Bloomington City Council: approval of downtown streetscape program and sewer replacement

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Bloomington City Council held its first meeting of April on Monday night at the government boardroom and approved phase one of the Downtown Streetscape plan.

On a fairly crowded night, four residents voiced their opinion on the approval for the phase one project for the streetscape program during the public comment portion.

Chairmen of the Ward of Directors and Vice President of Carle Health Tony Coletta was one resident who spoke during the public comment.

“Promoting downtown economic development and quality of place projects, are the key priority for the chamber. It serves the duel purpose of stimulating economic activity and a talented, attractive workforce to our community,” Colleta said.

Deputy City Manager Billy Tyus addressed the council about phase one for the streetscape program.

“Replacing combined sewers in a big part in this work. You don’t want combined sewers in downtown or any area, frankly,” Tyus said. “When you don’t have separated sewers it backs up and impacts the ability to treat it.”

Sewers along with underground drainage take most of the priority to help the flooding situation in the city.

The council had the chance to gather information until the time came to vote. A motion by Council Member Donna Boelen and seconded by Council Member Mollie Ward, set the plan to a vote. The result of 7 ayes to one nay – by Council Member Sheila Montney.

“Downtowns bring people together. We’ve seen that tonight with simply people from different walks of life speaking in favor of this plan,” Ward said.

Phase one has commenced and future plans are in order for other sessions.

Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe also recognized the week of April 7-13, 2024 to be National Library week.

Wrapping up the meeting, outgoing City Manager Tim Gleason gave a list of upcoming events in Bloomington:

• April 13 – Slow Art Day at various locations downtown from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• April 20 – Indoor Farmer’s Market at Grossinger Motor’s Arena from 9 a.m. to noon

The Bloomington City Council will meet again on April 22 at the government boardroom at 6 p.m.