Thursday, October 13, 2005

New Albany Cleans Up Nice

Zip over to Clarksville and do a U-turn. Then start back across Silver Creek on Brown Station Way/Spring Street and play spot the eyesore.

We have one less to count, I'm here to report. The proprietors of Sunset Spirits Too have made a major contribution to the aesthetic atmosphere of our fair city. I'm told that the tenant prevailed on the landlord to spiff up the place.

First, about two weeks ago, the astoundingly ugly "LIQUOR DEPO" sign was consigned to oblivion. From all appearances, that atrocity of a pole-mounted, double-sided sign was electrified by little more than an extension cord that draped from the roof of the purveyor's place. UGGGGLEEEE!

It's gone, and that alone would have made a major contribution to the impression made as people enter New Albany from the east. A run down Spring Street reveals only a few jarringly ugly distractions, if you make allowances for '50s vintage strip architecture, fast-food modern, and 21st Century suburban standard architectural styles.

The bottle shop is no longer a dank, dark distraction. It's still little more than a block building with a glass face, but it's now much, much more attractive. New paint, repaired lighting, and a newly visible wall sign improve the Gateway of New Albany tremendously.

Volunteer Hoosier applauds the owner. The mayor should issue a special beautification award. Our eastern Gateway can be presentable, and the investment made at this location by the landlord and tenant deserves recognition.

Now, on to the half-dozen remaining eyesores between Silver Creek and Hauss Square.

4 Comments:

Blogger The New Albanian said...

Might as well start now to take the one major step that would improve the Spring Street corridor, and that's restoring two-way traffic and dispensing with the corrosive idea that the corridor's useful only as a way to zoom people into the city.

Friday, October 14, 2005 8:37:00 AM  
Blogger Jeff Gillenwater said...

While were at it, let's rebuild the market houses downtown.

The investment would be minimal, it would allow local commerce an inexpensive foothold by lowering the barriers to market entry and create foot traffic downtown, making the more expensive surrounding buildings more attractive to potential buyers.

Friday, October 14, 2005 10:30:00 AM  
Blogger Ann said...

It wouldn't be a bad idea to have some sort of official recognition when a business clean ups or otherwise improves their facade or overall appearance like the liquor store has.

Friday, October 14, 2005 4:41:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The sunnyside Pride committee used to do that, of course the Little people might object since it attempts to be positive and doesnt bolster their argument that the mayor is a train wreck

Saturday, October 15, 2005 3:25:00 PM  

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