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Council OKs redevelopment deal with Lifelong Access to secure surface parking and a green space downtown
Summary
Bloomington approved a redevelopment agreement with Lifelong Access to buy surface lots north of the former Panagraph building, add roughly 213–310 nearby parking spaces including Market Street spots, and grant Lifelong long-term access to the Elks lot (staff said lease language will include flexibility). Jefferson Street closure still requires IDOT approval.
The Bloomington City Council approved an ordinance authorizing a redevelopment agreement with Lifelong Access that aims to secure downtown parking to support a proposed Lifelong services campus.
Deputy City Manager Billy Tayas and Director Kelly Pfeiffer described the agreement: the city would acquire the lot north of the former Panagraph building (about 77 spaces) and an adjacent lot (about 40 spaces), add 96 spaces at the Market Street site and retain parking revenues. Staff said, when combined with other front-and-center parking, the corridor would have roughly 310 spaces in and around the area, though some spaces will be designated for Lifelong Access and Connect Transit at specific times.
The package would also create a green/park space used primarily by Lifelong during daytime hours and by the general public at other times. Staff said some on-site improvements would be publicly owned after construction. The agreement contemplates a long-term lease (discussed as a 99-year term) for the former Elks lot that would allow arena access after hours; staff and the Lifelong representative said the lease will include flexibility should alternative parking options become available in the future.
Kelly Pfeiffer stressed that the Jefferson Street closure remains subject to Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) approval and additional council consideration. Council members asked about sidewalk widths near proposed angled parking on Roosevelt Street, bus access for the regional alternative school, and safety; staff said internal engineering and public-works teams reviewed plans and would follow up with specific sidewalk measurements.
A representative of Lifelong Access and City Manager Jurgens said Lifelong has worked cooperatively with city staff, that the organization is planning for the long term and that the 99-year term structure provides commitment while allowing flexibility during future redevelopment.
Council member Hendrix moved to approve the ordinance, the motion was seconded and the electronic vote passed; the clerk announced the item passed. Council said staff will finalize lease language and post-approval implementation details.
The agreement is intended to provide interim and long-term parking capacity for downtown development and the proposed Lifelong services campus while the city and partners pursue longer-term transit and garage solutions.
