Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Albany public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in roads with medium priority
2026 Street Paving Program Progress
Paving has moved to Wellington Drive, North Pearl Street is getting milled and paved this year, and contractors were reminded the street project must be wrapped up before Harvest. Landscaping on the trail is under one-year warranty after some plants struggled.
Slate Run Road geotechnical investigation
The city's federal-aid project to rebuild Slate Run Road from the elementary school to Eakin moves forward with soil borings and pavement cores in early November — done during school hours limits to avoid pickup-time traffic.
Oak Street reconstruction and water main relocation
The Oak Street contractor is relocating the water main before resuming sewer work; a rough gravel stretch near Pearl and Oak is left open with no barricades, raising safety worries.
Lafayette Drive sidewalk heaving
A constituent complained a tree was lifting the sidewalk near 1111 Lafayette Drive. Turns out the tree was already removed, so the fix is a sidewalk repair referral to the Board of Works plus a check for other problem trees.
Sidewalk and curb replacement projects
A resident says his neighborhood's crumbling brick sidewalk is dangerous while the city is busy laying new brick sidewalks elsewhere. The commission suggested a neighborhood petition to the council member, code enforcement, and community development.
Daisy Wayne Road Extension debt retired
The commission paid off the final installment on the Daisy Wayne Road Extension purchase contract, freeing that obligation from the city's books. A council member noted residents in his district were satisfied with the road project.
Riverfront access and floodwall improvements
The river is at 14.2 feet and expected to jump to 38 feet by Saturday. The director says it's likely upstream lock releases and nothing to worry about yet, but the board is keeping an eye on it.
Street department staffing and MVH funding gap
The street department is one worker short and state motor vehicle highway money no longer covers its staffing, so the city plans another ~$300,000 general fund transfer.
Potholes in private parking lots
A resident asked the council to study an ordinance letting the city repair dangerous potholes in private parking lots and driveways — then bill owners through liens, like the tree ordinance. Big potholes on State Street properties have gone unfixed by out-of-town owners.
2025 Paving Contract Closeout
The city wrapped up its 2025 paving program, approving a final change order and releasing $92,067.52 in held retainage. Paving on State Street should be done by the end of the week, with Eakin Avenue concrete work continuing.
Downtown sidewalk and parking closure at 306–310 E. Market St.
Sidewalks in front of the old state garage will be closed for about a year for the sewer project, but the ADA ramp and bus stop access stay open. A nearby lot becomes a fenced equipment yard until the project ends.