WHAT'S THE BUZZ?

I am going to play Andy Rooney for a minute and spout off about things that are on my mind. They are stated below in no particular order.

At Monday's City Council meeting Councilman Gahan questioned the Sewer Board's renewing the EMC contract without considering other bids. According to the Tribune, Steve Tolliver of Aqua Utility Services tried to present his company's proposals but was ignored.

I agree with Mr. Gahan, Mr. Price and Mr. Coffey. The Sewer Board should have considered other options before signing another contract with EMC. How do we know we got the best deal? I don't think a few people should decide on their own what is best for New Albany.

Chris, the editor of New Albany Eyesores Blog had a great idea. He wants to name a walking path along the river or part of the sportspark on Budd Rd. after Officer Frank Denzinger. He got the "run around" from City Hall but the idea is certainly worth considering.

Speaking of great ideas, Thornton's will be selling Tribute T shirts featuring the names of officers Denzinger and White. They are selling for a very reasonable $10.00 each with most of the proceeds going to the Denzinger and White families.

Today's Tribune featured an article concerning farmers and the stormwater fees. It seems the farmers will be assessed a fee for every square foot of impervious surfaces such as roofs and pavements. The farmers are crying foul, and rightfully so. Why should a small business owner such as a farmer be charged along the same lines as big box stores? I believe the Commissioners will be able to work out a deal that makes sense.

Mayoral Candidate England wants to build a new firehouse in the West End of New Albany. All I can say is that it's about time. We West End residents were robbed of our fire station when the waste treatment plant was expanded. Thank you, Mr. England for believing that our neighborhood is worth saving in case of a fire.

On another note, I could kick myself for not being more involved and attending the meeting when the location of the solid waste plant was chosen.

Scooter Libby may have to serve some time before his sentence can be suspended. George Bush thinks a few months in a low level security facility is too harsh for a person who puts some one's life in danger by revealing her name, but 10 years plus in prison is not too severe for border patrol agents who were trying to arrest a drug smuggler. Bush must be the most out of touch person in the entire universe.

And finally, Libertarian Thomas Keister is running against Steve Price and Brenda Scharlow in the 3rd District Council race. I read his blog but did not understand what he was trying to say. Maybe it's me. At any rate I don't think Steve Price needs to worry about being re-elected.

"LOFTY IDEAS" TOUR

Saturday, May 19, I had the pleasure to join Dave Bardsdale, New Albany Historian, Mike Kopp, realtor, and about fifty other people on a tour of historic buildings in downtown New Albany.



The idea was to promote the restoration of these wonderful buildings for residential and commercial use. There was a fine example of this with the Wilcox Block at 133-135 E. Market St. It was purchased in August 2006 by Matt and Jessica Bergman. They have done a magnificiant job of restoring the second and their floors for their home. They also have plans for a rooftop deck and garden on the backside of the building. Jessica said they wanted a funky place to live. Well, they have a dream home by anyone's standards.



We went on to tour the John Briggs Block at 123 E. Market St. which is now Louisille Stained Glass. The top two floors are yet to be restored but will soon be the residence of the owners.



The biggest surprise to me was the the Jacob Goodbub Bldg at 213-215 Pearl St. which was the former home of the Fashion Shop. Beneath that aluminum facade still remains the original limestone detailing. And the second floor was obviously a former residence and offices. There is a beautiful fireplace and fantastic woodwork throughout. Mr. Kopp explained that someone is already looking to purchase this building and renovate.



The tour continued with the Empire Flouring Mill at 146-148 E. Main St. ( the Reisz Furniture Warehouse) which may someday become a multi use building with stores of some sort on the first floor and condo's on the second and third floors. I must say the view of the river from the third floor is amazing.



The tour ended at the Monsch Hotel (The New Albany Inn) which may soon be transformed into an art studio on the third floor. The proprietors of the Bistro served a wonderful lunch for us in the courtyard.



All and all it was a great way to spend a couple of hours and dream of owning a cool loft for myself.

THANK YOU

I want to thank everyone who helped with my campaign and everyone who voted for me. It was an extremely close race and my first attempt as a candidate. So I have no regrets.

I have decided to "revive" this blog and hope that the word gets out and more people read and add their comments.

Shirley