Presenters outline US‑62 strategic‑plan addendum, urge more housing and public investment to shift retail along corridor

Sarah Lilly, an associate and planner with MKSK, presented an addendum to the Engage New Albany strategic plan that focuses on the US‑62 interchange area and would update the city’s future land‑use and thoroughfare guidance for the study area.

The presentation explained that the study area—about 573 acres north of State Route 161 along the US‑62 corridor—was selected because of rising development pressure and mixed community sentiment about the quality of recent retail and auto‑oriented development. Chris Christian, part of the planning team, said the city began the focused update in January of last year and has extended the schedule after more public engagement than originally expected.

The project team said it hired a market‑analysis firm to test supply and demand. Yonko, from the consulting team, summarized the market findings and said the local retail demand “exceeds supply by a lot,” but weekday worker and visitor demand has driven auto‑oriented uses along US‑62. The team argued that adding residential “rooftops” would help create the customer base that specialty grocers and sit‑down restaurants require.

To shape future development, the plan proposes a new North Mill Gateway District made up of three subdistricts intended to create a stepped transition from the US‑62 commercial frontage into adjacent residential neighborhoods. Sarah Lilly said the district’s gross density target is 7 dwelling units per acre; when the whole study area (including existing commercial on US‑62) is averaged, the figure is about 3 units per acre. The plan also lays out building typologies the team said would promote walkability, shared green space and varied housing formats such as townhomes and multi‑story buildings along the corridor.

Presenters stressed public‑realm investments as a complement to zoning changes. The team identified two city‑owned parks—Kitts Miller Wetland Park (planned) and the Tidewater parcel—that could anchor green connections and trails. They also recommended streetscape investments, trail connections and intersection improvements to improve bikeability and pedestrian access, especially at the 5 Points intersection. The presenters noted that ODOT is conducting a corridor study for US‑62 between 5 Points and Johnstown, and that ODOT’s work will interact with any local thoroughfare changes.

Panel members and residents raised questions about traffic and schools. One participant asked whether the school district had been engaged; the presenters said a school board member participated on the steering committee and that school enrollment studies had been considered. Several participants pressed about specific roadway connections and traffic calming measures; the presenters said the plan favors narrower “compact” streets in new neighborhoods and suggested traffic‑calming and on‑street parking would help keep vehicle speeds down.

The consultants described the plan timeline: a planning commission review was scheduled for May 5 and, if recommended, city council consideration for adoption was tentatively set for May 20. No formal adoption occurred at this meeting.

The advisory panel thanked the presenters and adjourned the meeting after a motion to close.