Steve Price nowhere in sight as work begins to improve the neighborhoood he willfully neglects.

But Price was seen later in the day, hard at work leasing furniture to his grateful rental property tenants. Meanwhile, the sort of genuine accomplishment that has eluded Price's "negatory" legislative tenure was being celebrated at Ritter Park.

HOME IMPROVEMENT: Rehabilitation work begins in New Albany's Midtown neighborhood, by the Tribune's Daniel Suddeath.

Mayor Doug England said the Midtown neighborhood and especially the SEJ area have been hit hard by foreclosures propelled by the recession.

Revitalizing the neighborhood and getting more homeowners there is critical to the success of New Albany, he said.

“This is the closest neighborhood to our downtown — the heart of our city,” England said.

He added that no matter how people felt about federal stimulus spending, the SEJ grant is a “fine example” of how the money can be used to boost New Albany’s economy by improving housing and creating jobs.