February 20, 2025 Bloomington Planning Commission Meeting
Thursday, February 20, 2025
South Loop District Plan Update (Study Session #2)
Creative Placemaking updates
Sustainable Building Policy revision
District Energy evaluation
Ecological Land Stewardship and natural resource protection
Land use guidance and zoning updates
Parks and Open Space framework update
Transportation and multi-modal project updates
Streetscape, plaza, and public space design guidance
Water resources and stormwater management update
Proactive rezoning of office properties for potential residential conversion
Areas of Interest (5)
- City of Bloomington weighs proactive rezoning of underperforming office parks to spark residential growth.
- Tensions rise over mandatory retail requirements in new residential developments within the South Loop.
- Planning Commission examines potential for district energy resurgence 13 years after initial feasibility studies.
- Strategic planning session reveals persistent gaps in park space and connectivity despite urban transformation goals.
- Staff clarifies confusion surrounding the C-4 zoning district requirements for mixed-use development.
Notable Quotes (3)
This is looking at a 13 year old document whose vision was to transform a suburban area into an urban area.
In C-4, residential is allowed but it has to be in conjunction with some level of other use, retail, office.
I think we all want to kind of activate space. I think the best way to do it is to have people live there.
People (5)
Rambler OlsonPlannerLeading the South Loop District Plan Update presentation.
1 quote
Leading the South Loop District Plan Update presentation.
“This is looking at a 13 year old document whose vision was to transform a suburban area into an urban area.”
Discussing the scope of the original 2012 plan.
Nick JohnsonPlanning ManagerClarifying land use, zoning, and historical development context.
1 quote
Clarifying land use, zoning, and historical development context.
“Residential can be developed in C-4, it's just they have to maintain minimum levels of nonresidential floor area.”
Explaining the C-4 zoning constraints.
Commissioner CooktonCommissionerProviding input on potential residential conversion and zoning flexibility.
1 quote
Providing input on potential residential conversion and zoning flexibility.
“I don't see why you couldn't have residential at any of them. I think we all want to kind of activate space.”
Supporting proactive rezoning for office properties.
Commissioner CurryCommissionerDiscussing retail distribution and development density.
1 quote
Discussing retail distribution and development density.
“It seems to me like retail would be something maybe more centralized rather than around the periphery of the area.”
Debating retail requirements in zoning districts.
Commissioner CunninghamCommissionerInquiring about land use at the former residential sites near the airport safety zone.
Inquiring about land use at the former residential sites near the airport safety zone.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (5)
- Thursday, February 20, 2025 - Bloomington Planning Commission Meeting
- October 2024 - Initial Study Session round
- December 2024 - Parks Commission meeting
- March 2025 - City Council meeting
- April-May 2025 - Anticipated Public Hearings