Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Albany public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in public safety with medium priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.