Council focuses on Southeast

Soon Bloomington might see restaurants, offices, retail space and a bank on Bloomington's southeast side. Wednesday night at Bloomington City Council several ordinances were read for first reading, including an ordinance to amend the Preliminary Plan for the Century Village 2. \nBloomington's Century Village, located on the corner of Third street and South State Road 446, currently contains the Century Suites Hotel, Chapman's restaurant, and the Bill C. Brown offices. According to developer Brown's preliminary plans, the city will expand Century Village from 6.2 acres to 13.7 acres, modify standards and add to the list of permitted uses. It will also include the construction of bicycle and pedestrian pathways along with increased access to the development. Thirty-four percent of the development will include green space and other open areas. The commission found the project was an expansion of an existing successful commercial development. \n"This is a good use of the area," Councilman Dave Rollo said. Rollo said he believes this development will serve as a gathering place for citizens that live nearby to shop and eat.\nThe development is located within Lake Monroe's water shed renewal where ground and surface water were a concern. However, the plan calls for the capture of water through a bio-filtration system. Rollo said he believes this is a good way to treat the water. \nDesign standards were also an important issue. Rollo said he wants to make sure the plan stays with the existing 'Colonial' or 'Williamsburg' style. The current plan will carry the style to the newly developed areas by including sides made of brick, wood lap and steep roofs shingled with cedar shake.\nAlso up for first reading was IU's petition to vacate a 12-foot alley running between the Wylie House and Wylie House annex on the 300 block of East Second St. in order to demolish the annex and build a new administrative and learning center. Utilities including gas, electric, phone and cable currently exist in the alley, but IU officials will grant the companies access to serve existing infrastructures.\nThe new building will be located along the alley and resemble an old carriage house that used to accompany the house. It will offer a place for clubs and organizations to meet as well as help revitalize the site by complementing its historic characteristics.\nThe City Council is expected to vote on these matters at next week's meeting.\nIn addition to several ordinances, Councilman Mike Diekhoff's resolution passed 9-0 in support of Downtown Bloomington's application for the 2005 Great American Main Street Award. This award is offered by the National Main Street Center and recognizes cities that have shown extraordinary success in revitalizing their downtowns. If Bloomington receives the award they will be awarded $2,500 for further revitalization.\n-- Contact staff writer Jill Brooks at jimbrook@indiana.edu.