Local Government

Bloomington’s city council voted 6–3 to approve a voluntary annexation of a wooded parcel on Cory Drive, adding about a quarter-acre to the city. Neighbors warned of drainage and karst risks. New R2 zoning was also approved which would allow a duplex as a conditional use.

Monroe County commissioners have adopted a policy requiring at least a 30-days notice before clearing homeless encampments. No notices are supposed to be issued until March 2, 2026. The move followed backlash over a Dec. 1 eviction notice, with just a one-week deadline.

Two Monroe County Council-approved donations—a $1,800 award to Seven Oaks Classical School and $30,000 to the BEDC—were pulled from the county auditor’s claims docket by county commissioners, voiding the claims and forcing any payment come to from a restarted process in 2026.

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.