New Albany City Plan Commission Meeting - September 15, 2026

The New Albany City Plan Commission met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 10:30 AM to consider a variance and subdivision for a duplex townhome project, a subdivision for a mixed-use development, a special exception for an accessory structure, a one-year extension for a planned unit development, and approval of August meeting minutes. Eight members were present; a quorum of six was required. All items were approved or forwarded as recommended by staff, with some conditions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• One audience member spoke in opposition to the Robert Wesley variance and subdivision at 1020 Clark Street, citing concerns about inadequate parking in the neighborhood, potential spillover parking from a nearby business, and the lack of on-street parking. The speaker also argued that the proposed parking spaces at the rear of the lot were already used by tenants of an adjacent apartment building, though this was disputed by the applicant and staff.

Discussion Items

• Docket F-6-26 (Variance) and Docket C-1026 (Subdivision) – Robert Wesley / JLM Engineering: The applicant requested a variance to reduce the minimum lot area from 4,200 to 3,500 square feet and lot width from 35 to 25 feet for two proposed lots at 1020 Clark Street, along with primary and secondary plat approval for a two-lot subdivision. The site, vacant for at least 16 years, would be developed with two attached two-story, three-bedroom townhomes (each ~1,200 sq. ft.). Parking would be provided at the rear via an alley. Staff recommended approval, finding the variance met all three statutory criteria, noting the site's unusual development context (adjacent to high school, commercial, and industrial uses) and alignment with comprehensive plan goals for compact infill housing. A commission member questioned the driveway and parking layout; the applicant clarified the parking area would be at the rear. The variance was approved unanimously by voice vote, and the subdivision was approved with staff stipulations (secondary plat subject to completed application and fee, drainage approval by city engineer, sewer approval by sewer board, and staff approval of final elevations) also by voice vote.
• Docket C-1126 (Subdivision) – Chad Springer / The Springs Company: The applicant requested primary and secondary plat approval for a three-lot subdivision at 300 Couples Avenue, part of a larger mixed-use project (Phase 2). The subdivision would separate two existing buildings and a parking lot to meet lender requirements for Phase 1. The overall project includes new construction apartments and historic rehabilitation with tax credits. Staff recommended approval with a 30-day moratorium before plat recording. A commission member abstained due to a conflict of interest. The motion to approve with staff recommendation passed by voice vote with one abstention.
• Docket B-2426 (Special Exception and Variance) – Dustin What's (Southern Indiana Properties) for Jane Schein: The applicant requested a special exception to permit a 40-by-50-foot accessory structure (detached garage) without a principal dwelling in the Steep Slope District at 3204 Chapel Lane. The structure would be used for personal storage of vehicles and groundskeeping equipment. Staff noted the steep slope zone covers the parcel, but the proposed garage would sit entirely outside the areas with a 12% or greater grade change. Staff recommended the Plan Commission forward a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) with a condition restricting future commercial use without additional approval. A commission member raised a concern about potential future commercial activity; staff confirmed a use restriction could be added. The motion to forward with a favorable recommendation subject to that condition passed by voice vote. The BZA hearing is scheduled for October 6, 2026.
• Extension of Docket F-0125 – Matt Toole (Infinity Homes & Development): The applicant requested a one-year extension for a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD) for an 85-acre site at the old salvage yard. The extension was needed due to delays in securing sewer service. The PUD includes a commercial strip and a residential subdivision (already separately approved). The applicant noted they might develop a smaller portion using septic temporarily. The extension was approved by voice vote.
• Minutes of August 18, 2026: The minutes were approved by voice vote, with one abstention from a member who was not present at the August meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Docket F-6-26 and C-1026: Variance and subdivision approved (voice vote, all in favor).
• Docket C-1126: Primary and secondary plat approved with 30-day moratorium (voice vote, one abstention).
• Docket B-2426: Favorable recommendation forwarded to BZA with a condition restricting commercial use (voice vote, all in favor).
• Extension of Docket F-0125: One-year extension granted (voice vote, all in favor).
• Minutes of August 18, 2026: Approved (voice vote, one abstention).