McLean County Times

The Bloomington city council delayed their decision on a controversial housing development after influx of public disapproval on price and prevailing wage arguments.

At their May 22nd council meeting, the city of Bloomington was set to vote on an agreement with a developer for new luxury apartments and townhomes in the city.

"It is our intent to continue moving forward on construction of this project by this fall, and we are walking into your decision tonight with open hands, trusting that if you, as our elected officials see fit to approve this project, that we can meet that construction kickoff date and this timeline makes this project viable" Developer Andy Kaufmann said. "Should you see this project not be best for our community and or delay in a manner that prevents this fall start, then our performer cannot support this delay and unfortunately, the project would no longer be viable."

The project, with developer 402 E Washington, named after the location of the site, “includes approximately 24 two-bedroom townhomes (approx. 2 will be Short Term Rentals), with 22 two-car attached garages and two (2) one-car attached garages, and a five-story mid-rise apartment building, consisting of parking on the first level and four levels of apartment units, with 48 one bedroom and two-bedroom apartments (approx. 5 will be Short Term Rentals). The Development also includes a 60-space surface parking lot and a small centralized shared green space. The Developer is expecting the project to cost approx. $18.5 million,” says a city brief.

The city would be agreeing to cost sharing with the developer to complete this project, with the city providing 24.3% of the total project cost or $4,508,960, whichever is lesser. The city is interested in this development as it would redevelop old parcels where an old motel and church formerly stood. They feel the developer would be able to create additional housing for the community in a vibrant neighborhood while matching the historical feel of neighboring buildings.

Residents came out in full force to oppose the city’s plan. Several complained about the price point of housing in Ward 6, where they resided, and said that this would not be benefiting them or their neighbors, who need more affordable levels of housing and would not see the benefits of increased business traffic, as very few of them are business owners.

The other argument from residents was about local labor. Since this would be a private development, it would not require adherence to prevailing wage, as all city public works projects do. Residents were appalled that the city would make such a deal with a developer and not even require prevailing wage in the agreement, asking the council to respect the needs and opportunities for their many blue collar trades and workers in the area, as they said the developer would likely bring in large contractors from outside the area to complete the project.

After much discussion and public comment, and a presentation on the development from deputy city manager Billy Tyus, the city council faced a tied vote on whether or not to table the motion until a later date. With Tom Crumpler, Jeanna Kerns, John Danenberger and Cody Hendricks voting to delay, Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe sided with them, breaking the tie and delaying the decision. This could very likely cause the developers to abandon the project as it makes it difficult for them to meet their timeline.