Mayor Kruzan advocates slow, steady plans for development

Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan advocated controlling city growth in a campaign event at City Hall on Tuesday.

“A better, not bigger, philosophy is in the city’s best interest,” he said. “I’ve always favored a slow but steady approach to the physical growth of the city.”

Kruzan laid out plans to limit certain types of growth and promote others.

John Hamilton, Kruzan’s opponent in the Democratic mayoral primary, said he is
concerned that the mayor’s talk will not convert well into action.

“We all agree, I think, that good urban planning and urban growth that is consistent with the quality of life of Bloomington is important,” Hamilton said. “The mayor has put out three major statements in the last four or five weeks with literally dozens of priorities, and I think the key is that speeches don’t make things happen and that you have to get results.”

KRUZAN’S GROWTH PLAN:

BE WILLING TO SAY “NO” TO DEVELOPERS: Kruzan said he has stood in the way of development he felt was not in line with the city’s priorities before and that he will continue to do so.

MAINTAIN CONTROL OF GROWTH IN I-69 AREAS: “The state controls those corridors, but the city controls the zoning for areas surrounding those corridors,” Kruzan said. “The city has done a pretty good job preparing for that growth.”

INCENTIVIZE GREEN BUILDING: Kruzan said Tuesday and at the State of the City Address on March 1 that he plans to amend the Unified Development Ordinance to promote green building practices and urban agriculture.

PROMOTE AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Kruzan wants more affordable housing projects and senior housing in the downtown area. He said this type of housing, as well as student housing, should be close to public transportation, schools and other city services.

LIMIT ANNEXATION: Kruzan said the city’s limits should not expand for the sake of expansion. “City government shouldn’t dilute services to existing city residents by adding more territory,” he said.