Bloomington to close Main Avenue block for downtown streetscape; resident asks city to ensure state repairs West Washington damage

Deputy City Manager Thias told the Bloomington City Council on June 22 that a temporary closure at Main Avenue will begin the next day to accommodate utility work associated with the downtown streetscape project, but said cars will still be able to pass by turning right into the 300 block.

During public comment, Jerry Stevens identified himself and urged the council to require that the state repair a deepening dip on West Washington Street near the Norfolk Southern tracks caused, he said, by trucks hauling dirt from a state project. Stevens also suggested establishing paid parking on one side of downtown streets and tying prices to occupancy levels. He told the council, "I asked if anyone had talked to the state about the damage the trucks were doing to the street," and asked that the city press the state to fix damage before leaving a project.

Thias also used his report to honor local staff: he noted Assistant Chief Aaron Bierman graduated from the FBI Academy for senior law enforcement officials and Commander Todd McCluskey graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School. He announced the second year of the "Cones with Community" program to connect inspectors and staff with neighborhoods, a downtown stakeholder meeting on June 29 at the library to discuss the streetscape project, and highlighted the accomplishments and volunteer turnout at the SOAR and Special Olympics summer games.

City staff did not take immediate action on Stevens's request during the meeting; the council recorded the public comment and continued with the agenda. Deputy City Manager Thias indicated traffic will be maintained with right turns available into the 300 block during the temporary closure and that more information will be provided about the downtown schedule and stakeholder outreach.