Council made unanimous roll-call appointments for terms running March 1, 2026–February 28, 2029: Sophia Pearson, Mariah Gran and Cheryl Sadderstrom to the Advisory Board of Health; Julie Gustafson (reappointed), Michael Gonzalez and Dario Belladelloo to the Creative Placemaking Commission; Anna Decker, Jay Holmes and Baron Lewis (reappointed) to the Human Rights Commission; Natalie Rooney to the Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission; and Sean McFarling and Benet Aaria (both reappointed) to the Sustainability Commission.
Council voted 6-0 to approve the Bloomington Creative Placemaking Commission's 2026 work plan, which includes a new sculpture at Bryant Park, lighting upgrades for the South Loop sign, an artist live-work space feasibility study, and continued mural/art-box installations. Commission chair Jamie Schumacher and director Alejandra Pelinka presented 2025 highlights including new murals, poetry stamps, and award recognitions.
Real Estate Equities is seeking a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning to RM50 planned development for a 180-unit, four-story affordable apartment building (16 units required affordable, with some units at 30% AMI) on Lindale Avenue near the Orange Line BRT station, including a reduced front setback (about 19'7" vs. the required 40 ft). Nativity of Mary Parish/School, neighboring funeral home owner Daniel McGrath, and other residents objected, citing pedestrian safety, sidewalk gaps, cut-through traffic, precedent-setting setback deviations, and property values; city traffic engineer Kirk Roberts said the added ~866 daily trips would not create capacity or safety issues. City planner Emily Hesback confirmed a TIF financing request is in the works despite it not being checked on the applicant's Opportunity Housing Ordinance application, a discrepancy Council Member Nelson flagged with skepticism.
After extensive Q&A on sidewalks, setbacks, stormwater, lighting and crime prevention, Mayor Busse and council members Robertson and Nelson signaled support for the project as proposed, citing the site's long-standing high-density residential land-use guidance and need for workforce housing, while directing staff to keep studying pedestrian infrastructure (sidewalk gap on 99th Street, crosswalk/lighting upgrades) and address cut-through concerns raised by Nativity of Mary. The formal roll-call votes on the resolution and related ordinances were beginning as the transcript ends.
