New Albany City Plan Commission Meeting: May 19, 2026 – Subdivisions, Variances, and Traffic Signal Discussion

The New Albany City Plan Commission met on May 19, 2026, at 10:30 AM (UTC) with seven members present (one vacant). The agenda included public hearings on several subdivision plats and variances. The commission approved a 16-lot subdivision, a 2-lot subdivision, a 4-lot subdivision, and a 23-lot secondary plat. A 35-lot subdivision was tabled due to unresolved traffic concerns and public opposition. After the formal agenda, commissioners engaged in a discussion about traffic signal standards, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and NDOT jurisdiction over roadways.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Randall Roberts (223 West 8th Street): Opposed the 4-lot subdivision at 809 West Market Street, citing existing parking congestion in the area from nearby businesses. Asked about parking provisions.
• Johnny Peel (216 West 8th Street): Expressed similar concerns about parking.
• Becky Roberts (223 West 8th Street): Questioned the location of driveways and the required setback variance (reduction to 5 feet from property line).
• Laura Adams (413 North Pine V Court): Opposed the 35-lot subdivision at 3220 Green Valley Road, stating that a traffic signal is needed at the Glen Mill/Green Valley intersection. She claimed NDOT had not been approached for a signal and that no visible traffic study had been conducted for a prior 70-home subdivision on Glen Mill. She described severe congestion and safety hazards.
• Michael Weed (3306 Green Valley Road): Opposed the 35-lot subdivision, describing difficulty exiting his driveway and dangerous conditions at the intersection.
• Brent Rowing (3319 Saddlewood Court): Expressed concern about increased flooding from the 35-lot subdivision, noting that the site is already in a floodplain and that stormwater detention would be required but questioned its adequacy.
• Andy Millish (address not given, but lives behind the proposed 35-lot subdivision): Opposed due to steep slopes, potential erosion from tree removal, and loss of wildlife habitat.
• Brad Morrington (709 Moselane): Questioned the traffic study results and the capacity of Green Valley Road, arguing the road is already overburdened.
• Cinda Harveston (property seller, not stated address): Spoke during public comment about the 35-lot subdivision, noting she could not get out of her driveway.
• Unnamed speaker (3310 Green Valley Road): Emphasized frequent accidents at the Spickert Knob intersection and erosion concerns from the steep slope on the property.
• Brent Rowing's neighbor (106 Watkins Prairie Lane): Suggested a roundabout if the subdivision is approved.

Discussion Items

• C2-26 (16-lot subdivision at 3406 Cambermill Road): Applicant John McCoy (JLM Engineering) requested primary plat approval. Staff noted the Board of Zoning Appeals had already approved necessary special exceptions and variances. Conditions included PO box cluster location, approval from Floyd County Commissioners for right-of-way and sidewalks, and restrictive covenants. Commissioner question about improving the Charlestown Road/St. Joseph intersection; city engineer stated no near-term plans. Approved 8-0.
• F3-26 and C3-26 (variance and subdivision at 462 Broker Lane): Applicant David Schnell Jr. requested a side-yard setback variance and subdivision into two lots (0.9-acre and 2.2-acre). Staff recommended approval with conditions (tree removal minimization, curb cuts subject to Board of Works, future home subject to staff approval). Approved separately: F3-26 and C3-26 both passed without opposition.
• F4-26 and C4-26 (variance and subdivision at 809 West Market Street): Applicant Boston Dawkins (NF Building Partners) sought to subdivide three parcels into four lots for single-family homes (1,100-1,450 sq ft). Variances needed for reduced lot width (30 ft from 35 ft), front yard setback (25 ft instead of 10 ft), street side setback (5-6.4 ft from 15 ft), and side yard setbacks (4-7 ft from 10 ft). Staff supported infill development. Additional condition added by commissioner: structures must meet Indiana State Fire Code for building separation. Approved C4-26 and F4-26 with staff conditions.
• C5-26 (35-lot subdivision at 3220 Green Valley Road): Applicant Chase Blakeman (Prime Engineering) proposed Dallas Place subdivision (32 attached single-family, 3 detached single-family, plus 5.5-acre lot for existing home). Concerns raised about intersection alignment with Glen Mill Road, lack of traffic signal, sight distance from the overpass of I-265, and flooding. Public testimony strongly opposed. Staff recommended approval but deferred to commission. City engineer Larry stated a traffic signal is not warranted per MUTCD and that the right-of-way may be under NDOT control. Commission voted to table the item pending more information on intersection geometry and NDOT jurisdiction. Motion to table passed.
• C7-25 (secondary plat for 23-lot subdivision at 424 Mill Street): Applicant Chase Blakeman (for J&H Development) requested final approval for an industrial subdivision. Conditions addressed: stormwater approval (Floyd County), sanitary sewer approval (New Albany Sewer Board), water utility approval (New Albany Fire Dept. and Indiana American Water), restrictive covenants, tree removal compliance, and PO box cluster location. Added condition: include language in restrictive covenants allowing future road connection to adjacent property. Approved with staff conditions.

Key Outcomes

• C2-26: Approved (8-0) – 16-lot subdivision with conditions.
• F3-26: Approved (unanimous) – Variance for reduced side yard setbacks.
• C3-26: Approved (unanimous) – Two-lot subdivision with conditions.
• F4-26: Approved (unanimous) – Variance for downtown development standards with additional fire code condition.
• C4-26: Approved (unanimous) – Four-lot subdivision primary plat with conditions.
• C5-26: Tabled (motion passed) – 35-lot subdivision postponed pending further study of intersection alignment, NDOT jurisdiction, and traffic mitigation.
• C7-25: Approved (unanimous) – Secondary plat for 23-lot industrial subdivision with conditions.
• Minutes of April 21, 2026: Not approved due to insufficient voting members (5 present, need minimum 6). Carried over to next meeting.
• Traffic Signal Discussion: After the formal agenda, commissioners discussed the challenge of installing traffic signals without meeting MUTCD warrants, the role of NDOT, and the need for objective standards. No action was taken.

Note on Discrepancy: The meeting date is 2026-05-19 at 10:30 AM UTC, but the transcript includes phrases like "this evening." This may reflect a time zone difference or recording error; the official date is used in this summary.