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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, February 26th, 2024.
That’s Patsy Rahn from Friends of the Library, the volunteer-powered foundation that helps the Monroe County Public Library do lots of cool stuff. Learn more later in the show on a new episode of Activate!
But first, your daily headlines:
Monroe County Public Library Board of Trustees
During the February 21st meeting of the Monroe County Public Library Board of Trustees, Director Grier Carson provided his monthly report, touching on the temporary closure of the Southwest Branch. The closure happened due to extreme cold temperatures in January when an exhaust vent froze overnight causing large amounts of water to be distributed to about one-third of the Southwest Branch, according to the library’s website.
Board Secretary Kari Esarey asked whether the entire floor was damaged. Carson responded.
Board Trustee Katherine Loser said that she missed last month’s meeting and was unclear on what happened to cause the water damage. Carson explained the series of events that caused the damage to the Southwest Branch.
The library says on its website, “our team is working hard to determine the needed repairs as well as a possible reopening date. Stay tuned for continued updates within the next few weeks.”
The Monroe County Public Library Board of Trustees will meet again for its regular session on March 20th.
Bloomington Board of Zoning Appeals
The Bloomington Board of Zoning Appeals met on February 22nd. The board heard a petition for a property on East Hillside Drive. Case Manager Eric Greulich walked through the petition.
Greulich continued to outline the details of the request saying that the staff recommends approval.
Petitioner Ellen Rodkey explained why she and her husband are making this request for variance.
The board approved the petition by a unanimous vote. The Bloomington Board of Public Works will meet again on March 21st.
Monroe County Redevelopment Commission
At the Monroe County Redevelopment Commission meeting on February 21st, County Attorney Jeff Cockerill gave a presentation on the potential Residential TIF district to support the ARPA Affordable Housing Project
Commissioner Richard Martin, brought up that a similar had been denied, and asked if this housing project was going to be located in a similar area. Commissioner Randy Cassidy said that the prior development was on land that was zoned for single family homes, and did not get approval to have paired patio housing.
Cockerill explained that this land was already zoned for this number of units, rather than single family residences.
Martin asked for clarification on what the Redevelopment Commission’s role would be. Cockerill outlined that the job of the Redevelopment Commission for the project was to decide whether or not a TIF district would be beneficial to help fund more infrastructure in the area to entice residents to move to the area.
Martin suggested that they schedule a meeting with the Planning Department to ascertain whether or not a TIF district in the area would be feasible and beneficial.
The next Monroe County Redevelopment Commission meeting will be held on March 20th.
Feature Report:
The basic services provided by public libraries are funded by taxes, but all the cool stuff happening inside them is not. Book clubs, teen rec spaces, exhibits and special events – all of those things and more are supported by volunteer-powered library foundations. At the Monroe County Public Library that foundation is called Friends of the Library, and board member Patsy Rahn is looking for a few more library lovers to join the board. Patsy is our guest this week on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Kade Young, Elyse Perry, Kelsey Pease and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Dave Askins.
Activate is produced by Chad Carrothers and Michelle Moss.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
