In a bold step to support long-term community planning, the City of New Albany has announced it is in the process of purchasing the former Discover Financial Services site (6500 New Albany Road E.) from New Albany resident and business owner Leo Ruberto. The City presently plans to lease a portion of the acreage to the New Albany-Plain Local School District (NAPLS) while preserving some of the land as public greenspace. The strategic acquisition of this 49.4-acre property marks a collaborative effort between the City and the District to protect the future of the school campus while expanding athletic opportunities for students. 

The pending land lease agreement, subject to approval by New Albany City Council and the Board of Education, paves the way for NAPLS to relocate athletic facilities to a more accessible and purposeful location. This move supports the shared goal of maintaining a centralized academic campus with room for future expansion and innovation, while also ensuring that the land will not be considered for other types of development that could be detrimental to the school district. Instead, the property will serve a civic purpose that protects the schools from surrounding growth while creating lasting benefits for the broader community. The current athletic spaces may continue to be used for athletics or future academic buildings as needs evolve.  

“This is more than a land purchase—it’s an investment in the future of our schools and our city,” said New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding. “It’s a forward-thinking move that demonstrates the strength of our partnership with New Albany-Plain Local Schools and our shared commitment to thoughtful, strategic growth.” 

The site itself holds deep significance in New Albany’s history. The arrival of Discover in the late 1990s helped launch what is now the New Albany International Business Park, laying the foundation for decades of economic development. 

“We are deeply grateful for the City’s support and to Leo Ruberto for selling his land to the City for this use,” said NAPLS Superintendent Michael Sawyers. “We are excited about what this means for the future of our district. This collaboration allows us to preserve the core of our academic campus while enhancing opportunities for our students, families, and community.” 

The City of New Albany’s initial plan is to lease approximately 19 acres to NAPLS for the probable relocation of the varsity and junior varsity baseball and softball fields, which are being displaced by the construction of the new elementary school. Additional land may be leased in the future as needed. By working together, the City of New Albany and NAPLS are ensuring the long-term success of both the school district and the broader community—honoring the past while building a stronger future.

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