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This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, March 21st, 2024.
Later in the program, the Bloomington Plan Commission gave a positive recommendation for a rezone request for a Planned Unit Development that would cover 140 acres and 4,250 dwelling units on the Southwest side of Bloomington. More in today’s headlines.
Also coming up in the next half hour, we have Part II of The Women’s History Month episode of History Unbound on the WFHB Local News.
But first, your local headlines:
Bloomington Plan Commission Gives Positive Recommendation on Housing Project Which Would Add Over 4,000 Dwelling Units
The Bloomington City Plan Commission met on March 19th to discuss a rezone request for a Planned Unit Development that would cover 140 acres on the Southwest side of Bloomington. Interim Planning and Transportation Director and Development Services Manager Jackie Scalan was the case manager, and presented on the petition.
The land is currently zoned as a Planned Unit Development under a partially developed Sudbury P-U-D which was approved in 1999. Sudbury Development Partners, LLC is requesting the land to be rezoned as a new P-U-D, which includes the approval of district ordinance and a preliminary plan, according to the plan commission’s agenda packet. Scanlan walked through further basic information on the site.
Scanlan explained what a Planned Unit Development is, and gave some background on the property.
Scanlan said Subury’s proposal includes five neighborhoods, 4,250 dwelling units, and new commercial uses over a 10-year development period.
One of the commercial uses outlined in the Plan Commission Packet is a hotel, as well as multiple roadways, trail and utility connections.
During public comment, Arbor Ridge resident Deb Pekin said she has concerns about density within the proposal.
David Kennedy, Weimer Road resident, expressed concerns regarding law enforcement resources and their ability to control traffic.
Rachel Noble, another Weimer Road resident, is not against the redevelopment plan but urged the city to think about traffic density, affordable housing accessibility, and residential flooding.
Director of Heading Home of South Central Indiana, Mary Morgan, said she supports the proposal and encouraged the plan commission to give a positive recommendation.
Local resident Paully Tarricone spoke in favor of the proposal saying he believes it will promote housing affordability.
The Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County also demonstrated their support for the proposal during the public comment portion of the special session.
After public comment the petitioner was given the opportunity to respond. Sudbury Representative Legal Counsel, Attorney Angela Parker said that they take the public’s comments and the commission’s feedback into consideration.
Commissioner Tim Ballard expressed his support for the Planned Unit Development, and said that although the project is not perfect the pros outweigh the cons.
Commission Member Hopi Stosberg asked about the density in the area, and the building’s height
Development Director at Sullivan Development L-L-C Travis Vencel, a co-developer of the P-U-D, said that they need it to be dense to make it economically feasible, and to ensure units are affordable.
Stosberg also asked staff from the Utilities Department about the infrastructure needed to support this scale of development. Engineer Caden Swanson spoke on Utility improvements in the area, and said they don’t have any concerns at the moment.
Utilities Department Environmental Assistant Director Katherine Zaiger spoke on the Stormwater concerns.
Stosberg shared her concerns about the rezone being mainly flooding and density, but said that she would still recommend it to the council.
Commissioner Trohn Enright-Randolph said he was in support of adding additional housing, however he is concerned that there won’t be as many units for sale, and too many set aside as rentals.
The Plan Commission voted 7-0-1 with Chris Smith abstaining to give a positive recommendation on the proposal. The proposal will move to the City Council for its consideration in the near future. The Bloomington Plan Commission will have its next regular meeting on April 15th.
Feature Report:
In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Brookelyn Lambright brings to us another segment of History Unbound. This news segment explores American history and culture through a critical lens. Today, in honor of women’s history month, Lambright brings us two interviews with Nancy Brand and Martha Vicinus, two women involved in Bloomington’s Women’s Liberation Movement during the 1960s and 1970s. Last episode, Lambright focused on Nany’s story. In this episode, she dives deeper into the story of Martha Vicinus. We now turn to Part II of The Women’s History Month episode of History Unbound on the WFHB Local News.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Kelsey Pease, Noelle Herhusky-Schneider and Kade Young, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Brookelyn Lambright.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
