The Bloomington City Council discussed a possible resolution Monday that would set priorities and give direction to city staff and officials in their efforts to address housing issues in the city.
City Manager Jeff Jurgens proposed the resolution that would “develop a standardized housing incentive package, neighborhood rehabilitation, intergovernmental collaboration” and a “zoning code and subdivision code review.”
The council did not vote on whether to adopt the resolution at Monday’s meeting, but rather had a lengthy discussion about whether to take a vote on the measure at a later date. Council members also discussed what could be done instead if the council chooses not to adopt a resolution of this kind.
Several council members pointed out the resolution points to “blighted properties that are currently uninhabitable” and looks to develop measures for addressing that.
Ward 9 council member Tom Crumpler questioned whether a citywide resolution is necessary when most residents reportedly see west Bloomington and the downtown area as in need of the most attention. Crumpler questioned whether it might be more wise to “target certain areas.”
Council member Nick Becker of Ward 5 expressed concern that a comprehensive resolution would verge into “territory where I don’t feel we should be involved.” Instead, Becker advocated selecting “low-hanging fruit” measures the council could address such as eliminating parking minimums.
In contrast, Ward 7 council member Mollie Ward spoke “in favor of doing a much more comprehensive resolution.”
Referring to Becker’s proposed course of action, Ward said, “I actually like the idea of this resolution precisely because I feel like it prevents us from doing just a piecemeal approach to something that I think needs a much more comprehensive approach.”
Ward also expressed concerns that focusing only on certain geographic areas, such as west Bloomington or the downtown area, would lead to a level of “geographic specificity” that disincentivizes mixed-income neighborhoods.
Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe added that “just because we have a resolution,” it doesn’t mean the council can’t consider new ideas to address housing issues in the future. Instead, the resolution acts as a way to “set priorities beyond the current council” should its makeup change after an election.
Ward 3 council member Sheila Montney defended a more piecemeal approach.
“When you’re trying to execute transformational change, you know, it’s easy to put together… broad sweeping statements. But how value is created is through focused execution.”
Ward 1 council member Jenna Kearns offered similar comments, speaking in favor of “incremental change … even if it is simple decisions like getting rid of parking minimums.”
Though not voted on, the resolution may appear on the council’s agenda as early as its next meeting.
As part of the consent agenda, the council also approved construction agreements for its Pavement Preservation Reclamite Program and Front Street Sidewalks Project in the amounts of $240,312 and $90,000, respectively.
