The Bloomington City Council approved the establishment of The Heights tax increment financing district Monday evening, moving forward with a complex financing package to repair the deteriorating condominium parking structure.

The TIF district approval follows the council's December decision to approve a Housing Improvement Area financing package for The Heights Condominium Association. The parking structure's certificate of occupancy was revoked due to acute deterioration, and the project will also replace non-compliant balconies and improve building accessibility. The HRA board will consider final approval of the TIF district Tuesday evening.

In other zoning action, the council updated standards for the city's large-lot residential districts, RS-1 and R-1A. The changes remove median site width and prevailing setback requirements while adding two-family dwellings as permitted uses in RS-1 districts. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the ordinance in January.

The council also received a major update on the Community Health and Wellness Center project. Staff recommended switching from B3 sustainability certification to LEED certification due to budget constraints. The facility design has been reduced from 136,000 to 106,000 square feet while maintaining all major amenities except one gymnasium. Construction could begin in May with completion by the end of 2025.

The council welcomed two new city employees: Jessica Larson as Parks and Recreation Coordinator overseeing senior and adaptive programming, and Lauren Reynolds as Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer. Both the Human Rights Commission and Parks Arts and Recreation Commission presented their 2025 work plans, which the council approved.