Board approves variances to allow temporary access and future trail at Brown’s Woods for cleanup and safety

The Bloomington Board of Zoning Appeals on Dec. 18 granted variances requested by the Parks & Recreation Department to allow temporary vehicle access and later construction of a natural hiking trail at Brown’s Woods, a 10.9‑acre conservation parcel managed by the parks department.

Zoning planner David Brentez summarized the proposal and staff findings, explaining that limited disturbance within riparian buffer zones, karst‑sensitive areas and steep slopes was necessary because the property otherwise has no practical vehicular access from South Basswood Drive. Brentez said the petitioner proposes two culverts (10 feet long and 4 feet in diameter) to pass an intermittent stream and would restore any portion of the vehicle route not used by the final trail.

Rebecca Swift, operations and development director for Bloomington Parks & Recreation, told the board the department would not undertake disturbance lightly and that the access is needed to address public‑safety concerns and to allow crews to remove encampment debris and stabilize the site. Swift said the department plans to restore disturbed areas and build a sustainable 6‑ft natural surface trail with switchbacks for hikers after cleanup is complete.

Staff found the proposed disturbance would not be injurious to adjacent properties provided the conditions and mitigation measures in the staff report are followed, including erosion control and vegetation protection during construction. No members of the public spoke in chambers or online for this item.

A board member moved to approve the variances with the conditions in the staff report; the motion passed by roll call and the petition was granted.