Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Albany public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues with high priority
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.
Oak Street reconstruction and Charlestown/Slate Run signal
A water main relocation along Oak Street will let stalled sanitary and stormwater work resume. The broken Charlestown Road/Slate Run Road signal should be fixed and striped by the end of the week.
DePauw Avenue conservation district
The residents' lawsuit over the subdivision approval has put the final plat timeline on hold indefinitely. The city has promised that any final approval will require preservation commission sign-off on the new buildings.
Construction traffic through Windsor Creek subdivision
Residents of Tudor Trail say heavy construction trucks are using their neighborhood entrance instead of the Camer Miller entrance, damaging a sewer, streets, and parkways. The developer says the main entrance can't handle big equipment until a wider S-curve entrance is built, but committed to redirecting traffic once it's ready.
2027 City Budget and 5% Employee Raises
Non-union employees, contract-covered union employees, and elected officials all get 5% raises in 2027 — following a 10% raise last year. Supporters say competitive pay keeps quality workers; dissenters want a market study first and worry about future layoffs.
Diseased historic oak at 522 East Market Street
A massive Depression-era oak — one of the city's top trees — is dying from bacterial leaf scorch and dropping large branches. Falling limbs nearly hit cars and neighbors stopped parking on that side of the street, so the board decided removal is safer than waiting for a catastrophic failure. A replacement, likely a willow oak, will be planted.
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.
Wastewater campus modernization project contracts
The sewer board hired an engineering and design team for the big plant campus modernization project — Clark Dietz as lead engineers, TowerPinkster on architecture, plus surveying and geotechnical testing. Work starts this month and includes road and sidewalk improvements at the plant's main entrance.
Zoning letter to Central Christian Church over alleged on-site occupancy
The city's zoning office sent the church a letter alleging a homeless man had been living under an awning and that allowing it amounted to unpermitted transitional housing. Council members Phipps and Gohmann criticized the letter as heavy-handed, noting police had no incident record and the man has secured permanent housing.
Early voting begins October 6
Council Member Murphy reminded everyone early voting runs October 6-30, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the 4-H Fairgrounds and Nova Park.
Cooling stations and Community Foundation transportation program
Up to $7,500 in unrestricted opioid settlement money will help Culbertson Baptist Church run cooling stations when it's 95°F or hotter — bus passes, water, snacks and a coordinator, centralized at one location this year. Money goes out in two halves with receipt-based reimbursement.