Dividing the neighborhood

An area between Hillside and Grant streets, just west of Henderson Street, is slated to become the site of 32 family homes and 30 multi-family units. The developers, Tim Henke and Steve Smith, want to provide what will be mostly rental housing, although there might be an option for new homeowners to move into this neighborhood. Homeowners already in this area have voiced concerns that the new development will be intrusive and create several problems such as drainage, density and increased traffic. The area is already a mix of renters and owners, and being close to Bryan Park is especially attractive to students. \n The residents have a right to be outraged, as such expansion directly affects their permanent domiciles. However, renters -- most, of course, being college students -- bring much money to this city.\n Niccolo Machiavelli states that the reason for the creation of any city is that smaller units of individuals cannot survive by themselves and must band together. Thus, the renters need the homeowners and the homeowners need the renters. \nThe key to this issue is balance. \nThe plan is not for some enormous housing project dropped in the middle of these homes, but one where tenants might have the option of purchasing, especially if apartments are built above these homes. These apartments, referred to as "granny flats," could allow new homeowners to offset some of their mortgage payments. On the other hand, it could increase the density to unacceptable and possibly hazardous levels. \nThe Bloomington Plan Commission is reluctant to accept these unless they are necessary. \nThe developers are using a method called "new urbanism." In this case, driveways and parking would be moved to the back of the buildings and porches placed in front. The goal of this new technique is to create neighborhoods one can walk through, rather than large developments connected to streets that may be hostile to pedestrians. \nTo a possible new homeowner, this sounds very reasonable. The safety implied and the range of housing options available is the balance needed for a project like this. \nIf it is to happen, however, lines of communication must be completely open. Not only this, but the parties need to be open-minded as well. It is very likely that the development will take place. In order to reach an accord, sacrifices will have to be made on both sides. It is understandable that residents don't want college kids in their neighborhood being loud all night and encroaching upon their territory, but it is possible to avoid this by making prospective tenants understand the neighborhood they want to live in. \nWe believe it is possible for this development to take place and for agreeable terms to be reached on both sides. In order for this to happen, however, all sides must be flexible. In the words of unlikely philosopher, Bruce Lee: \n"This bamboo is longer, more flexible and very much alive. And when your flashy routine cannot keep up with the speed and elusiveness of this thing here, all I can say is that you will be in deep trouble." \n-- Ibrahim Illyas for the Editorial Board