Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Albany public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
23 issues in public safety
Police cars and fire equipment funding
A second-reading ordinance would appropriate and transfer funds for new police cars and fire equipment — an investment in emergency response for the whole city. Public comment is scheduled before the vote.
Trail connection to animal care facility
The commission is spending up to $25,000 on engineering design for a trailhead linking the new animal care facility on Grant Line Road to the trail. It will mainly serve volunteers walking dogs, plus accessible parking spots.
Fraudulent wire-transfer email targeting developer
Someone sent a sophisticated fake email pretending to be from a Plan Commission member, demanding the developer wire nearly $5,000 for hearing fees. It was caught, reported to police, and staff are warning everyone: the city will never ask for money by wire.
Halloween trick-or-treat hours
The board recommends trick-or-treating from 6 to 9 p.m. on Halloween night this year.
Door-to-door solicitor permits for AT&T vendor
Board members flagged ongoing door-to-door solicitation on behalf of AT&T without permits, even after solicitors were told to stop. Figspire Management's permit request died when its representative didn't show, and the board put its concerns on the record.
Alley traffic safety near Reno Avenue
Residents of the 2100 block of Reno Avenue say drivers treat the alley like a racetrack — one child was nearly hit, and a neighbor was allegedly threatened with a gun after reporting speeders. The board installed warning signs and is having the engineer evaluate a stop sign.
LED street light glare on Center Street
A new LED street light is shining directly into a family's bedroom windows. The board wants neighbor consensus before approving a shield or lower-wattage bulb — a template for how the city handles LED glare complaints.
Homelessness and lack of permanent housing options
Council members said New Albany lacks adequate housing for homeless people, and discussed how a man slept outdoors for a week before getting an apartment. Members hope the episode sparks broader conversation about connecting services and resources.
Harvest Homecoming safety and street restrictions
Main Street will again run the State Street garage during the festival, keeping 75% of revenue. A commissioner questioned whether paid parking should start before noon on setup Thursday, since festival-goers may slip in while downtown workers still need spots.
Microchip Scanning Stations
A citizen-led movement has built 28 free microchip scanning stations across Southern Indiana and Louisville; New Albany has two but gaps remain. Reunited over 100 lost pets so far, at about $75 per station to install.
Resident Complaint of Identity Theft and Police Report Dispute
Resident John Fouts asked the council for help with alleged identity theft, mail tampering, and a police report he calls falsified. Council members agreed to safeguard his documents and follow up individually rather than debate in the meeting.
New Albany Police Department report
Resident John Fouts asked the council for help with alleged identity theft, mail tampering, and a police report he calls falsified. Council members agreed to safeguard his documents and follow up individually rather than debate in the meeting.
Police staffing shortfall
The Police Merit Commission oversees hiring for the New Albany Police Department. This meeting was to cover new hire testing and whether one candidate stays in the process — decisions that shape future police staffing.
726 Lincoln Street handicap parking request
The board denied a handicap parking spot in front of 726 Lincoln Street because the resident already has off-street parking with a ramp at the rear, and the street is narrow with no sidewalks.
Hospital noise nuisance on Barton Drive
Council Member FitzGerald says a hospital chiller continues to be a sound nuisance for Barton Drive residents despite complaints, and the hospital has pushed back. The council may update its decades-old noise ordinance and pursue enforcement.
$15,000 food pantry appropriation for Hope Southern Indiana
Hope Southern Indiana's pantry is seeing a 22% jump in demand and 100+ new families a month, worsened by the library pantry dropping USDA donations. The city's opioid settlement money would feed about 125 more people.
Hazardous tree process and hardship assistance program
The ordinance gives homeowners a way to challenge a hazardous tree finding or the billed cost, and creates a hardship program so a senior on fixed income doesn't face a lien or worse over a tree removal. Blair opposed the assistance program as unfair to taxpayers; the fund currently has no budget until the next budget cycle.
Library food pantry closure gap
The county library's food pantry — serving 563 people a month — is closing, and the city didn't cause it but may fund a stopgap. Committee members agreed unanimously that some funding source is needed while community groups organize a longer-term solution; nothing was voted on tonight.
Consistency of signage code enforcement
The Windsical Cooking owner said she was cited for signage while other businesses keep non-compliant signs up. Board members pointed her to anonymous complaint lines and defended the code enforcement team.
Driveway sight-line and safety mirror on Old Ford Road
A resident's view exiting her driveway is blocked by a neighbor's parked cars and newly planted trees. The city will install a convex mirror; the trees stay put as long as they don't encroach on the right-of-way.
CenterPointe Energy emergency gas main repair at 620 Durgee Rd.
CenterPointe Energy flagged an emergency gas main repair at 620 Durgee Rd. Emergency utility repairs like this are typically acted on quickly for safety.
Removal of handicap parking at 1130 Greenaway Place
City Clerk Vicki Glotzbach asked the board to remove a handicap parking space at 1130 Greenaway Place. Anyone who relies on that spot for accessible parking would be affected if it is removed.
Dam Safety / Infrastructure Removal
A New Albany family is pushing the city to remove a local dam after a boy drowned there. The city may now face pressure to act on dam safety and decide whether removal is the right fix.