Local Government

Bloomington’s city council voted 8–0 Wednesday for a new letter to the RDC that backs a possible College Square–Seminary Pointe land swap, even if unequal, to clear a path for a convention center host hotel while preserving affordable apartments and community-oriented businesses.

College Avenue between 3rd and 2nd streets is set to close June 30 through July 24 for work to enclose the skywalk linking the convention center expansion to the existing facility. City officials are coordinating paving work on Rogers Street, which is one detour route.

Bloomington’s new fire logistics and training center on South Walnut Street is expected to finish construction in September and open in November. The $7.95 million facility will consolidate PPE and reserve equipment, expand training capacity and serve as a backup station.

Bloomington’s RDC accepted the city council’s Hopewell South PUD conditions and cleared staff to pursue plats and permits for Hopewell South. Three western lots could see builders picked by late summer, with homes under roof by year’s end and broader infrastructure done in 2027.

Monroe County’s CIB approved $2.1M in renovations for the existing convention center, using $1.6M from innkeeper’s tax reserves approved by the CVC, and about $500,000 of its own construction funds. The work covers HVAC, masonry, DOAS and windows.

Ellettsville and Richland Township officials separately approved a fiscal impact analysis for a proposed merger, sending it to the state for review. Questions about police service in rural areas surfaced before two hearings in June and a possible Nov. 3 vote.