The Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority approved a 12-month loan forbearance for Bloomington Family Townhomes and allocated federal grant funds to three nonprofit organizations during its October 28 meeting.

The board unanimously approved forbearance on a $406,000 loan to Bloomington Family Townhomes Limited Partnership, pushing the December 1 maturity date to 2026. The property, which includes 20 affordable housing units at scattered sites, serves households earning well below 30% of area median income despite being restricted to 60% AMI levels. Common Bond, the property owner, is pursuing $1.4 million in rehabilitation funding and requested the forbearance to allow time for improvements and financial repositioning.

The authority also approved $50,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding for three organizations. Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People received $30,000 for emergency rental assistance, Housing Link received $10,030 for fair housing education tools, and Senior Community Services received $9,970 for household maintenance programs serving low-income seniors. Staff indicated they plan to return with an amendment to increase Senior Community Services' funding by $10,000.

Commissioners engaged in extensive discussion about the 2026 budget and final levy amount, with members split between maximizing the levy at $3.2 million versus setting it at $2.7 million. The debate centered on preparing for potential federal funding cuts while balancing taxpayer burden. The preliminary levy was set at the maximum amount in August, but commissioners can decrease it at the November 25 meeting.

The board also approved new legal counsel agreements with Kennedy and Graven for general counsel and Cutup Rock for special counsel, and authorized a property transfer for Portland Commons/Hayden Grove senior living facility.