New Albany Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - September 16, 2026

The New Albany Historic Preservation Commission met on September 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Present were: Colt Sanders, Kate Verliner, Matt Bergman, Marlena Mayfield, Jacob Rush, David West Reynolds, Jim Sprickler, Michael Weber, Ex officio member Scott Wood, and Lar Renwick. The meeting included routine approvals, updates on conservation districts, enforcement matters, facelift awards, the historic homes tour, and planning for future activities.

Consent Calendar

• Motion to approve the agenda as published: passed unanimously.
• Motion to approve the August meeting minutes as presented: passed unanimously.
• Financial report: none provided; staff will attempt again next month and may remove the item from the agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No applicants or members of the public were present; the introductory statement was skipped.

Discussion Items

• Certificate of Appropriateness Applications: Staff reported that all applications were approved at the staff level. Commissioners discussed details of ongoing work, including a roof replacement on Spring Street where the owner changed contractors and replaced the tile roof after it could not be saved. A commissioner noted that detailing on a gable and dormers on another project had not yet been completed.
• Sidewalk Issue: Commissioner Jim Sprickler raised a personal concern about dangerous brick sidewalks on his street, noting that the city is replacing good sidewalks with brick elsewhere but not repairing the hazardous sections on his block. The commission suggested he gather a neighborhood petition and send it to the city council, street department, and community development. Fellow commissioners offered to help circulate the petition.
• DePaw Avenue Conservation District: The timeline for the final plat approval is on hold due to a lawsuit. The preliminary plat was approved in November; the six-month clock was stopped by the lawsuit. Staff indicated that the final plat would require approval from the preservation commission for building designs.
• Potential New District Designations: Staff reported on a meeting with Silver Hills residents on August 29 (attendance 35–40). Opinions were mixed: a few residents opposed any restrictions, while others supported at least a National Register district. The historical society declined to take a position. Commissioners discussed the options of a full historic district, conservation district, or National Register listing. No firm consensus was reached; the neighborhood will need to take the lead.
• Enforcement Update: Letters were sent to realtors marketing 812, Cedar Baum, 138 East Market, and to new owners of 118 East Market and 916 East Spring. Commissioners noted work at other properties including a building at 12th and Main (now with for rent signs), the former Spring Valley funeral home (signs of possible work), and a building across from the fire department on Market (siding being removed). Staff will monitor.
• Facelift Awards: Nine properties will receive plaques; ten certificates (including a co-owner) are ready. Staff reported responses from several owners. Histories and a PowerPoint presentation are being prepared. Invitations will be sent to the mayor and other officials.
• Historic Homes Tour Recap: Approximately 260–270 tickets were sold, down from previous years. Competition from other events (e.g., Home Rama in Moable), extreme heat, and timing (Labor Day weekend) were cited as factors. Commissioners suggested moving the tour to a later date to avoid the heat and holiday travel.
• Commissioner Term: Matt Bergman’s term ends in December; he will not seek reappointment. Commissioners were asked to recommend potential replacements with interest in preservation, history, or planning.
• Upcoming Trainings: The state preservation conference on September 29 in Franklin, plus web-based trainings in October, November, and December for continuing education credits.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda and minutes approved unanimously.
• No formal votes on substantive items; all actions were administrative or informational.
• Staff will send invitations and finalize materials for the facelift awards ceremony.
• Commission will seek a new member to fill Matt Bergman’s seat by December.
• Sidewalk issue: Commissioner Sprickler will pursue a petition with neighborhood support.
• Silver Hills district: no action taken; staff will await neighborhood initiative.
• Enforcement: letters sent, ongoing monitoring of properties.
• Historic homes tour: timing and promotion will be reconsidered for next year.