Chief Todd Bailey, and other City of New Albany officials, Harvest Homecoming organizers presented their updated plans for this year’s festival to the Board of Public Works and Safety.

Harvest Homecoming, now over 50 years old, is widely recognized as the third largest festival in the state of Indiana, behind only the Indianapolis 500 and the Indiana State Fair.

The Board of Public Works and Safety is responsible for approving festival permits, and regulations require permits to be submitted 60 days prior to an event. Harvest Homecoming has submitted permits for similar events as previous years, but a plan for the Fiesta Rides has not been submitted as of this time.

During the presentation, the Harvest Homecoming Board President shared highlights of this year’s updated safety protocols, revised hours of operation, and a wide range of exciting events and attractions. Key updates include:

✅ Revised Festival Hours (1 hour earlier closing time on Friday/Saturday) 

✅ New Security Fencing for improved crowd control and safety

✅ Enhanced Lighting Plan to keep downtown well-lit into the evening 

✅ Expanded Family-Friendly Programming with appropriate marketing

✅ Marketing the festival as family friendly and weapons-free 

✅ New Police Security Camera System for increased safety

✅ Enhanced Law Enforcement Presence throughout the festival footprint 

Mayor Gahan commended the work of festival organizers and city departments to improve safety at this year’s festival, stating:

“I appreciate the effort that has gone into the revised plan. As always, we are proud to host Harvest Homecoming in downtown New Albany.”

Police Chief Todd Bailey echoed the mayor’s comments, adding his support for the updated safety approach. 

The City of New Albany remains committed to partnering with Harvest Homecoming volunteers to ensure a safe and successful event for all who attend.

Monon South Freedom Trail - Construction Begins!

Construction Begins on Monon South Freedom Trail in New Albany

Mayor Jeff Gahan is proud to announce that construction of the Monon South Freedom Trail will officially begin on Friday, August 1. This milestone marks the start of a bold new chapter in regional connectivity, recreation, and historic preservation. 

The project is part of the larger Monon South Trail, a 68-mile multi-use corridor that will eventually extend from New Albany north to Mitchell, Indiana.

Phase 1 of the Monon South Freedom Trail will begin at the Ohio River Greenway, travel through Downtown New Albany, and continue north just past Fairview Cemetery. Future phases will expand the trail to the Floyd County line, linking with the broader regional Monon South trail network.

Named in honor of the corridor’s ties to the Underground Railroad, the Monon South Freedom Trail blends history with modern investment in healthy, accessible recreation and infrastructure. 

“This is a milestone moment for our city,” said Mayor Jeff Gahan. “The Monon South Freedom Trail will connect generations… past, present, and future… and provide lasting benefits for our residents, businesses, and visitors.”

Key benefits of the Monon South Freedom Trail include:

🏃 New recreational opportunities for walkers, runners, cyclists, and families

🚴 Safe, scenic alternatives for local travel and commuting

🌳 Connectivity to a 68-mile regional trail system

💵 Economic impact through tourism, local spending, and property value growth

🛤️ Historic preservation of a path once used in the pursuit of freedom

Construction crews will begin mobilizing August 1 along the Phase 1 corridor. Residents are encouraged to follow project updates and construction progress photos at: newalbanycityhall.com/msft

The Monon South Freedom Trail is funded in part through Indiana’s Next Level Trails initiative and the READI program, in partnership with Radius Indiana and other regional agencies. 

City Responds to US Army Corps of Engineers – Seeks Clarification on Request

City Responds to US Army Corps of Engineers – Seeks Clarification on Request

The City of New Albany formally responded to a joint letter from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources concerning restoration work at the historic Glenwood Park Dam on Silver Creek.

In the response letter, Mayor Gahan stated that the emergency repairs were made to address serious public safety risks following a tragic drowning caused by structural erosion. He emphasized that the emergency repairs were completed, the dam was fixed, and the dangerous hydraulic rollers had been eliminated.

In its original letter, the Corps has asked the City to restore the dam to its “original condition,” but doing so would re-create an imminent danger for the public. The City has asked the Corps to clarify whether “original condition” refers to the dangerous, eroded state prior to 2024 or the historically accurate structure now in place.  

Recognizing the broader context of statewide water management planning, including Governor Braun’s Executive Order 25-63, the City has proposed a joint meeting with state and federal partners in July to collaboratively resolve any remaining concerns.  

A full copy of Mayor Gahan’s letter to the US Army Corps of Engineers can be found HERE

Shoreline Independence Day Celebration

SHORELINE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

Mayor Jeff Gahan invites you to join us Thursday, July 3, 2025 at the New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater for an unforgettable evening of summer fun along the river!

🎤 Live music from local favorites The Rumors and The Crashers
🎈 Inflatables for the kids
🍔 Local food and drink vendors
💥 A spectacular fireworks display at dark!
🕕 Doors open at 6:00 PM

FREE to attend — proudly sponsored by the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County! A huge thank you to Caesars for supporting community fun in our river city.

Bring your family, your friends, and a lawn chair — and celebrate Independence Day on the shoreline in style!