Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton says annexation is not always controversial, rather it is a natural part of a city’s growth. Bloomington expanded its boundaries hundreds of times prior to 2004, but this year’s annexation will be the first in 17 years.
“It is a larger than average annexation because we are playing that catchup,” Hamilton said on Friday’s Noon Edition broadcast.
The mayor attempted to expand Bloomington’s boundaries in 2017 but was interrupted by state legislative action. Hamilton called that action both rude and illegal.
“I feel very strongly in home rule,” said Susan Sandberg, at-large member of the Bloomington City Council. “And I feel that many times the Indiana General Assembly will interfere with a city’s right to govern their city the way that the values of their community align.”
Sandberg says annexation is a long and emotional process. She supports its legality but says Hamilton’s current plan is too large.
“I think annexation should be done gradually, incrementally, and more collaboratively to ensure the goodwill of the governed,” she said.
She says it is important to listen to the concerns of current city residents as well as those facing annexation.
“These are not going to be easy decisions we have in front of us,” Sandberg said.
The city council is scheduled to vote on the final proposal Sept. 15.
