The Bloomington Planning Commission on Wednesday voted unanimously to advance a plan for a new housing development near Rivian on the community’s far west edge.
City officials hope the $325-$400 million project will address the community’s growing need for housing and make Bloomington more attractive to businesses.
Developer Bloomington 77 Developments LLC plans to build about 750 dwellings, ranging from studio apartments to “affordable” 4-bedroom townhouses. They’re described as “market rate” in a description provided to the city.
The developers have agreed to contribute to public park space if appropriate land can be acquired. The project also includes stormwater detainment city officials say will help protect downstream residents from flooding. Internal access roads would be constructed which would connect to Illinois Route 9 at a signaled intersection. A second access would be provided only for emergencies, according to developers.
The planned location sits directly north of unannexed land along Old Peoria Court. About a dozen residents of the area attended Wednesday's meeting, with six speaking against the plan. All raised concerns about traffic, saying Rivian’s arrival already has brought bustling travel to a formerly calm area. Rivian itself was a subject of skepticism for most commenters, who worry the development will prove pointless if the electric automaker crashes.
“Rivian is now in their sixth year and has received tax breaks from the Town of Normal,” said Jennifer Delgado, who lives nearby on Market Street. “If we’re six years into Rivian now, what happens if these are all built and then Rivian goes away? What does that become?”
City officials confirmed a traffic study will be conducted to identify and address issues with the plan, though they acknowledged that traffic will most certainly increase. Developers were quick to add that while Rivian employees look to be a prime target for the project, many others may benefi —, a claim echoed by officials like Economic Development Council President and CEO Patrick Hoban.
“It’s not just Rivian. It’s also State Farm. It’s also Ferrero … everybody we talk to, local businesses, the No. 1 thing they’re asking for is people. Can’t have people without the houses. And we can’t keep our students without the houses. So we have to have homes,” Hoban said in response to public comments.
Developer William Koffie said if approval goes smoothly from here, the project will likely begin in early 2024 and proceed in three phases, each lasting about 1 1/2 years. Apartments would dominate the early phases, while townhomes would come later.
He added that community cooperation will be key to bring in stores and recreation residents want as construction progresses.
The project will feature a “futuristic and captivating, never-seen-before architectural concept that will provide this neighborhood an aesthetic and artistic appeal,” according to the developer’s description provided to the city.
The commission, joined Wednesday by new members Bill Peradotti and David Lewis, sent the plan through to the next stage on a 7-0 vote. Because the project includes land annexation and rezoning, it is set to be heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals on July 19, followed by the city council on July 24.
