New Albany council approves rezoning for Plain Township fire substation after residents raise safety and trail concerns

The New Albany City Council on March 3 adopted an ordinance rezoning about 6.35 acres at the northwest intersection of State Route 605 and New Albany Road East from Limited General Employment to Community Facilities to allow a Plain Township fire substation. The vote to adopt Ordinance O-05-20-26 was 5–0.

The rezoning was presented with a final development plan showing compliance with setbacks, building height and screening; staff said the proposed lot coverage is 18.8 percent, well under the maximum allowed. Applicant representation and materials from Shore Architects were included in the packet. ‘‘This is a great reflection of partnership,’’ Mayor Spalding said after the vote, thanking Plain Township, the New Albany Company for a land donation, and the applicant’s design team.

Residents who live near the site raised safety concerns about traffic and asked the city to prioritize trail connections. Joel Topoloski said confusing detours and median breaks caused vehicles to make U-turns and travel at unsafe speeds: "There was an awful lot of traffic going fast," he said, and asked the council to consider stop signs or portable speed-limit signs. Troy Johnson, who said he represents a local walking club, urged officials to connect neighborhood trails to the new fire station and to the village center so seniors and families would have safe routes to nearby parks and amenities.

Staff and a longtime member of the trails advisory board said trail connectivity is included in work the council authorized in the 2026 capital budget. City staff explained that planning for streetscape and trail links is underway and that implementation is targeted for 2027, subject to easements and right‑of‑way acquisition. The planner noted some elements could move forward earlier if property owners agree to easements.

Shore Architects’ Nathan Gemella told council the project is scheduled to commence in June and estimated roughly 10–11 months for construction depending on contractor sequencing. The council said enforcement and temporary measures—such as placement of speed trailers—will be used while construction and traffic patterns settle.

The ordinance was heard by the city’s planning commission and architectural review board, both of which recommended approval. With the rezoning adopted, the project will move into construction permitting and contractor mobilization.

Next steps: staff will work to integrate trail planning with construction timing and to present contract and implementation details as the project advances.