Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse addressed community concerns this week about property acquisition related to the planned Community Health and Wellness Center, emphasizing that all property purchases would be voluntary.

The city is conducting initial conversations with property owners on Newton and Morgan avenues near 98th Street about potential voluntary sales to improve parking and green space access around the new facility. City staff plan to make conditional offers by March 1 to owners who expressed interest, with any purchases requiring official City Council approval at a public meeting.

"There is no taking of properties," Busse said during his weekly Council Minute address. "If the property owners decide to sell, they will be compensated for their property, and they'll also receive relocation assistance." The mayor said the discussions stem from community feedback requesting more outdoor programming areas and green space to complement the new center.

The City Council also discussed updates to right-of-way codes governing utility work, prompted by issues with fiber optic installation projects last summer. The proposed changes aim to streamline permitting, improve oversight of construction impacts, and ensure timely restoration of affected areas. Staff indicated fiber installation citywide will likely continue for another three to five years.

Busse concluded by recognizing seventh-grade students from Olson, Valley View, and Oak Grove middle schools who participated in the annual Bloomington Civics Bee on February 4, organized by the Bloomington League of Women Voters, Bloomington Public Schools, and the city's Community Outreach and Engagement Division.