WFHB Local News – Eviction Crisis in Indiana

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:00 — 37.1MB)

Subscribe: RSS

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, January 24th, 2022.

In today’s feature report, WFHB News Director Kade Young spoke with Stephanie Zhang, Bartholomew County and Housing Organizer for Hoosier Action, and Jessica Savage – Member Leader of Hoosier Action, about the ongoing eviction crisis in Indiana. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, the Bloomington City Council is divided over the number of standing committees. More in your daily headlines.

Bloomington City Council Discusses Kirkwood Outdoor Dining and Number of Standing Committees

On January 19th the Bloomington City Council voted on an ordinance establishing an expanded outdoor dining area downtown.

During public comment, owner of the Village Deli and Soma Coffeehouse and Juice Bar Bob Costello spoke on behalf of the Kirkwood Community Association in support of the outdoor dining ordinance.

Council member Steve Volan explained that the metered parking on Kirkwood Avenue brings in substantial revenue for the City of Bloomington and advocated for one lane to remain open. He recommended Jersey blocks to ensure the other lane would be safe for pedestrians.

Director of Public Works Adam Wason said that using the Jersey barriers would use at least thirty barriers of their inventory of one hundred. Wason was in favor of using bollards instead.

Council member Ron Smith shared that he ran a shoe store on Kirkwood, and understands why the road would be better as a pedestrian mall.

The ordinance passed unanimously.

The council also voted on whether or not to reduce the number of standing committees. This resolution was introduced at the last meeting. The sponsors of the resolution council members Susan Sandberg, Sue Sgambelluri, and Jim Sims said it will eliminate the public’s confusion surrounding government deliberation, and would ensure all members of the committee of the whole are working together on ordinances.

Council member Matt Flaherty introduced an amendment that would ensure the Climate Action and Resilience standing committee remains, due to its ongoing work that he said the committee of the whole does not have enough time to dedicate to considering our climate emergency.

The ordinance to dissolve the Administration, Community Affairs, Housing, Public Safety, Sustainable Development, and Land Use committees passed with a 5-4 vote.
The Amendment to retain the Climate Action and Resilience standing committee passed 9-0.

The next city council meeting will be on January 26th.

Feature Reports:

In today’s feature report, WFHB News Director Kade Young spoke with Stephanie Zhang, Bartholomew County and Housing Organizer for Hoosier Action, and Jessica Savage – Member Leader of Hoosier Action – about the eviction crisis facing Indiana residents. Zhang and Savage are currently at the Statehouse in Indianapolis testifying for tenants’ rights. We turn to Kade Young for more.

Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Kade Young.
Kite Line is produced by Mia Beach.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
Anchors are Don Geyra and Nicki Stewart-Ingersoll.