McDoel Gardens divided on issue

James R. Davis has lived in the McDoel Gardens neighborhood for much of his life.\nHis parents built a house there decades ago, and he now owns a his own home there. \nHe's paid his taxes and filed all the paperwork with the city whenever he's wanted to make exterior renovations, and he's worried that the property will soon be subject to another level of bureaucracy. \nBut he doesn't have much to worry about.\nThe controversial proposal to make McDoel a historic conservation district will likely die at the hands of the city council as a preliminary vote showed the council leaned toward voting against it.\nThe designation would impose limitations on construction in the neighborhood, especially demolition and relocation. Those who would want to make changes would have to seek permits from the Bloomington Historical Preservation Commission as well as the city.\nDavis said he doesn't think it will be of much use.\n"They built a house that was later converted into a duplex," he said. "That's explicitly against the zoning code, but they didn't bother to enforce it. I don't see how they'd enforce these new regulations they're talking about."\nIn early January, the commission passed a 5-1 vote in support of the proposal, sending it to the city council. Two members abstained because of conflicts of interest. \n"Erosion is nipping at the edge of the neighborhood, with new construction," said Ellen Sieber of the commission. "We need a tool to keep strong boundaries."\nSupporters say the special status would preserve the neighborhood and increase property value.\n"It is central to keeping the character of our neighborhood," said Robert Stark, who has lobbied for the ordinance. "We need to encourage our neighbors to invest in their property. The only people this will harm is the speculators. The people who don't want to sell their homes won't be harmed -- it's the perfect prescription."\nDetractors say the proposal would infringe on the rights of property owners.\n"I have put blood, sweat and tears into my house, the whole bit," said Roger Hayes, who gathered a petition with 177 signatures opposing the ordinance. "I've made every decision, every payment; I've put in every nut, bolt and screw. I have the right to keep control over my own property."\nMore than 20 people made public comment on the proposal at the Wednesday city council meeting, which stretched past midnight. Many spoke in favor, but most opposed the idea.\nThe council took a preliminary vote on the matter and appears as divided as the residents themselves. Four council members voted in favor, while the remaining five were either opposed or undecided.\nThe Mayor's office does not back the proposal, City Attorney Michael Flory said at the time. Final action will not be taken on the matter until the council's next meeting Feb. 7.\nOther matters on the agenda include an ordinance to approve a lease between the city and the developer of the Walnut Center garage and a request for a tax abatement to a condominium project at the corner of Ninth and Walnut Streets.\nNeither are nearly as contentious as the proposed conservation district.