New Albany Next planning input sought from city residents

New Albany, MS – The New Albany Next Plan Advisory Group has scheduled three area meetings to gather input from the public into plans for the city’s future. The advisory group was organized to help guide the plan process and has named the plan “New Albany Next”. The meetings will be held at 5:30 p.m. on May 23 at the Magnolia Civic Center Area 2 – 135 East Bankhead Street) , on May 28 at the Ladies Building at the Fairgrounds (Area 3- 112 Fairground Circle), and on May 30 at the New Albany Community Center (Area 1-307 Wilson Street.) (see map below). Residents who wish to attend are not required to go to the meeting location in the area where they live or have a business; they can attend any of the three scheduled, but the Advisory Group did want to make attending a meeting as convenient as possible.

What is the New Albany Next plan about?

“It is important to us that we do all we can to get input from residents about their vision for New Albany’s future,” said Advisory Group member Tracy Vainisi. “We will also be asking for input on issues that may be specific to a particular area in the city, so attending close to where you live or work may be helpful.”

Residents will also be able to provide input via the New Albany Next Plan’s website, at www.NewAlbanyNext.com.

New Albany is embarking upon a new plan for its future with the assistance of Orion Planning + Design. Orion was selected in late 2018 to help New Albany develop the new comprehensive plan, and recommend changes to the city’s outdated development code, making it more user-friendly and understandable to the average citizen. The plan and code will build upon New Albany’s traditional character, which plays a major role in the city’s success.

Plan is now in data gathering phase

“The advisory group has given us some great feedback about issues of importance in New Albany, and now the advisory group and Orion want to hear from the residents,” said Bob Barber, FAICP, with Orion Planning + Design. “The New Albany Next planning process is in its first phase that includes data and information gathering. We will use what is discovered to develop a vision and specific action goals for the city.”

In a presentation to the community last August, Barber observed that New Albany has some unique qualities like the BNA Sportsplex, the Tanglefoot Trail, and the fact that the Tallahatchie River flows through the middle of the city, that position the city well for the future.

“New Albany has so many good things going for it. We are growing, and attracting people and businesses to the community. It is important that we plan for and manage this growth so that we have the best quality of life possible for our citizens,” noted Mayor Tim Kent.

For more information about the plan, contact Billy Jean Stroud at New Albany Main Street, billyejeanstroud@newalbanymainstreet.com, 662-534-3438, or visit the website at www.NewAlbanyNext.com.

Another way to provide input: Recreation needs survey