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Bloomington council OKs annexing 6.5 acres for planned subdivision

An aerial image from Google Earth shows a vacant 6.5-acre plot of land north of Fox Creek Road in Bloomington where a developer plans to build a subdivision with 58 single-family townhomes.
Google Earth
An aerial image from Google Earth shows a vacant 6.5-acre plot of land north of Fox Creek Road in Bloomington where a developer plans to build a subdivision with 58 single-family townhomes.

Plans for a new subdivision with up to 58 single-family townhomes north of Fox Creek Road in southwest Bloomington are moving forward.

The Bloomington City Council on Monday voted unanimously to annex about 6.5 acres of vacant land near the intersection of Fox Creek and St. Ivans Circle for the planned-unit project sought by developers Aruthra LLC.

“It's a good location; it's very accessible,” said Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe. “That's something that I think will be beneficial, especially thinking about folks who might work at Ferrero, for example, or work for Rivian. I think that's fantastic.”

The concept plan for the Ridgewood West subdivision features the 58 townhomes on individual lots around a circle drive, with frontage access on Fox Creek Road. City staff say the project would address a need for quality multi-family residential property as identified in a housing analysis of the region.

“Any housing that we can get at this point is very critical,” said Kelly Pfeifer, the city’s development services director. “As you know, we're very short on housing, to the extent of that they continue to study it and I think the BNEDC [Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council] is looking again at what that housing need might be.

“But 58 units that are also platted on lots that are available for home ownership is very good for that area. It’s a nice transition.”

The multi-action agenda item included an amended annexation agreement with Aruthra with a waiver of the city’s subdivision code, the official annexation ordinance, and both a zoning map amendment and special use permit to allow for townhomes.

A public hearing on the annexation was held during the city council meeting. John Johnston, who lives on St. Ivans Circle near the development site, was the only person who spoke.

“Any project, whether it's a housing development or used car lot or hamburger stand, ought to benefit the community as well as the owner/developer,” said Johnston, who voiced issues related to limited vehicle access, insufficient parking and sidewalks, and the condition of the land.

“I think that he's trying to do well, trying to put housing that's needed in a small spot," he said. "But I think this small spot has been identified as not a very good site, or probably would have been developed earlier.”

Pfeifer acknowledged the plan may need to reduce the number of homes by two to account for an existing ditch on the east side of the land.

“Since they’ve got the project approval and the agreement to annex, they will do the preliminary plans for the PUD [planned-unit development]. It'll have their construction plans. We'll review them, and it'll proceed through the subdivision process," said Pfeifer.

The city’s planning commission in October unanimously recommended approval of the annexation, but a proposed zoning map amendment only passed on a 4-3 vote amid concerns related to traffic conditions, drainage, and school overcrowding. The location is within the boundaries of the Unit 5 school district.

Since that vote, the city and Aruthra have communicated with neighborhood residents to adjust the plan in light of those concerns. Rajkumar Thirupparkadal of Bloomington is listed as Aruthra’s registered agent by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.

Mwilambwe called the progress to reach a development agreement a “collaborative project.”

“At the hearing of the planning commission, but also zoning board of appeal, there were a lot of people who were there who expressed concern. And today, there was only one, which tells me that they've been working not only with city staff, but also with those neighbors and listening and making adjustments,” he said, reiterating that increasing the housing supply must be a priority for Bloomington.

“That is going to be front and center, all hands on deck," said Mwilambwe. "We're going to do everything we can to improve the housing situation, because I realize that people are having difficulty, whether it is with rent or being able to purchase a home. So, I think the key to that is to have more supply.”

Pfeifer said the developers anticipate having all the design documents finalized and approved before the end of the year.

“Hopefully they can break ground on the infrastructure in the fall, and then we'll see actually buildings go up next year,” she said.

Charles Morris street naming

The 1600 block of Illinois Street on the city’s west side will add an honorary name in recognition of the late Charles Morris.

Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe, left, presents a commemorative street sign in recognition of the late Dr. Charles Morris to Dr. Jeanne Morris and her son, David, as City Council member Cody Hendricks looks on during Monday's meeting.
Joe Deacon
/
WGLT
Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe, left, presents a commemorative street sign in recognition of the late Dr. Charles Morris to Dr. Jeanne Morris and her son, David, as City Council member Cody Hendricks looks on during Monday's meeting.

Morris was a math professor at Illinois State University before being promoted to vice president for administrative services and later vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for the Illinois Board of Regents. His many accomplishments include working on a team that purchased housing for African American students.

“We are deeply honored by this tribute to Charles. Of course, we think he's well deserved of that,” said Morris’ widow, Dr. Jeanne Morris. “He was a great man. He was a great father, he was a great husband, he was a great person. Thank you for honoring him, and I know he's smiling wherever he is because of this.”

Morris and his wife have been recognized for their volunteer work in the community. After retirement, Morris established an annual STEM program for underrepresented students.

“Dr. Charles Morris exemplified leadership, faith and philanthropy. His tireless work in advancing education, fostering diversity and supporting student success leaves an indelible mark,” said Mwilambwe.

The council unanimously approved designating the block of Illinois between Euclid and Erickson avenues as Dr. Charles Morris Street. New street signs with the honorary name will be added at each intersection.

“My mom, who was with my dad for one week short of 67 years, said it all,” said David Morris. "They moved here in 1966 and saw a lot of changes in Bloomington-Normal over the years, and really looked at Bloomington-Normal and Illinois State University as home. So, thanks to everybody for keeping his memory alive.”

The block was chosen because Morris was active with the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal that is located at 1615 Illinois St. The honorary designation means the addresses of properties on the block will not be affected.

Joe Deacon is a reporter at WCBU and WGLT.