May 17, 2013

 
This letter is an ongoing effort to communicate timely news, projects, services, and programs to our residents and business partners.

Columbus Monthly Names New Albany Best Central Ohio Suburb
By now, you are probably aware that Columbus Monthly recently named our city the #1 central Ohio suburb in their May issue. While we may be known for our architecture, master planning and white fences, our best attribute is our residents and business partners who freely give of their talents, time and resources to improve our quality of life. Be it our farmers market, community garden, special events organized by our Community Events Board, Chamber, Community Foundation or other community organization, or service on one of the City’s boards or commissions, it is our residents and businesses that have made New Albany the #1 suburb in central Ohio.

New Partner for Planned New Albany Center for Community Health
Our recent partnership with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Healthy New Albany to build a 54,000 square foot, community-based health and wellness center in our Village Center core, has expanded. Earlier this year, Nationwide Children’s Hospital announced plans to lease 8,500 square feet, the last available space in the building.

The New Albany Center for Community Health will blend personalized medicine, health assessment, education, research, fitness, health care offerings and community wellness activities in one centralized place. The center will be located at the corner of Main Street and Village Hall Road, across the street from the post office. Public space within the center will be managed by Healthy New Albany and serve as a community gathering spot available to all ages. The City of New Albany will own the center, which will be paid for primarily through long-term leases signed by the OSU Wexner Medical Center and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Groundbreaking is set for Summer 2013 with a grand opening expected in Summer 2014. Ground will also be broken soon on a 30,000 square foot retail/office building at the corner of Market and Main that will include a Mellow Mushroom restaurant and other dining options. Combined, these two projects represent more than 80,000 square feet of new retail, office and community space in our historic Village Center.

Construction Projects Sprucing Up Village Center
Main Street construction will continue through July with the burying of utilities from Dublin-Granville all the way to the Plain Township Fire Station; as a result, the long awaited removal of those ugly utility poles is finally happening!  Other Main Street construction, much of which is already complete, includes a total road reconstruction between High and Third, minor roadway widening, and installation of new sidewalks, new curbs, on-street parking, street lights and street trees. 

The city will begin the next wave of Village Center improvements in early June along High Street from Eagle’s Pizza north to the 2-5 Elementary School entrance. High Street improvements include burying of utilities, a total road reconstruction, turn lanes, eight-foot parking lanes on each side of High Street, street lights, street trees, sidewalks, and ADA-compliant curb ramps. High Street reconstruction should be substantially complete prior to the 2013-14 school year; if it is not, one-way traffic will be maintained throughout the road reconstruction process. All roadway and utility work is expected to be substantially complete by the end of the year.

Central College Leisure Trail Expansion
Later this year, the Public Service Department expects to coordinate construction of a .2 mile trail along Central College near Dean Farm Road. When complete, the trail will extend from New Albany Condit Road to US 62. In future years, the trail will be further extended thanks to a joint project between the City and Franklin County Engineer’s Office involving reconstruction of the Central College Road bridge over Blacklick Creek (expected to occur in 2014). As part of this bridge project, the City will pay to widen the bridge deck and install a pedestrian crossing. Additional trail segments will then be constructed from the bridge west and east, bringing the total length of the Central College trail to 2.7 miles from New Albany Condit Road to the eastern edge of the Tidewater subdivision.

Thefts Increase As the Weather Gets Warmer
Our police department reminds us that thieves thrive in warmer weather. People often leave car windows down in parking lots and residents leave garage doors open and vehicles outside their garages. Whether at home or at work, make sure to close doors and windows, remove personal items and keys from vehicles parked outside, and do not leave garage door openers inside any cars left in the driveway or along the street. Take precautions by walking around your home or business to identify easily accessible areas that may attract thieves.

Going on Vacation Soon? Ask the Police to Perform Vacation House Checks
In our continuing efforts to make the community as safe as possible, the New Albany Police Department provides free vacation house checks to residents. Just complete the online form on the city’s website on this page. The police department will check on your home during your time away. Please call 614.855.1234 when you return home to cancel your vacation house check.

Want to Serve on a City Board or Commission?
The city is accepting letters of interest from residents who may want to serve on the Architectural Review Board, Board of Construction Appeals, Rocky Fork Blacklick Accord, Economic Development Commission and Tax Incentive Review Council. Applicants must reside within New Albany corporate limits. As vacancies arise, applicants will attend a City Council meeting for a brief interview prior to an appointment. More information is available online at newalbanyohio.org. Residents can also contact our Clerk of Council, Betty Bosko, (614.855.3913) for more details.

Planning a Home Improvement Project this Year?
If planning a room addition, deck, garage, pool, fence, or other home improvement project, please contact our Community Development Department (614.855.3913) before beginning construction.

Farmers Market Returns June 20
The Healthy New Albany Farmers Market returns to Market Square on Thursdays from 4-7 p.m., beginning June 20. The market will run through August 29 (there will be no market on July 4th due to the holiday). The primary goal of this all volunteer run market is to provide a venue that encourages awareness and use of locally grown and produced goods that promote community health. Come out to mingle with neighbors, enjoy live music and eat tasty locally grown food.

Respectfully,
Mayor Nancy Ferguson and City Council