I LOVE NEW ALBANY PART II

The City Plan Commission held their regular meeting tonight. It was a full house in the third floor assembly room.

The atmosphere was cheerful and hopeful, personally I can't quit smiling. The subject of my glee is Docket A-02-09. Basically "Scribner Place II: Path to Progress".

Mr. Tipperman, an Architect, used two full color illustrations on large boards to show developers and the public what could happen in this area just west of Scribner Place to East 6th St. There are different proposals for each block and this is an example, and it is very interesting and exciting.

• Just west of the "Y" will be a recreation area, possibly a water park.
• East of the "Y" a developer is interested in a two block area for a parking garage, plaza and high rise condos.
• In the area of East Third and Bank another developer is interested in mixed use development including retail space and condos.
• Another developer is interested in installing a light rail system connecting New Albany to Clarksville, Jeffersonville, and even Louisville.

Another speaker, Mr. Putney (sp) is working with Jack Bobo on a three level parking garage, which will be mostly underground. On top will be a plaza containing office space and resturaunts of all types and menus. The prices will vary from the simple fast food to elegent dining. Or people could just walk around all of the levels and terraces and not spend a dime.

The residential area will have units ranging in size from approx. 600 sf to 5,000 sf. Each unit will have a patio or a deck. The total residential area will be from 160,000 sf to over 200,000 sf. with the commercial property consisting of around 120,000 sf. The first and possibly second levels will be office space and the upper levels will be residential.

Developer Mike Kopp spoke of how New Albany is flourishing, even in these tough times. He noted that 50 businesses have opened in the last 21 months bring in $7,000,000 in purchase money and $3,000,000 in renovations. He went on to say that people want to live here, and invest here.

Gina Coyle expressed concern over enviromental issues and the cost of cleaning the brownfield, and the sewer and sanitaion concerns. Scott Wood said that all of these concerns are being taken care of and keeping the area "green" is a top priority and every effort is being taken to save the enviroment.

This will take a large investment from the city, ie. the taxpayers. Our part will be $12,000,000 for the parking garage and part of the plaza. But private investors have already pledged $70,000,000 to this project. These people are serious.

Mr. Carl Malysz asked me if I was excited and happy. My first reaction was that we need to put Louisville to shame. Let's really make New Albany what is was always meant to be, the REAL sunny side of the river.

I LOVE NEW ALBANY

The Floyd County Democrat Women's Club has a different venue for our meetings every month.

We had our September meeting last night at the new Jackson's Fish restaurant at West 4th & Main. Unfortunately the owner thought we would be meeting on the 15th instead of the 14th. When I arrived the place was packed. As it turned out we had to rearrange a few tables as soon as they were vacated and form a row of three tables to accommodate our crowd. As it would happen we had a large turnout for our meeting.

We still had a wonderful time and great food. I highly recommend this restaurant, it is very reasonable and everything is new and shiny.

Again, I just can't get over how things have improved in good ole' NA in the last couple of years. Everyone agreed last night that Jeffersonville has nothing on us.

A PERFECT DAY

If you missed the home tour this year please make sure you go next year. When I turned in my ticket at the Farmer's Market yesterday there were already three pages of signatures of attendees and it was only a little after noon!

The tour is self-directed so you can go at your own pace and in any order you choose. The homes and buildings were beautiful and the homeowners were very welcoming an gracious. A couple of the homes were for sale, I hope they had offers because if I had the money...

Well it was the perfect day to drive around and see some dreamy homes and wish that I had one of those beauties for myself.

Thank you everyone who opened their home, or business, or church to eager "looksees" like me.

BIG DAY TOMORROW

Don't forget, tomorrow is the New Albany Historic Home Tour. If you don't yet have your ticket, stop by the Farmer's Market and see David Barksdale, he will be happy to set you up. If you have purchased your ticket in advance, again go to the Farmer's Market for a map and further information.



There are 10 stops on the tour this year, and of course the tour is different than last year:

1. Reel House #4 - 1006 State St.


2. Jacob Bader Building, Apt 2 - 207 E. Main St.


3. Jacob Bader Building, Apt 3


4. Warren-Morrill House - 1309 E. Main St.


5. Second Presbyterian Church - 1307 E. Elm St.


6. Cardinal Ritter Birthplace - 1218 E. Oak St.


7. Charles E. Richards House - 844 Cedar Bough Place


8. The Glen Falls - 1946 Ekin Ave.


9. Kiel-Heazlitt House - 2007 East Elm St.


10. Louis I. Shrader House - 1825 E. Spring St.

The weather looks like it will be beautiful (thank you God). Hope to have a big crowd.

If you have any questions call Develop New Albany 941-0018 or go to www.DevelopNA.org.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 9/3/09 TABLE THIS, TABLE THAT

The September 3 city council meeting was pretty tame. The Moratorium Ordinance was tabled as was the Ordinance concerning raising the user/service fees for trash pick up. However, Mr. Messer's amendment passed. This lowered the proposed monthly increase from $5.00 to $2.00.

On a happier note, the cost of living recognition passed 8-1 on the first reading. This is the Ordinance giving the non-bargaining employees a one time wage adjustment to make up for the lack of a salary increase in 2 years.

Mr. Coffey formed a fact finding committee to look into the idea of a moratorium on building. It seems there was a question as to the legality of such an ordinance. The committee will be composed of three council members, John Gonder (chair), Bob Ceasar, Kevin Zurschmeide, two attorneys, Stan Robison and Shane Gibson, three developers and one of the engineers from the Storm Water Board. Mr. Gonder wanted one of the victims of the recent flooding added but Mr. Coffey said this was only fact finding and the public input was already on record. The results of the meetings will be presented at a public meeting, where the citizens can give their opinions.

At the end of the meeting a business owner spoke during the non-agenda public communications. Her first name if Vickie (sorry I did not hear her last name). She has a hair salon on 15th and Spring and the empty lot next to her has large sink holes which caused her basement wall to cave in. Very scary indeed. Thankfully Mr. Price and some of the other council members will contact the storm water board to see what can be done to help her. This is in spite of the fact that the problems are on private property. Thank you Mr. Price for helping this citizen. In my opinion that is what our city council is supposed to do.

Finally, Ordinance G-09-19 failed 6-3. This was the one which gave Georgetown 5 years to pay on their agreement.

On a personal note, I want to thank the council and everyone for conducting the meeting in a businesslike fashion, hardly a voice was raised.

TOWN HALL MEETING WITH BARON HILL

Hi everyone,

Due to a prior commitment I was unable to attend last night's town hall meeting at IUS. Would the attendees please weigh in with your comments?

It would be greatly appreciated, inquiring minds (like mine) want to know.

Thanks,

Shirley

SENATOR KENNEDY

I saw on the news this morning that Senator Ted Kennedy passed away. May he rest in peace with God's grace.