Correction: A previous vesion of this article incorrectly stated the project was approved by the City's arts commission. That commission weighed in, but did not formally approve the project.
The City’s Board of Public Works will consider for the third time the controversial Bloomington gateway monolith project for a vote Tuesday.
Board members twice postponed voting on a lane and sidewalk closure request for the project following public outcry. It appears on the board’s Tuesday meeting agenda again.
If the board votes Tuesday, the meeting could be the last chance residents have to comment on the project in a public forum.
Read more: City leaders, pedestrians seek bike safety solutions for mixed-use paths
Many members of the public have criticized the project, saying it costs too much and has little utility.
Some also have taken to social media to rally against it. Council members Dave Rollo and Susan Sandberg are listed as members of a group organizing against the project.
A protest of the project is planned for 4:45 p.m. Tuesday outside city hall. That’s ahead of the 5:30 p.m. public works board meeting in city council chambers.
Read more: Construction work on Trades District tech center to begin next week
The $1.1 million project was greenlit by the city council in 2018 as part of the city’s bicentennial bonds. The plans were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City plans to erect the 40-foot monolith at the north end of Miller-Showers Park to welcome people to Bloomington.
Mayor John Hamilton says the monolith itself is already built, or close to being finished. The project already went through the City’s arts commission and parks department.
