City Council votes to support Bloomington Cohousing

The Bloomington City Council recommended passing a proposal to re-zone a few acres of residential single-family housing into a planned unit development for Bloomington Cohousing Wednesday night.

However, they are struggling with the lack of emergency vehicle access to the area. The property, on 2.5 of acres at the end of South Maxwell Street, does not have a connecting road to Highland Drive through Short Street.

The city planning department and plan commission suggested creating another road to connect the two. However, the estimated cost of linking the two ends is $39,500, and it is not covered by the city.

At first, Bloomington Cohousing was not in favor of creating a road, but it is supportive of the idea of an alleyway without curbs or sidewalks.

Cohousing calls itself "intentional" housing with private houses but shared facilities. The project includes building 22 single-family homes, a common house, barn, garden, shared parking area and guest house.

Despite the road debacle, the council was in favor of the project. Council member Dave Rollo said he sees this as housing of the future.

Council members Susan Sandberg, Steve Volan, Martin Spechler, Dave Rollo and Andy Ruff voted yes, and council members Tim Mayer, Chris Sturbaum and Dorothy Granger passed. Council member Darryl Neher was absent.

Sarah Zinn