Aldermen hear appeal for sober-living home on Highland St. and approve making Booker St. one-way – Aug. 5, 2025

New Albany Board of Aldermen heard a proposal for a flag display near I-22, an appeal from Terry Young for a sober-living home on Highland St., and a request for more funds for the Union County fair grounds for needed improvements. Board approved making Booker St. one-way after fatal accident.

 

Agenda for Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday 8-5-2025

Video of Board of Aldermen meeting, Tuesday 8-5-2025 courtesy of Kim Davis (34 minutes)

 

250th Anniversary flag display

Sherra Owen proposed putting up at least 250 American flags within sight of I-22 in honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence with sponsorship from the community. She said that the patriotic display would honor the sacrifice of veterans and stand out to the thousands of people who drive past the spot each day, potentially bringing the town some publicity and exposure. Ms. Owen said that Sam Creekmore, who could not be there the night of the meeting, was working on a plan connected to this idea which he will present at a later time. The board thanked Ms. Owen for her proposal and did not take a vote on the matter.

Sober-living home proposal for Highland St.

Local property developer Terry Young then took the podium to advance his appeal for variances that would allow a Highland St. property he has purchased to serve as a home for women recovering from addiction. Young raised this at the July zoning meeting, where the variances he was seeking were rejected on the grounds that the property did not meet the new city code for such a facility, and that there were no special exceptions based upon which the variances could be granted.

Young said he believed this particular project would “die tonight and die with me”. He suggested that the new code requirements for facilities like the one he wants to establish were “strategic”, creating the illusion that it can be done while precluding the possibility of actually doing it. He observed that men in recovery have more options than women, who he said were “shortchanged”, and that women’s lack of options has an outsized impact on their children. Young concluded his appeal by saying that he understood if the board turned him down and that he hoped to try again somewhere else. The board thanked Mr. Young for his remarks and did not take a vote on the matter.

Improvements to the fair grounds

Jimmy Hutchinson from the Union County Fair Board proposed improvements to the fair grounds, including new construction that would better facilitate rodeos being held there. He said the first priority was a “dilapidated” bathroom which he said needs $20,000-22,000 in renovation. He remarked on several other items of needed maintenance, renovation and construction at the fairgrounds.

Mr. Hutchinson said that events the fairgrounds themselves would bring plenty of revenue to the city which could pay for construction. On September 13th, for example, the fairgrounds will host the first annual Myrtle Invitational Cross Country Run, which he said would bring about 2000-3000 people to the community. Rentals of the campgrounds will also generate revenue.

Mr. Hutchinson said that the town contributes $1000 annually to maintenance of the fairgrounds, and he asked that that amount be increased to $10,000 to help pay for the needed improvements. The board thanked Mr. Hutchinson for his presentation and did not take a vote on the matter.

Departmental Business

Bill Mattox from New Albany Lights Gas & Water sought and received approval for several items which can be seen on the agenda above.

Police Chief Chris Robertson sought and received approval for reimbursement for overtime for increased traffic monitoring.

Fire Chief Mark Whiteside asked for and received approval for several personnel changes, as well as a 48 hours on/96 hours off shift rotation which the majority of firefighters voted to keep.

Building inspector Eric Thomas reported that the American Legion at 113 Fairground Circle requested a siding variance which was approved by the zoning board. You can see the video from the zoning board meeting here (13 minutes).

The board acknowledged receipt of monthly reports from Billy Jean Stroud from Community Development and Jill Smith from the Union County Heritage Museum. Parks and Recreation and Street Departments had no business to put to the board this month.

Consent and Action Agendas

With the exception of the municipal storm shelter which was not raised at the meeting despite being on the printed agenda, the consent and action agendas which can be seen in the link above were approved. One of the notable items included designating Booker St. as a one-way street following several serious accidents at the intersection with Baker St., including one that resulted in the death of a child.