The current five-year plan stipulates a 354% increase in vacant lot creation, reports the communique of the Democratic Party Plenum.

Don't worry, It doesn't work.

We've embarked on an "aggressive" campaign to create vacant lots, under the rationale that public safety is being maintained. Funny, then, that public safety on public streets seems to be the farthest thing from anyone's messy little head ... but maybe the passing dump trucks are causing vertigo in my soul.

If an 18-wheeler passes by at 45 mph and a city official is not standing nearby, does it make a sound?

As for the gleeful, semi-erotic way we're razing structures: Am I going to have to be the one who goes to the Board of Public Works and asks the obvious question ... you know, the one that newspapers used to ask: Do we have a plan for creating new buildings from these hundreds of vacant lots?

By the way, there seems to be some sort of plan afoot for the old Haughey tavern building at 922 Culbertson.

SALVATION? Culbertson building in New Albany may be part of bigger plan; Horseshoe could be source to save structure, by Daniel Suddeath (News and Tribune)

NEW ALBANY — A plan to salvage the former bar and confectionery at 922 Culbertson Ave. may include a request for funds to address other vacant and historic structures in the city.

Indiana Landmarks Southern Regional Office Director Greg Sekula and New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan confirmed in June that the demolition of the building would be delayed to allow a chance for preservationists to secure funds to restore the circa-1880 structure.