New Albany Board of Public Works and Safety Meeting - March 31, 2026

This meeting covered multiple permit requests, a contract for intersection engineering, and updates on various city projects. Board members approved several items, took one request under advisement, and received informational reports on ongoing construction.

Discussion Items

• Permit for 580 Dergy Road (Transformer Installation): A representative requested approval to place a transformer on an existing pole and run an underground board to a substation. The motion was made and seconded, and all members voted aye. Approved.
• Permit for 1786 Clearner Lane (Pole Replacement): Four existing poles in poor condition will be replaced along Clearner Lane, Woodside Drive, and Briarwood Road. The representative agreed to limit lane shifts to between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to avoid school traffic. Approved.
• ADA Ramps and Crosswalk on Academy Drive: A contractor from All-Trained Paving and Construction described a project to install two new ADA ramps and a crosswalk to provide safe access from an apartment complex to the public sidewalk. The work was prompted by a resident with a disability. The contractor will work one corner at a time, with lane shifts limited to 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and expects completion in 3-4 days starting April 6. Approved.
• Handicapped Parking Space Request (1619 East Market Street): Thomas Tax Service requested a dedicated handicapped parking space on the street for their elderly customers. The board discussed whether the business could instead provide a space in their own parking lot, which already has a ramp. A motion to take the request under advisement until the business is asked about using their lot was made, seconded, and approved.
• Dumpster Permit Extension (520 Draper Circle): A two-week extension was requested for a dumpster permit originally approved for March 16-30, used for remodeling. Approved.
• Cemetery Ossuarium Construction: The contractor will begin work on April 6 for approximately one week, with no traffic or funeral impacts. Informational only.
• Preliminary Engineering Contract for East Spring Street and Baharo Avenue Intersection: A contract for $568,000 (not to exceed) was presented, with the city responsible for 10% due to federal safety improvement funding. The project aims to improve safety, walkability, and reconnect the neighborhood. The board approved the contract, with a correction to add a suite number on page 13. Signatory authority was given to the board president.
• Paving Update: Crews working in the alley off East Market Street identified a low spot, installed new storm infrastructure, and are scheduled to pave the alley and nearby parking lot this week.
• Center Point Energy Permit (2108 State Street): A request to retire gas service at a building slated for demolition, requiring removal of a sidewalk panel. No impact on State Street traffic. Approved.
• Dumpster Permit Request (1728 Conference Drive): Mr. Evans requested a one-week dumpster permit for an unspecified use. Approved.
• Claims and Approvals: A motion to approve unspecified claims and amendments was made, seconded, and carried.
• Bridge Deck Work on I-64: Starting April 6, one lane will be controlled with temporary traffic signals. Work expected through July, barring unforeseen issues.
• Mount Tabor Road Drainage Improvements: Work has begun on drainage improvement projects. Informational.

Key Outcomes

• All five permit requests (580 Dergy Road, 1786 Clearner Lane, Academy Drive ADA ramps, Center Point Energy, 1728 Conference Drive dumpster) were approved unanimously.
• The dumpster permit extension for 520 Draper Circle was approved.
• The handicapped parking request for 1619 East Market Street was taken under advisement pending inquiry about on-site parking.
• The preliminary engineering contract for East Spring Street and Baharo Avenue was approved with a minor correction.
• Claims and amendments were approved.
• The meeting adjourned after a motion was made and seconded.