The Bloomington City Council narrowly passed an ordinance last night that would close Kirkwood Avenue to traffic every April through November, beginning next year.

Kirkwood had been seasonally closed to traffic from 2020-2025, but city officials opted to end the program this year in favor of a parklet model.

But by a 5-4 vote, the council codified the annual street closures. Mayor Kerry Thomson has 10 days to sign or veto the ordinance. Thomson has been against closing Kirkwood to traffic. It would take six votes by the council to override a veto.

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Numerous residents and businesses spoke during the nearly five-hour meeting, both in favor of and against the ordinance.

John Santos, the owner of Dagwood’s Deli on Indiana Avenue, questioned the timing of the closures.

“You’re closing Kirkwood during the time Bloomington has the least amount of pedestrians and the least amount of traffic, and the least amount of people,” he said.

Councilman Matt Flaherty was one of the five who voted for the ordinance.

“We have a unique and really special opportunity between the courthouse square and the Sample Gates to design a shared street, and to have that street be pedestrian-focused for much of the year,” he said.

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If enacted, Kirkwood would be closed April 1-Nov. 15 yearly to traffic between Indiana Avenue and Walnut Street. The plan would take effect in 2027 after the Kirkwood study and deliberation sessions.

Councilmembers Isak Asare, Courtney Daily, Matt Flaherty, Dave Rollo, and Kate Rosenbarger voted yes. Isabel Piedmont-Smith, Andy Ruff, Hopi Stosberg, and Sydney Zulich voted no.

The vote comes after the city’s transportation commission adopted the ordinance Monday, rejecting the city administration’s negative recommendation.

City communications director Desiree DeMolina said Thomson is reviewing the ordinance, available options, and the impacts of any decision.

“Thomson’s commitment is to work toward a Kirkwood that is not simply codified, but planned with the care, investment, and community confidence needed to succeed,” she said in a statement.

DeMolina said important questions remain.