Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton is recommending northernmost parcel Area 7, not be considered for annexation.
In a news release Tuesday, Hamilton said the decision is based on resident input after consulting with city staff and city council members.
“Located alongside our city’s northward corridor, Area 7 seems to offer gateway potential,” Hamilton said. “But additional details from residents, Council members, and facts on the ground clarify its limited prospects for development.”
Hamilton wa s proposing annexing 9,200 acres and 14,300 people into city limits by 2024. He said the city needs to catch up or it’ll always be behind. The city’s last annexation took place in 2004.
READ MORE: Bloomington's Annexation Proposal A Hard Sell For Some Non-City Residents
Area 7 was proposed for annexation due to its economic development potential as a city gateway next to Interstate 69. The area is 896 acres with 115 residents.
The release said settlement patterns, topography, and land use challenges limit the area’s development.
“We’ll continue to work with Council members and the public through the annexation process to right-size the city, so that our greater community can thrive well into the future,” Hamilton said.
Council voted to reconvene the public hearing to Wednesday at 6 p.m. after last week’s hearing ended hours earlier than scheduled. Council will also begin to discuss amendments to the annexation ordinances.
Proposed annexation areas could change after city council votes to accept, limit, or revoke the proposed boundaries for any of the other seven areas during proceedings on September 15.
The city is also hosting virtual office hours Thursday, August 12 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and Thursday, August 19 from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.
