Dave Askins

Bloomington’s city council voted 6–3 Wednesday to designate the Ivan Adams House at 115 E. 12th St. as a single-property historic district. Supporters cited Adams’ significance as a limestone sculptor; dissenters questioned whether residence alone justified historic protection.

The Monroe County council unanimously approved a $30,000 donation to the BEDC but the money won’t be paid unless county commissioners approve the formal claim. The claims for two donations—to the BEDC and to Seven Oaks Classical School—will have their own agenda item on Thursday.

Bloomington’s board of public works has OK'd a full 2-week closure of College Avenue south of 3rd Street from Jan. 26 to Feb. 12, 2026, for installation of a convention center skybridge. Detours and pedestrian reroutes will be in place, with single-lane traffic returning Feb. 13.

Bloomington is bypassing city council review for 2 long-standing interlocal accords—on animals and JAG grants—by sending them to the state attorney general instead. The mayor’s administration says it’s easier and already OK'd. But it leaves the council without its usual public briefing on costs.

Bloomington’s RDC has OK'd a petition to rezone Hopewell South as a PUD, clearing the way for a plan commission review in January. The proposal would allow up to 98 homes aimed at buyers earning around the area median income. City councilmembers also got an initial look at the PUD proposal.