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Board sets hotel RFP schedule as public commenters urge delay and alternative site proposals
Summary
The board set a schedule for hotel RFP responses (due June 30) and interviews (July 8), while public commenters representing Bloomington Homes for All and local unions urged delay and asked the CIB to submit alternative proposals to preserve Seminary Point affordable housing or to pursue College Square.
The CIB reviewed and approved a hotel RFP schedule that sets responses due June 30, a special meeting July 1 to review submissions, interviews July 8, and a recommendation to the board at the regular July 15 meeting. The evaluation group will include CIB members, JS Held, a hotel consultant, and advisory members from the CBC and Visit Bloomington.
During the public comment period, Mr. Green representing Bloomington DSA and Bloomington Homes for All asked the board to "delay the decision on Seminary Point" and urged the CIB to submit a proposal to the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) for College Square, which he and his group described as a more appropriate host‑hotel site that could preserve affordable housing. He said organizers would present a detailed 25‑page business plan and lender interest in a public meeting June 20.
Matthew Joseph, part of Homes for All’s business and financial team, reiterated the request to submit a College Square proposal and delay demolition so the RDC's RFP process can consider subsidized preservation of Seminary Point affordable housing. He said RDC members would attend the June 20 public presentation.
Jacob Lis, president of IATSE Local 618, urged the board to engage the union about staffing event AV and stagehand needs locally and to consider labor agreements that could support larger events.
Board members did not take action on the public requests at this meeting; the board retained the RFP schedule and asked staff to follow the planned timeline.
