Habitat for Humanity building questioned in council

The Bloomington City Council had a second reading for the approval of a Habitat for Humanity neighborhood that has faced questioning by residents living near the planned construction.

Plans for the neighborhood place it in the northwest corner of Bloomington near Ernest D. Butler Park, commonly called Ninth Street Park. Council members, on behalf of residents, expressed concern about environmental safety and beauty as well as the quality of the planned homes and their effect on property values.

A third reading of the development plan will take place March 26.

Council members asked about the results of environmental studies of PCBs — an environmentally degrading chemical — in the planned area’s soil. Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County CEO Kerry Thomson firmly said the areas planned for construction were clear of contamination.

“We have tested. There are no PCBs on site,” Thomson said. “It is clean to the standards for residential inhabitants.”

Two sites, including under the railroad ties and foundations, were not yet tested but those were not areas where people would be living, she said.

Other residents were concerned about how the new development would affect the view and experience on the B-line Trail. One resident during public comment called that area of the trail an “island of beauty” that deserved to be somehow preserved, even as the development progressed.

“Part of the enjoyment of the woods is walking the B-line and enjoying the wooded atmosphere,” Thomson said. “The woods won’t be fenced or anything, so people can still enjoy them if they wish.”

Demographics of the incoming homeowners were also discussed. Some residents said they felt low income people were more prone to move around, and were concerned about potential affects to schools in the area.

Habitat for Humanity families are a spectrum of ages and backgrounds, Thomson said, but overall the homeowners would move in and stay in their new homes.

“It’s our dream to end poverty for these families,” she said. “When you don’t have to think about moving, you can get involved in your community, lead scout troops, get promotions and lead a better life.”