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New Albany, OH – In a bold step to support long-term community planning, the City of New Albany has announced it is in the process of purchasing the former Discover Financial Services site (6500 New Albany Road E.) from New Albany resident and business owner Leo Ruberto. The City presently plans to lease a portion of the acreage to the New Albany-Plain Local School District (NAPLS) while preserving some of the land as public greenspace. The strategic acquisition of this 49.4-acre property marks a collaborative effort between the City and the District to protect the future of the school campus while expanding athletic opportunities for students.

The pending land lease agreement, subject to approval by New Albany City Council and the Board of Education, paves the way for NAPLS to relocate athletic facilities to a more accessible and purposeful location. This move supports the shared goal of maintaining a centralized academic campus with room for future expansion and innovation, while also ensuring that the land will not be considered for other types of development that could be detrimental to the school district. Instead, the property will serve a civic purpose that protects the schools from surrounding growth while creating lasting benefits for the broader community. The current athletic spaces may continue to be used for athletics or future academic buildings as needs evolve.

“This is more than a land purchase—it’s an investment in the future of our schools and our city,” said New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding. “It’s a forward-thinking move that demonstrates the strength of our partnership with New Albany-Plain Local Schools and our shared commitment to thoughtful, strategic growth.”

The site itself holds deep significance in New Albany’s history. The arrival of Discover in the late 1990s helped launch what is now the New Albany International Business Park, laying the foundation for decades of economic development.

“We are deeply grateful for the City’s support and to Leo Ruberto for selling his land to the City for this use,” said NAPLS Superintendent Michael Sawyers. “We are excited about what this means for the future of our district. This collaboration allows us to preserve the core of our academic campus while enhancing opportunities for our students, families, and community.”

The City of New Albany’s initial plan is to lease approximately 19 acres to NAPLS for the probable relocation of the varsity and junior varsity baseball and softball fields, which are being displaced by the construction of the new elementary school. Additional land may be leased in the future as needed. By working together, the City of New Albany and NAPLS are ensuring the long-term success of both the school district and the broader community—honoring the past while building a stronger future.

Frequently Asked Questions: City of New Albany & NAPLS Partnership on Academic Campus Preservation

1. What is the purpose of this partnership?

The City of New Albany and New Albany–Plain Local Schools (NAPLS) are working together to preserve the core of the school district’s academic campus while creating new, purpose-built athletic facilities. This move supports long-term community growth and educational needs.

2. What property is involved in this project?

The City is purchasing the former Discover Financial Services site from New Albany resident and business owner Leo Ruberto at 6500 New Albany Road E. The site is 49.4 acres and a portion of it (initially roughly 19 acres) will be leased to NAPLS for school district use pending New Albany City Council and Board of Education action.

3. How will the land be used?

NAPLS plans to relocate athletic facilities to the new site. This will open space on the existing campus for possible future academic buildings as needs evolve.

4. Why relocate the athletic facilities?

Moving athletic facilities to a more accessible, purpose-built location will improve the student-athlete and spectator experience, allow for modern facility design, better parking, and free up core campus space for continued academic growth.

5. How does this benefit the community?

This collaboration ensures:

• The academic campus remains centrally located and intact
   
• Room for future school expansion without needing to acquire additional core campus property
   
• Enhanced athletic facilities for students and community events
   
• Long-term strategic growth for both the City of New Albany and the school district

6. How far is the Discover site from the NAPLS campus?

The site is less than 2 miles from the heart of the NAPLS campus. The City of New Albany and the school district will partner to create safe pathways for students to access the new site.

7. Who owns the property?

The City of New Albany will own the property and plans to lease it to NAPLS under a long-term agreement. The City is purchasing the land for approximately $15 million.

8. What is the significance of this site?

The former Discover Financial Services site helped launch the New Albany International Business Park in the late 1990s, driving decades of economic development. Repurposing it for education and athletics continues its legacy of community benefit.

9. Will taxpayers be affected by this purchase?

The City of New Albany’s purchase of the property will not place an additional tax burden on residents. The City is able to acquire the property and assist the school district because of the performance of the New Albany International Business Park, which generates approximately 80% of the City’s revenue. The current property owner, Leo Ruberto, has been performing demolition of the former Discover building at his expense.

Specifics regarding the school district’s construction of facilities on the site will be communicated as planning progresses.

10. When will the athletic facilities be moved?

Project timelines, design plans, and construction schedules are still in development. NAPLS will share updates when available.

11. How can residents learn more or provide input?

The City and NAPLS will provide updates through public meetings, the district website, social media channels, and community newsletters.