During the September 16, 2025 meeting, New Albany City Council officially adopted the US-62 Interchange Focus Area Plan, an important addendum to the city’s 2021 Engage New Albany Strategic Plan. This plan was developed to guide future development and resource allocation in the US-62 interchange area, addressing key community needs and aspirations.

The plan is the result of an unprecedented public engagement effort, which included guidance from a 22-member steering committee and input from over 1,500 public comments, three community workshops attended by over 400 people, and 518 survey responses.

Key themes identified through this extensive community feedback include a desire for responsible growth, a wider variety of dining and retail options, and prioritizing significant improvements to traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and connectivity.

With the adoption of this resolution, the city is now poised to begin implementing the plan’s recommendations. Short-term strategies include:

• Roadway Improvements and Leisure Trails: Addressing key intersections and closing significant gaps in the city’s trail network to improve safety and accessibility.

• Public Parks and Open Space: Making initial investments in the planned Kitzmiller and Tidewater Parks and exploring new ways to acquire and protect additional open spaces.

• Tenant Curation: Taking a proactive approach to attract businesses that align with the community’s preferences.

• Zoning Updates: Revising the city’s zoning ordinances to ensure future development adheres to the plan’s guiding principles.

The US-62 Interchange Focus Area Plan provides a clear, community-driven roadmap for the future of this vital corridor, ensuring that development aligns with New Albany’s shared vision for long-term prosperity and quality of life.