New Bloomington City Manager Zach Walker, six months into the job (formerly city manager in Independence, Missouri), addressed the commission to introduce himself and thank members for their volunteer service, taking a few light questions.
Staff presented a study on Bloomington's parking requirements, unchanged in most respects since 2006-07, and floated five options ranging from no change to eliminating minimums entirely. A majority of commissioners, including the chair, said they favor moving toward more aggressive reductions (options 4-5) rather than staff's more cautious recommendation of targeted/moderate reductions, though some raised concerns about weakening the Opportunity Housing ordinance incentive and impacts on small businesses. No formal vote was taken; the item goes to city council as a study session May 4, with a draft ordinance possibly returning later this summer.
City traffic staff presented on decades-old blanket restrictions on street parking near parks, trail heads, multifamily buildings and places of assembly, arguing they push cars into single-family neighborhoods, hurt small businesses and public gatherings, and increase speeding. Commissioners gave general (near-unanimous) support for revising the policy to remove many restrictions, while flagging concerns about airport-adjacent overnight parking, snow plowing, and lessons from the Community Health and Wellness Center parking dispute on Newton Avenue. The item also heads to a city council study session and staff plan to bring back draft policy/code changes later this summer.
Staff previewed a rezoning of 8030 Old Cedar Avenue South (from FD2 to B1) to allow a retail tenant in an office building, and a conditional use permit for heavy equipment sales at 9545 Penn Avenue South.
Upcoming hearings include a freestanding sign variance for Southtown at 7803 Penn Avenue; a plat/site plan for detached town homes on three parcels along Bloomington Ferry Road using new 'missing middle' housing provisions; and rezoning/development plans for a two-phase, roughly 360-unit Gallery Apartments project at 7900 Xerxes Avenue South (former Wells Fargo Tower site).
Planning Manager Johnson announced two openings on the seven-member commission: one term-limited seat and Chair Cotton's second and final term ending this year. The application window is open through May 6.
