New Albany Plan Commission Meeting – August 18, 2026

The New Albany Plan Commission held its regular meeting on August 18, 2026, at 10:30 AM ET. Ten members were present, and the meeting was streamed and archived on the city's website. Two dockets were tabled and not heard. The commission took action on three items: a primary plat approval for a two-lot subdivision, a secondary plat approval for a four-lot infill subdivision, and a special exception for a rooftop helipad at Baptist Hospital Floyd. The meeting also included approval of the July 21, 2026 minutes with a correction and an update on zoning ordinance amendments.

Public Hearing Items

• Docket C8‑26 – Joseph P. for Progressive Materials Real Estate LLC – Request for primary plat approval to subdivide 201 Hosfelt Lane into two lots (Tract 1: 1.1 acres vacant; Tract 2: 3.7 acres with building). Whitney Timberlake (Timberlake Engineering) presented, explaining that the applicant intends to purchase the vacant land now and the remaining property after a current lease expires. Staff recommended approval with conditions (future development subject to ILP, any curb cut alterations require Board of Public Works and Safety approval, and an access easement recommendation). The commission approved the motion unanimously (no recorded opposition).

Public Meeting Items

• Docket C4‑26 – Isaiah Fritzinger for NF Building Partners LLC – Request for secondary plat approval for a four‑lot single-family infill subdivision at 809 West Market Street. Austin Dawkins (NFORI Partners) described changes from primary approval: front setback reduced from 25 ft to 10 ft to conform to downtown district standards, and a 10‑ft rear easement for rear‑loaded parking to address neighborhood parking concerns. Staff recommended approval with several stipulations (curb cuts, drainage, sewer, architecture on corner lot, building separation, and paved parking). Motion to approve passed unanimously.
• Docket B22‑26 – Matthew Davis for Hagerman Group – Request for a special exception to install a rooftop helipad on the fourth floor of Baptist Hospital Floyd at 1850 State Street. Josh Delno (Hagerman Group) stated the helipad will replace an outdated rooftop site on the professional arts building, providing faster patient access to the ER. Helicopter flight path orientated east‑west, with ingress over homes at over 200 ft altitude. Annual usage estimated at up to 7,200 flights (about every three days). Staff noted the application addresses previous concerns (lighting, wind cone, FAA standards) and recommended forwarding to the Board of Zoning Appeals with a favorable recommendation. The commission approved the motion unanimously.

Minutes Approval

• The minutes of the July 21, 2026 meeting were approved with a correction: Dr. Calvin News (New Albany‑Floyd County School Corporation) was present, not Dr. Madison. Motion carried.

Zoning Ordinance Update

• Staff reported progress on the zoning ordinance amendments, including the addition of data center regulations and a proposed noise component (point‑source standards for equipment, not general traffic, lawn maintenance, or fireworks). A committee meeting is scheduled for August 26, an information meeting tentatively set for September 23, a public hearing before the Plan Commission on October 20, and City Council adoption in November, with an effective date of December 2026. Questions were raised about noise from lawn care and roofing; staff clarified that zoning would not regulate those activities.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Docket C8‑26 (primary plat) with conditions.
• Approved Docket C4‑26 (secondary plat) with stipulations.
• Approved Docket B22‑26 (helicopter pad special exception) with staff recommendation for forwarding to BZA.
• Approved July 21, 2026 minutes with correction.
• Received update on zoning ordinance amendments and timeline.
• The meeting adjourned following a motion.