Bloomington's Mayor is painting a picture of a failed downtown hotel and conference center proposal as a process that is working. A consultant has recommended against moving forward because the developer partnership has not put $40-million dollars in financing into place. Speaking on Sound Ideas, Mayor Tari Renner said it's time to move on to other options.
"This is obviously a setback. As Mayor I have been advocating in the campaign and since for us revitalizing our social historic core, but we have to have the right deal," said Renner.
Renner would not say whether the city would exercise eminent domain to gain control of land useful for a project. He also declined Renner declined to say whether the Front and Center building owned by the Huff family should be rescued and renovated. And he would not say whether the city would condemn the Front and Center building, though he did call it a fire trap.
Eminent domain is also not out of the question, according to the Mayor. Eminent Domain is the process to assume control of private property for public use, with financial compensation.
"At this point we're going to consider all options. I have to circle back with the council we'll have to have that kind of discussion, but all all options are on the table at this point," said Renner.
Renner said the downtown plan calls for a major anchor, so a downtown hotel and conference center is important. He says it does not have to be at the location of the current bank and Front and Center building.
Renner also said even though the Giebelhausen partnership failed in this plan, it does not necessarily mean the city would refuse to do business with him in the future. Renner says anyone with a viable plan should present it to the city.
