Five community members addressed Bloomington City Council during a listening session March 17, raising concerns about public transportation access, senior programming, and city services.

Robert Coalman criticized the design of the new Community Health and Wellness Center, saying transit riders would face walks of 1,000 to 1,200 feet from bus stops to reach the main entrance. He also advocated for paid parking at the facility rather than free parking, arguing the current approach creates inequity by forcing non-drivers to subsidize parking costs through higher fees. Council members said they would share the feedback with the design team.

A representative from the senior boutique at Creekside expressed concerns about reduced space allocation in the new wellness center. The current boutique operates in 800 square feet, but the proposed space represents less than 10 percent of that area. The speaker emphasized the boutique's role in combating senior isolation through socialization and creative activities over its 40-year volunteer-run history.

Lawrence Leviton, a recent transplant from Wisconsin, questioned whether Metro Transit's decision to eliminate bus service along Auto Club Road was final. He noted the area around Dred Scott Fields serves hundreds of visitors daily and argued for restored transit service to provide transportation equity. Mayor and council members acknowledged ongoing advocacy efforts with Metro Transit but noted the agency makes final routing decisions.

Dennis, a veteran and senior resident, raised two issues: the apparent lack of senior programming in the new community center and concerns about accessibility to the veterans memorial project. He noted 25 percent of Bloomington residents are seniors and questioned whether the memorial's $350 participation fee creates barriers for veterans. City officials promised to connect him with the veterans memorial committee and provide information about senior activities transferring to the new center.