NEW ALBANY, Ind. — After a unanimous vote from the City Council and approval from Mayor Jeff Gahan, an ordinance was passed Friday that will place a moratorium on new apartment construction and the issuance of short-term rental permits in New Albany.
In January 2024, Mayor Gahan recommended that the City of new Albany place a moratorium on the construction of new apartments. The Ordinance also pauses the issuance of short-term rental permits.
“This moratorium will give us time to pump the brakes on the high rate of apartment construction, and allow us to plan and prepare for the next few decades of housing needs in New Albany,” Mayor Gahan said. “I want to thank the City Council for their support on this initiative, and am looking forward to getting to work on updating the City’s comprehensive plan.”
City leaders say the new ordinance is being put in place to put a stop to large apartment building and renew the city's focus on single-family homes. Right now, officials say there aren't enough small homes available in New Albany.
A comprehensive housing study for New Albany, conduced by the University of Louisville, found that homeownership in the city has fallen from a high of 65.6% in 1960, to 54.5% today.
“It is clear that there is a mis-match between the available housing stock and the types of homes that people want and need in our city,” Mayor Gahan said. “If you are a young person who is looking to step up into your first starter home, or if you are a senior who is looking to step down into a smaller retirement house, we want you to have those Middle Housing options that are so important in helping our community thrive.”
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