Friday, August 3, I was one of the few people who attended the committee meeting regarding the new contracts with EMC.
The committee was chaired by Councilman Gahan and included Councilmen Coffey and Schmidt.
Several questions were asked among the three members which do make one wonder. Here are a few samples:
Why was the Sewer Board contract signed with EMC when there is still six months remaining on the present contract?
Why did the current Sewer Board members sign this contract before the election? (Especially with the knowledge that three of the current council members will not be returning.)
If the contract with EMC was for management only, why are they using the city's trucks?
How could the Stormwater Board operate for 18 months without a budget?
Why did they also sign a contract with EMC?
I want to urge everyone to attend the council meeting tomorrow night and see if we can find answers to these questions.
Remember these people are elected officials and are accountable to US the citizens of New Albany.
See you tomorrow night.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
FUNDRAISER AT THE SPEAKEASY
Officer Dannie Price will host a fundraiser this Thursday night at the Speakeasy from 6:00 to 10:00PM. This fundraiser will benefit the families of officers Denzinger and White. What a great idea!
Brad Tharp, owner of the Speakeasy will donate his net profits from the event also.
Checker Cab will even donate rides for the patrons so no one has to worry about finding a designated driver.
I know there are a lot of things wrong in New Albany, but when I read about things like this it makes me glad to be a citizen of New Albany.
Thank you Office Price, thank you Mr. Tharp and thank you Checker Cab employees. And thank you Chris Morris and the Tribune for reporting this great story.
Brad Tharp, owner of the Speakeasy will donate his net profits from the event also.
Checker Cab will even donate rides for the patrons so no one has to worry about finding a designated driver.
I know there are a lot of things wrong in New Albany, but when I read about things like this it makes me glad to be a citizen of New Albany.
Thank you Office Price, thank you Mr. Tharp and thank you Checker Cab employees. And thank you Chris Morris and the Tribune for reporting this great story.
Monday, July 16, 2007
SO MANY HOMES, SO FEW PEOPLE
According to Saturday's Tribune three developers are looking to expand NewAlbany.
Gary McCartin wants two restaurants, a bank and a coffee shop on Charlestown Rd. near Kohls. I'm sure the people who live in this area would appreciate another bank and restaurants. But he also wants to build an apartment complex with 180 apartments. This area will be called Lafayette Square.
On the other end of town, Riverman LLC wants to build what looks like a small town on Hwy. 111 and Two Mile Lane. They want 200 apartments, 68 homes and 92,000 feet of commercial space.
And not too far from there Brent Schroeder plans to build seven small industrial sites near Eagles Lane. I guess he wants to build businesses for the people in "Two Lane Town" to have a place to work.
Now don't get me wrong, I am all for development but I must wonder where will the people come from to live in these homes? Seriously, we are talking 380 apartments and 68 single homes! The real estate market in New Albany has been rather flat lately. I'm not a realtor but I can see the "for sale" signs all over town in front of the same homes for weeks and even months on end.
Personally, I would rather see the old buildings downtown converted to living space. This would create very cool apartments or lofts and rehab the old buildings at the same time. Maybe if we had something different we could attract more buyers.
But then again, maybe I don't know what I am talking about. Naaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh I may not be a developer but I'm not blind.
Please, Mr. McCartin, Mr. Schroeder and Riverman LLC group, consider investing your dollars in the areas of New Albany which desperately need your help before taking a chance on the "fringe areas".
Gary McCartin wants two restaurants, a bank and a coffee shop on Charlestown Rd. near Kohls. I'm sure the people who live in this area would appreciate another bank and restaurants. But he also wants to build an apartment complex with 180 apartments. This area will be called Lafayette Square.
On the other end of town, Riverman LLC wants to build what looks like a small town on Hwy. 111 and Two Mile Lane. They want 200 apartments, 68 homes and 92,000 feet of commercial space.
And not too far from there Brent Schroeder plans to build seven small industrial sites near Eagles Lane. I guess he wants to build businesses for the people in "Two Lane Town" to have a place to work.
Now don't get me wrong, I am all for development but I must wonder where will the people come from to live in these homes? Seriously, we are talking 380 apartments and 68 single homes! The real estate market in New Albany has been rather flat lately. I'm not a realtor but I can see the "for sale" signs all over town in front of the same homes for weeks and even months on end.
Personally, I would rather see the old buildings downtown converted to living space. This would create very cool apartments or lofts and rehab the old buildings at the same time. Maybe if we had something different we could attract more buyers.
But then again, maybe I don't know what I am talking about. Naaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh I may not be a developer but I'm not blind.
Please, Mr. McCartin, Mr. Schroeder and Riverman LLC group, consider investing your dollars in the areas of New Albany which desperately need your help before taking a chance on the "fringe areas".
Friday, July 13, 2007
NEW FIRE TRUCK
The Tribune published an article yesterday concerning the need for a new fire truck. One of the arial trucks is broken down with engine trouble and the repair cost would be more than the truck is worth. I know that feeling, having been told that about a few cars we have owned.
The city has been presented with three options. Two trucks which reach 75 feet and cost from $622,000 to $690,000, and one truck which reaches 105 feet and costs $685,000. The 75 ft. trucks would not be available for a year and the 105ft. truck will be available in three months.
To me this is a no brainer. I can't even imagine what the council would have to debate.
Mrs. Garry said the city has $200,000 for a down payment and can make payments of $100,000 per year. At this rate the truck will be paid off in 72 months or less. Some cars are financed for a longer term than that.
I urge the council to approve the purchase of the 105ft truck at the next scheduled meeting.
The city has been presented with three options. Two trucks which reach 75 feet and cost from $622,000 to $690,000, and one truck which reaches 105 feet and costs $685,000. The 75 ft. trucks would not be available for a year and the 105ft. truck will be available in three months.
To me this is a no brainer. I can't even imagine what the council would have to debate.
Mrs. Garry said the city has $200,000 for a down payment and can make payments of $100,000 per year. At this rate the truck will be paid off in 72 months or less. Some cars are financed for a longer term than that.
I urge the council to approve the purchase of the 105ft truck at the next scheduled meeting.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
"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.
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.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
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
I have decided to "revive" this blog and hope that the word gets out and more people read and add their comments.
Shirley
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