Local Government

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.

As construction begins on Bloomington’s convention center expansion, there is still no deal for a host hotel. At a joint work session, councilmembers criticized the mayor’s administration as the RDC considers donating city-owned land to help bridge a long-known funding gap.

Monroe County commissioners say there is now no specific timeline to clear the homeless encampment on the county-owned Thomson property, indefinitely postponing a previously scheduled Dec. 15 removal. Commissioners signaled support for longer notice periods, potentially 30 days

Opposition is rising to Monroe County’s plan to clear the Thomson encampment. After protests, commissioners delayed the move to Dec. 15, but county councilors want commissioners to take a longer pause. They question the funding source, how residents were notified, and the lack of a relocation plan.