Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Albany public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
34 issues with low priority
Historic Preservation Commission re-appointment
Colt Sanders is scheduled for re-appointment to the New Albany Historic Preservation Commission, which reviews changes in the city's historic districts.
Lulu's Corner one-year anniversary
The commission plans to take part in Lulu's Corner's one-year anniversary on November 5, with comedy and magic shows planned.
Oak Street sewer main replacement delay
The 24-inch sewer main replacement on Oak Street slowed after crews hit an unmapped water main. Indiana American Water's contractor is relocating it in conjunction with the sewer and storm work, with resumption expected around next Thursday.
At-large commission vacancies
Three candidates — including a former member interested in returning — want an at-large seat on the commission. Names go to Mayor Gahan, who interviews and appoints.
Halloween trick-or-treat hours
The board recommends trick-or-treating from 6 to 9 p.m. on Halloween night this year.
Passing of longtime planner John Rosenbarker
The board acknowledged the deaths of John Rosenbarger, who worked for the city for 48 years, and Dennis Smith, who worked in traffic and the building department.
Maker 13 tenth anniversary and STEM funding request
Maker 13, a Jeffersonville maker space, asked the council to match a $5,000 STEM membership from other local councils and support its November 5 anniversary event to fund its maker mobile repairs.
Culbertson Avenue road closure
SoIN Tourism asked for Culbertson Avenue to be closed on October 13, likely to accommodate a local event downtown.
Prime AE on-call engineering contract
The city keeps Prime AE (formerly JTL) on retainer for small engineering jobs — $30,000 a year, auto-renewing, with emergency work orders possible.
Utility finances running strong
The sewer utility is bringing in about $100,000 more than it spends each month — over $700,000 banked this year — and is right on budget in every classification.
Handicap parking removal at 1106 Beeler Street
The owner of 1106 Beeler Street asked to have the handicap space in front of his home removed, and the board agreed — the sign comes down.
Accessory structure size rules under review
Staff told the board they're still working on a formula — probably tied to lot size — for how big accessory buildings should be by right versus requiring a variance. Rural Chapel Lane keeps generating these cases, with four or five large-structure requests on that stretch alone.
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.
Downtown event season
Two back-to-back downtown events got permits — the city's All Hallows Eve Celebration on October 24 and the Schmitt Furniture Birthday Bash on October 23, with street closures and a quick overnight teardown before Trunk Retreat.
Ralph Hines Memorial Car Show rain date and riverfront protection
The car show's last-minute request for a Sunday rain date sparked debate over wet-weather parking on the riverfront grass. The board approved it with strict conditions requiring hard-surface parking and cleanup responsibility.
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.
Kentuckiana Medieval Faire special event
A special event permit was requested for the St. Marks Health Fair. If approved, the free community health event can proceed as planned.
Calkin Restoration building rehabilitation
The Calkin Restoration building at 101 West Spring Street is getting exterior work on its fifth floor, requiring sidewalk closures on Spring and State streets for about two weeks using an 85-foot boom lift.
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.
Downtown free parking availability
Some private lots downtown are shifting to paid parking, but city garage parking remains free. Griffith urged residents to spread the word to support downtown businesses.
Take 5 oil change near Meijer on Charlestown Road
The PUD originally written in 2000 didn't allow automotive uses, so a text amendment was needed to let a Take 5 open next to the Meijer gas station.
Manhole lining project in the east end
The city has contracted BLD Services to line 22 manholes on the east side of town starting Monday. No road closures — just flaggers at seven spots.
CenterPoint Energy gas service work at 1818 Conservative Street
CenterPoint Energy sought an encroachment permit to retire an old gas service line and install a new one at 1818 Conservative Street, which involves work in the public right-of-way.
Grant Line Road boring work
Spectrum's contractor will bore across Grant Line Road on June 24, shifting traffic for about a day. Expect minor delays that Wednesday morning.
Residential leak adjustments
The Bellwood Owners Organization had a sewer adjustment request on the board's agenda. Sewer adjustments can change how sewer charges are handled for the affected properties.
Utility's first electric pickup truck
The sewer utility bought a 2026 Chevy Silverado EV for $49,842.50, trading in a 2014 F150. Staff will compare fuel and maintenance costs against a gas truck after a year.
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.
Temporary Main Street sidewalk closure for annual power washing
The sidewalks and ADA ramps leading into City Hall on Main Street would be closed for one day on May 18 for annual power washing. Downtown visitors using the ramps should plan around the temporary loss of accessible access.
Market Street parking closure, May 27-29
The Redevelopment Office asked for a parking closure on Market Street from May 27 to May 29. Drivers who normally park on that stretch would need alternative spots for those three days.
Sign face and street placement requests on E. Main and 8th St.
The board considered a new sign face for 8th St. Pizza and two PODS storage units in front of 1217 E. Main Street — the kind of right-of-way and appearance requests that affect how streetscapes look and function downtown.
Fairview Cemetery columbarium
Construction on the long-awaited columbarium at Fairview Cemetery starts in the next few weeks, with a waiting list already forming — and it adds a new revenue stream for the cemetery.
New Albany High School 5k special event, August 1
A special event permit request for a New Albany High School 5k run on Saturday, August 1, was on the board's docket. Permits like this cover street closures and event logistics.
QR code historic tour project
A QR code walking tour of historic sites was on the new business agenda.
Underground Railroad Visitors Center signage
A sign approval for the Underground Railroad Visitors Center was on the board's agenda. Sign approvals affect how the site presents itself to visitors.