New Albany Poised for Commercial, Residential Investment
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The city of New Albany thinks this oddly shaped piece of land could be a pocket park along Charlestown Road. (photo courtesy; City of New Albany)
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Jeff Gahan is the mayor of New Albany
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe city of New Albany is targeting the Charlestown Road corridor for development as it attempts to lure new business and support current businesses in the city. The plan also looks to create more housing and greenspace options.
Last month, the city announced a partnership with a private developer to reinvigorate the Colonial Manor retail development. The city says the project will bring more than 170 new jobs as new tenants move into the complex on Charlestown Road.
As part of the agreement, the city promised infrastructure improvements, such as new sidewalks, drainage and lighting.
“Infrastructure improvements and incentives to revitalize the Charlestown Road Corridor are moving forward,” said Mayor Jeff Gahan.
Gahan says the Colonial project is just the start. There are also plans for increased housing in this Floyd County community.
Gahan says an empty lot on Charlestown will turn into a 24-unit apartment complex as construction gets underway. The mayor’s office says this project will bring to 720 the total number of apartment units that are either under construction or planned for the community.
City planners are also looking for possible locations for new green space and pocket parks along the stretch. Miniature parks are often created on a single vacant building lot.
But as the city focuses on these improvements, the mayor stresses the need for a major investment into infrastructure along this targeted corridor.
“There are some stretches of Charlestown Road that do not have sidewalks, but are surrounded on each side by sidewalks,” said Josh Staten, New Albany Redevelopment Director. “We would like to fully connect these areas, and this would also allow us to complete complimentary projects like new drainage, improved lighting, and safer crossings.”