Monroe County residents oppose local sections of I-69 Project

Named the Interstate 69 Project, the state-wide construction plan would expand I-69 to connect Evansville and Indianapolis, a project that has left many Bloomington residents uneasy.

Section 4 of the I-69 development was planned to intersect parts of SR 37, as well as impede some roads in Bloomington and Ellettsville during its construction.

The new section would ultimately provide a route linking Bloomington to Evansville.
The resolution stated the low cost of the construction would mean lower safety standards and longer commute times for the citizens of Monroe County.

One by one, residents of Monroe County shared their fears of a major highway obstructing their homes and lives at the County Commission meeting Friday.

Clark Sorensen started the group Against I-69 to gather nonsupporters of the project.

“I formed it to get people angry and to get them to do something. It’s not too late to stop I-69 from coming to Monroe County,” said Clark Sorensen.

Eager to express their opposition, some residents commented before the announcement of a resolution regarding the construction.

As Commissioner Mark Stoops announced Resolution 2010-34, the tense feeling in the room began to subside.

The resolution positioned the Monroe County Board of Commissioners against Section 4 of the proposed I-69 construction.

The board said many local roads could be closed, disrupting traffic patterns in the southern part of the county.

Residents of many communities, including Indian Creek Township, Stanford and Bloomington expressed their support of the board’s decision to oppose Section 4 with stories about effects they had foreseen within their communities.

Rolling Glen resident Jody Madeira stood behind the podium facing the commissioners, vehemently opposing the construction of the interstate. It would have a negative effect on the community’s air quality, natural environment and children, Madeira said. 

There are also no policies in place to resolve the issue of noise reduction for those whose homes will be bordered by the proposed section of the interstate, Madeira said.

Other residents of Monroe County applauded the commissioners’ decision but also begged more be done to show the state of Indiana the large amount of opposition within Monroe County.

Local communities have not felt empowered in the struggle against the I-69 construction, Stanford, Ind. resident Brian Garvey said.

“It’s not just about the people in the path, it’s about the whole community,” Garvey said.