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Sidewalk committee recommends $500,000 alternative-transportation allocation, sets $60,000 for North Jefferson sidewalk
Summary
Bloomington’s Sidewalk Committee voted 4–0 to recommend that the full Common Council approve a $500,000 alternative transportation allocation for 2026, including $60,000 toward North Jefferson Street sidewalk work and a broad line-item for Safe Streets priority projects; the committee also approved a prioritized project list and limited chair authority for minor reallocations.
The Bloomington City Sidewalk Committee voted unanimously Dec. 9 to recommend that the Common Council approve a $500,000 allocation from the alternative transportation fund for 2026, with $60,000 earmarked for the North Jefferson Street sidewalk and the remainder directed to a broad “Safe Streets priority projects” line item.
Hank Duncan, the city’s Safe Streets program manager, told the committee the 2025 program previously allocated about $300,000 for repaving‑coordination projects (bump‑outs and crosswalk improvements on East 2nd Street at Dunn, Grant and Lincoln) and that one pedestrian refuge island on East Rogers Road had already been constructed through coordination with street maintenance. On the North Jefferson project, Duncan said the estimated construction cost had been about $300,000, recent bids came in lower and the actual low bid was roughly $238,000; prior council allocations and additional recommended funds would bring the project substantially closer to full funding.
During discussion, members asked how projects on the Safe Streets priority network will be selected. Staff said projects will be chosen based on a balance of efficiency, feasibility and priority, and that coordination with other projects (for example, city repaving or Indiana University maintenance schedules) can yield cost savings. Staff also clarified these committee funds are intended to supplement pedestrian elements where appropriate, not to replace primary funding for major capital projects.
Committee members asked for a midyear report on how council funds are being allocated; staff agreed to provide an update in early June. The committee also voted to approve a prioritized order for the approved project list (1. North Jefferson Street sidewalk, 2. Safe Streets priority projects, 3. change‑order allowance) and to authorize the chair to work with staff on minor funding shifts if needed. The committee recorded four “yes” votes (Andy Roth, Sydney Soulek, Isabelle Pete Monoclek, Kate Rosenbarger) and no dissenters; no public comment was recorded.
The committee emphasized ongoing coordination needs for projects on state‑owned corridors. Staff said intersections under Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) jurisdiction — for example the State Road 4546 / North Kinzer location discussed at the meeting — require coordination with INDOT and state legislators for substantial changes.
The committee’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Common Council, which will consider the formal appropriation and any ordinance or resolution needed to authorize construction contracts.
