Why would Heine Brothers consider New Albany? Why, the disincentives, of course.

Hmm.

I wonder if the city of New Albany's economic development director saw this one?

City loans to boost local restaurant growth, including new Germantown pizzeria, by Steve Coomes (Food and Dining)

The past six months have seen lots of talk about a new pizzeria in Germantown, but last I spoke with one of the potential owners, she asked me to keep it on the down-low until things became more official.

Well, that day has come with the notice of two METCO loans being made to TenFiftyEight, LLC, (1045 Goss Ave.) to be applied to the future opening the aforementioned pizzeria.

According to a news release from Mayor Greg Fischer’s office, the two loans, totaling $60,000, will help “owners Laura Clemmons and Robert Neely to renovate the exterior and interior of this former VFW Post in order to open a new pizza parlor. Repairs will be made to the storefront, siding, painting and signage, as well as accessibility improvements to the restrooms.”

But wait, there’s more METCO news you’ll like. Two more loans totaling $46,660 were made to THCSJB, LLC to help “owners, Tommy and Sally Clemons, to renovate this space and expand the existing Highlands Tap Room that is next door.

Yes, yes. That's Louisville and this is Southern Indiana, and never the twain shall meet -- especially after Kerry Stemler's tolling regime takes root. And yet, hadn't I seen something similar only recently?

Sure did.

Big Four + Big Four = Evidence ... of a plan in Jeffersonville.

Previously we've noted the importance of the potential importance of the Big Four's pedestrian and bicycle access for Jeffersonville, which has always seemed to lack redevelopment focus. The bridge provides this focus, which places a rather considerable spotlight directly on revitalization-through-walkability issues -- and to the city's credit, the opportunity is being grabbed with both hands ...

... Note two things Jeffersonville does that New Albany does not: Forgivable loans, and 10K facade grants

Which, in turn, makes this one even more interesting.

Heine Brothers eyeing new coffee shop locale, by Caitlin Bowling (Business First)

Heine Brothers’ Coffee Inc. might open its 15th Louisville area location next year.

Louisville has “a very competitive coffee shop market,” but that hasn’t deterred Heine Brothers from expanding, said co-founder Mike Mays.

Mays said the company is considering adding another store during the latter part of next year ­— its 20th anniversary year ­— but hasn’t chosen a location or even area of town yet for the possible new store. There is a chance, however, it could pop up across the river.

“We like Southern Indiana,” Mays said. “We like the south end of Louisville.”

Perhaps Mike might consider a Heine Brothers location in New Albany's industrial park. After all, there we actually have economic incentives in place for businesses like his.