May 18, 2026: Carless Kirkwood, usafe bridge, extra tax money, rally for housing

Civic Solver

This week’s puzzle is a 5-question news quiz about events that happened in the last week.

Weather Talk

Based on the National Weather Service forecast in text and charts here’s some advice.

Monday: Wear something cool that will dry quickly when you get wet, because an umbrella might not be that much help, when you do actually need it later in the day. It will start off sunny and hot with a high of 86F°, but starting around 2 p.m. there will be a chance of rain and thunderstorms, increasing from 30% to around 70% by around 5 p.m.

Tuesday: Same advice as Monday: Wear something cool that will dry quickly. Early in the day there’s little chance of rain, but by 2 p.m., chances are about 80% that it will rain, with a decent chance of thunderstorms, too.

Sign up for weather alerts: Monroe County emergency alert system

Quick Notes

Recent articles

• New Kirkwood closure proposal could revisit conflict over who controls Bloomington streets.  Two Bloomington meetings next week will spotlight the question of who controls city streets. One is a board of public works bridge-related road closure on Club House Drive in Lower Cascades Park. The other is a new proposal from the city council for permanent seasonal shutdown of Kirkwood Avenue.
• Sunday Funnies: Hawk v. Fish.  Hawk: Capt. Janeway is supposed to be born on May 20, but it's not until 2336. Do you think she will come back in time next Wednesday to speak at the public mic during city council's meeting to advocate for closing down streets for her birthday? What does Fish say?
• Monroe County property transfers through May 12, 2026.  This report includes new property transfers in Monroe County that haven’t previously been reported by The B Square, with dates ranging from March 23 to May 12, 2026. The data in this report comes from Beacon, the county’s online geographic information system for property and parcel data.
• $9.5M excess in LIT trust fund comes back to Monroe County units in 2026 by state formula.  For 2026, Bloomington and Monroe County government, as well as other units in the county, will receive millions more in LIT revenue due to excess balances in the LIT trust fund. The added money means about $3.5 million more in flexible money for Bloomington in 2026.
• Supporters rally at Friendly Beasts to keep Seminary Pointe housing, community space.  A crowd gathered Friday at Friendly Beasts Cidery for a “Save Seminary Pointe” fundraiser opposing possible redevelopment of the block for a convention center host hotel. Organizers framed the event as both a legal fundraising effort and a demo of how the block already serves as a community space.
• One-third of provisional ballots from May 5 primary election count in Monroe County.  On Friday, Monroe County’s election board accepted 21 of 62 provisional ballots from the May 5 primary after reviewing voter eligibility. Most rejected ballots involved missing ID, wrong precinct voting, or out-of-county registration. Election results were unchanged.
• Bridge needs lower 5-ton limit, repairs—but who pays: Monroe County or Bloomington?  Monroe County officials say a deteriorating 27-foot bridge near Lower Cascades Park is Bloomington’s responsibility, while the city disputes that claim. Inspectors found severe structural problems and recommended lowering the bridge’s weight limit from nine tons to five.

On the calendar

Road closure in Lower Cascades Park. On the 5:30 p.m. Tuesday (May 19) meeting agenda for Bloomington’s board of public works is a request for the board to confirm a decision that was already made by city staff to close the road leading to the bridge at Club House Drive and Old SR37, because of the bridge’s condition. For B Square background, see: Bridge needs lower 5-ton limit, repairs—but who pays: Monroe County or Bloomington?; and New Kirkwood closure proposal could revisit conflict over who controls Bloomington streets

Bloomington Transit for all, new Route #16. On the 5:30 p.m. Tuesday (May 19) meeting agenda for the board of Bloomington Transit is an update on the June 1 rollout of an initiative to improve overall access to the public agency’s transit services and approval of a new route, Route #16, serving the area just outside the city limits on the west side. For B Square background, see: Ridership slide fuels Bloomington Transit strategy shift: bigger buses, route rethink

Kirkwood seasonal closure. On the Bloomington city council’s 6:30 p.m Wednesday (May 20) meeting agenda is an ordinance that would put into city code the seasonal closure to automobile traffic of Kirkwood Avenue between Indiana Avenue and Walnut Street. For B Square background, see: New Kirkwood closure proposal could revisit conflict over who controls Bloomington streets; and the Bloomington Chronicle timeline on the topic of Kirkwood Avenue closures. This is the first time the ordinance has appeared on a city council agenda, so it’s unlikely to get a vote, given that enactment would have to be unanimous.

Cottage Grove as conservation district. On the Bloomington city council’s 6:30 p.m Wednesday (May 20) agenda is an ordinance that would establish Cottage Grove as a historic conservation district. It’s the second time it has appeared on a city council agenda, so this is very likely to get a vote at Wednesday’s meeting. For B Square background, see: Historic protections sought for area between 10th, 12th streets in central Bloomington

Shop Night: May 20. On Wednesday, May 20, from 4–7 p.m. the downtown courthouse square and Kirkwood Avenue will be hosting Shop Night as part of the city’s effort to inject some vitality into the place. Participating downtown businesses will be staying open late and local musicians will perform as part of “Busk at Dusk.” The event is aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to explore downtown shops and support local businesses. Participating stores include: That’s The Rub; Goods for Cooks; Art Remains; JL Waters; Mirth; Oak; Gather; Bonne Fête; Lola; Chico’s; Urban Outfitters; Walkover Sounds & Stones; and Three Blondes Floral.

Garden Walk: June 7. The Bloomington Garden Club will host its 37th annual Summer Garden Walk on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, June 7, from noon to 4 p.m. The self-guided tour will feature six private gardens around Bloomington, along with a flower show at Hilltop Garden and Nature Center. You can buy $10 tickets are from local vendors, with proceeds supporting children’s gardening education programs and other local beautification projects.

Meet Luna!

This very, very good girl is a Dutch shepherd. Here’s what the shelter staff have written about asdf:

If you are looking for a loyal, 2-year-old cuddle bug who will make your heart melt, Luna is your girl! This adorable 2-year-old lady is the definition of 'sweet.' She is incredibly friendly, social, and loves nothing more than making new human friends and soaking up affection. She’s young, full of life, and ready to bring unconditional love to her forever family. Whether it’s long walks or cuddling on the couch, Luna is ready to be your shadow. Come meet our sweet Luna and prepare to fall in love! I am part of a bonded pair with my best friend Lexie; we must be adopted together.

Photo Finish: Indiana Avenue & Kirkwood Avenue

The Photo Finish items are drawn from the B There section of the B Square website.

Thanks for reading. I hope your week is off to a great start!

Dave Askins
734-645-2633
dave@bsquarebulletin.com

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