Press release: Bloomington residents invited to virtual meetings on proposed rezoning of core neighborhoods

The following press release was sent to the Bloomingtonian with information about virtual meetings in regards to proposed rezoning of many neighborhoods close to downtown.

The same proposal was made last year, and defeated in the city council after pushback from some neighborhood residents, but there is a new city council and the proposal has been brought again. The proposed rezoning would allow multi-unit housing with up 12 rooms in quadplexes, however, not every neighborhood would be rezoned for quadplexes, and others may only be rezoned for duplexes or triplexes.

Some council members, and city planners, are hoping the rezoning will help solve or correct issues such as historic redlining, climate change, and the lack of affordable housing. However, some stakeholders in neighborhoods are concerned the proposals may dramatically alter the neighborhoods.

The rezoning for the plexes issue was controversial last year, and the discussion became acrimonious when it was brought up before the council.

“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2020

For more information, please contact:

Jackie Scanlan, Development Services Manager of Planning and Transportation, [email protected].

Residents Invited to Participate in Proposed Zoning Change Process Via Online Resources, Public Engagement Sessions

Bloomington, Ind. – The City of Bloomington’s Planning and Transportation Department is currently hosting public engagement sessions on the proposed new Public Outreach Draft Zoning Map. The city is being evaluated for rezoning as part of the last step in the multi-year Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) update process, to bring the City’s land use and development laws into closer alignment with the goals of the City’s 2018 Comprehensive Plan, supporting a commitment to providing a strong quality of life for residents from all walks of life.

More information, including a proposed zoning changes story map, proposed housing diversity story map, an interactive map, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, is available here.

Residents are invited to join the following video conference sessions to learn more about the proposed changes and share input : Thursday, November 12 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Topic: Proposed R4 and Plex Amendment (1 of 2)
Join from computer or mobile: https://bloomington.zoom.us/j/91909137010?pwd=UE5RVTBCcmtvdkM1NUpFeGxBbWkxZz09

Monday, November 16 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Topic: Proposed R4 and Plex Amendment (2 of 2)
Join from computer or mobile: https://bloomington.zoom.us/j/96850008684?pwd=WE4rTkZSd2dXT3RIb2p5N2hwSEJsZz09

Tuesday, November 17 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Topic: Additional Text Amendments
Join from computer or mobile: https://bloomington.zoom.us/j/98647836256?pwd=RFFpSm9WVHJwb3VMUTBSOG5SNmEyZz09

Additional questions about the public outreach draft zoning map may be submitted to Development Services Manager Jacqueline Scanlan at [email protected] or Senior Zoning Planner, Eric Greulich at [email protected].

The input collected during this period will help staff prepare for public hearings in early 2021 to consider and adopt the new zoning map for the city, along with text amendments.

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Previous Bloomingtonian story on this subject: