WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, April 22nd, 2021.
Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Max Campbell reports on last week’s mass shooting in Indianapolis. He speaks with Indiana University Professor and former Mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bill Helmke and President of the Sikh Student Association Ravleen Kaur Ahuja. More in today’s feature report.
Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB’s Spring Fund Drive kicks off today. WFHB’s Kade Young and Jake Jacobson offer a testimonial in light of our fund drive, which is taking place from Earth Day to May Day. More following today’s feature.
Bloomington City Council
The Bloomington City Council continued discussion on amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance at their April 21st meeting. Zoning Planner Ryan Robling presented an ordinance that reduces the floor plate size and density of student housing. He said building plans can exceed these limitations if they meet affordable housing incentives.
Councilmember Isabel Piedmont-Smith proposed an amendment to the ordinance. She suggested student housing may also exceed limitations if the plan meets sustainable development incentives. Director of Planning and Transportation Scott Robinson supported this amendment. He said the ordinance was meant to include these incentives.
Councilmembers unanimously voted to adopt the amendment. Robling said the ordinance would remove a requirement that builders send notice to landowners within 300 feet of construction. Councilmember Dave Rollo proposed an amendment that reinstated the requirement. He questioned Attorney Mike Rouker as to why the city does not support this practice now even though they supported it before.
Resident Cathy Crabtree agreed that the notice is confusing. Peidmont-Smith suggested the council should not legislate courtesy. The amendment failed 8 to 1. Councilmembers unanimously voted to approve the ordinance as amended.
Monroe County Commissioners
The Monroe County Commissioners moved to approve additional funds for intersection improvements. At the April 21st meeting, Highway Director Lisa Ridge talked about the project, which will make improvements to the intersection at Curry Pike, Smith Pike, and Woodyard Road. She said the Indiana Department of Transportation stepped up to help fund the project.
Commissioner Penny Githens identified the intersection needs a lot of work. Commissioner Julie Thomas commented that this will help build on previous improvements made to the intersection. Commissioners unanimously approved the funding.
Monroe County Redevelopment Commission
The Monroe County Redevelopment Commission discussed its partnership with the Richland Bean Blossom Community School Corporation. County Attorney Jeff Cockerill presented changes to the commission’s agreement with RBBCSC. He explained the changes clarify the difference between STEAM education and the Ready Schools Program.
Richland Bean Blossom Superintendent Jerry Sanders clarified that the STEAM curriculum is not being replaced. Ready Schools Project Coordinator Jaime Miller said the content is being changed to align with local employers. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the agreement.
Feature Reports:
Up first, we turn to WFHB Correspondent Max Campbell for an interview with Indiana University Professor and former Mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bill Helmke, an expert on gun policy. Campbell also speaks with President of the Sikh Student Association Ravleen Kaur Ahuja. We turn to Correspondent Max Campbell for more.
Up next, today marks the start of our Spring Fund Drive here at WFHB. News department staff Kade Young and Jake Jacobson talk about why independent local news is so important, and they offer reasons why you should support your community radio station, WFHB.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Jake Jacobson, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Max Campbell.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
