Bloomington reacts to I-69 decision

The reaction to I-69 has been mixed in Bloomington since Gov. Frank O'Bannon's announcement Thursday, and on campus the students and faculty have been the same. Some people are for the plan; some are vehemently against it. \nSenior Terry Record, chairman for the Students for I-69 foundation committee, said he thinks I-69 will benefit IU both economically and socially. He said the interstate will return $1.40 for every dollar invested in the project over the first few decades. \n"The stronger the economy, the more assistance IU receives from the state," he said. "This will mean lower tuition over the long run."\nHe also said an interstate in Bloomington will open the vast treasures of southern Indiana to IU students, instead of being limited to just Bloomington and Indianapolis for off-campus recreation. He said students could travel much easier once the interstate is built, listing places like Marengo Caves in Marengo, Ind. and Holiday World theme park in Santa Claus, Ind. \nBut other students don't have the same feeling, and they have expressed their displeasure.\nAt a rally Friday in City Hall, sophomore Karin Kvale held a sign against I-69 while other protesters spoke to the crowd. She said she doesn't see any benefits to the interstate.\n"I think the quality of life would be hurt more than anything," she said.\nBloomington has been Kvale's home her entire life, and she said she doesn't want her city to turn into an "interstate town."\n"I know what we have here is special, and I'd like to work to stop I-69 and keep it that way," she said.\nKvale's main goal is to stop the interstate from being built, but she said she does see a benefit for students. \n"There will be a creation of low-paying jobs, like part-time jobs," she said. "I've driven a lot of interstates, and I see a lot of chain stores, so those are the jobs that would most likely come here. But it's the environmental losses that would outweigh any others."\nDebbie Wright, an employee at the IU Bookstore, lives on the south side of Bloomington, near where the interstate will turn west and split from Indiana 37. She said she won't mind the construction near her home. \n"It's been a long time coming, and it's a good thing," she said. "At least they have a plan, and that's what you need to start with"