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New Albany Boosts Housing with Infill Development Plan

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. boosts-housing-with-infill-development-plan.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 12:14 GMT by News and Tribune
      Locales: Indiana, UNITED STATES

NEW ALBANY, OH - February 14th, 2026 - The City of New Albany is aggressively pursuing strategies to bolster its housing stock and revitalize established neighborhoods, as demonstrated by recent decisions made by the New Albany Redevelopment Commission. On Thursday evening, the commission preapproved a comprehensive plan designed to encourage infill residential development and streamline the construction process within the city limits. Simultaneously, progress continues on the ambitious Riverfront Commons project, signaling a multi-pronged approach to addressing housing needs and fostering economic growth.

Mayor William Turner emphasized the city's commitment to proactive housing solutions, stating, "We're working to make it easier to build in New Albany. This plan is designed to allow for easier infill construction, helping us provide housing options in areas where it's needed." This move acknowledges the growing demand for diverse housing options and a desire to avoid sprawling outward development, preserving green spaces and established community character.

What is Infill Development and Why Now?

Infill development, the core of the newly preapproved plans, focuses on utilizing vacant or underutilized lots within existing neighborhoods. This contrasts sharply with traditional development patterns that often involve building on previously undeveloped land at the city's periphery. The advantages of infill are numerous. It reduces the need for extensive infrastructure expansion (roads, utilities, etc.), minimizing costs and environmental impact. It also promotes a more walkable, vibrant community by integrating new housing into existing networks of shops, schools, and parks.

However, infill projects can present unique challenges. Lots in older neighborhoods are often smaller, irregularly shaped, or have historical constraints. The city's new plan directly addresses these issues by allowing developers to strategically acquire multiple small plots of land and combine them for construction. This "building set" approach provides flexibility and enables the creation of homes that wouldn't be feasible on a single, fragmented parcel.

Building Sets: A Key Component of the Plan

The implementation of 'building sets' is particularly innovative. Traditionally, developers might be deterred by the complexity of navigating multiple land ownerships and zoning regulations for adjacent parcels. The new policy simplifies this process, allowing developers to treat these combined parcels as a single building site, accelerating project timelines and reducing administrative hurdles. Local real estate analysts predict this will unlock a significant number of previously unviable infill opportunities.

Riverfront Commons: A Catalyst for Growth

Complementing the infill initiative is the ongoing Riverfront Commons project. The Redevelopment Commission's recent approval of the final plat for the project's second phase is a major milestone. Located along Green Street, Riverfront Commons is envisioned as a mixed-use development featuring apartments, retail businesses, and public green spaces. The approved phase will add 62 apartment buildings to the area, representing a substantial increase in the city's rental housing supply.

The Riverfront Commons project isn't simply about adding housing units; it's about creating a destination. The planned retail component is expected to attract new businesses and draw residents and visitors alike, boosting the local economy. The inclusion of public green spaces will enhance the quality of life for residents and provide recreational opportunities. The project is expected to generate significant tax revenue for the city, which will be reinvested in community improvements.

Long-Term Implications for New Albany

These combined initiatives - the infill development plan and the Riverfront Commons project - reflect a strategic vision for New Albany's future. The city is proactively addressing the challenges of a growing population while simultaneously preserving the character of its established neighborhoods. By encouraging infill, New Albany is promoting sustainable growth, reducing urban sprawl, and fostering a more vibrant, walkable community.

Experts believe this proactive approach will also make New Albany more attractive to potential residents and businesses. The availability of diverse housing options, coupled with the amenities offered by Riverfront Commons, positions the city as a desirable place to live, work, and play. The success of this model could potentially be replicated by other municipalities facing similar housing and revitalization challenges. The Redevelopment Commission is already receiving inquiries from neighboring cities interested in learning more about New Albany's innovative strategies.