Some land considered part of Bloomington’s convention center campus will soon be owned by the Capital Improvement Board.
The CIB approved the land transfer request from the city’s redevelopment commission and county council at Wednesday’s monthly meeting.
The transfer includes the south parcel where Seminary Pointe and Friendly Beasts Cidery are located. It also includes the parking lots west and south of the Marriott Courtyard hotel.
It does not include the former Bunger and Robertson or College Square property north of the convention center.
The city requested compensation for that site last year during negotiations for the host hotel.
CIB President John Whikehart said he’s asking the city to hold off on any public offers of the College Square property for 30 days as the CIB renegotiates.
“But now with the transfer of land from the county, the CIB is for the first time in a position to make its own offer on the College Square site,” Whikehart said.
In a letter to city officials, the CIB is offering a land exchange for the south parcels.
“We are hopeful that the city may find the parcels south to 2nd Street an attractive option for its stated goals, be that affordable housing or any other beneficial public purpose,” Whikehart said.
The land was bought from the county Innkeeper’s Tax for future tourism use. The south parcels include residential and retail tenants who were told their leases would end July 7.
Read more: Convention center hotel saga illuminates city’s affordable rent issue
It prompted strong reactions at county meetings regarding affordable housing and lack of communication.
The CIB is currently seeking a host hotel and parking options as part of the conference center expansion.
