Bloomington sets date for data center discussion; council disagrees over streetscape change

The City of Bloomington is organizing a community discussion on data centers set for Wednesday, May 6, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. Mayor Dan Brady announced the forum, stating it aims to provide knowledge about data centers from neutral individuals, although specific speakers are yet to be announced. Despite city leaders, including council member Abby Scott, denying any current plans for data center construction within the city, community concerns persist. Separately, during the same city council meeting, a measure was approved 6-2 to remove a planned flex lane on North Main Street in Downtown Bloomington, replacing it with permanent parking and loading zones. This decision, opposed by council members Mollie Ward and Jenna Kearns, prioritizes business needs for parking over bicycle accessibility. The council also unanimously voted to merge the Welcoming America Commission with the Human Relations Commission due to quorum issues with the former. Additionally, a citywide ordinance was adopted to update fees and licensing for festivals, and a joint funding agreement with the U.S. Department of the Interior for water resource investigations, including stream gaging on the Mackinaw River, was approved.