WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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A 600-bedroom apartment complex proposed for Bloomington’s east side continues to receive scrutiny from both the city and area residents.
In the Bloomington City Council’s Land Use Committee meeting Tuesday night, committee members and area residents alike voiced concerns about traffic implications, and the project’s student housing focus.
Texas developers Fountain Residential Partners are proposing the complex for 14 acres at the intersection of East Third Street and State Road 446, adjacent to Century Village. The project would include a medical clinic, fitness center, a swimming pool and two parking garages.
Several area residents told the commission that the large complex will only exacerbate existing traffic issues on East Third Street.
Others took issue with the fact that the development is student oriented, but not close to Indiana University.
Several community members asked the committee to put their approval on hold until the city finishes revising its Unified Development Ordinance. Council member Steve Volan responded “We don’t put development projects on hold while we develop new plans.”
Committee member Allison Chopra took issue with the developer citing market research that says the city’s existing student complexes are 94% full.
Chopra also said it isn’t in the city’s best interest to use land for student housing when its facing a shortage of affordable housing.
As for traffic issues, Volan suggested a strategically placed traffic light. He also proposed the developer help shore up public transit by funding an additional Bloomington Transit bus with the money it would spend building two parking garages.
The developers have already taken steps to sweeten the deal for the city. Doris Sims is the director of the city’s Housing and Neighborhood Development department. She told the committee the development proposal could come with a two significant contributions.
According to Sims, the contribution is conditional. If the five acres of donated land isn’t used within five years, the current landowner would buy back the land.
The Land Use Committee will review the project again on October 31st, before making any recommendation to the City Council.
