ellettsville

The Monroe County commissioners held a listening session over the weekend to hear feedback and take questions about the possibility of building a new justice center on Vernal Pike.

Commissioner Julie Thomas said the county needs to construct a new jail to replace its aging downtown facility as well as co-locate judicial services to the same site.

Ellettsville's population has increased approximately 31.5 percent since 2000. Bloomington’s population has increased by about only 14.4 percent since 2000.

Speaking at the County Council meeting Tuesday night, the president of the Bloomington Chamber read a letter promoting the purchase of private property at 3241 W. Woodyard Road, on the northwest side of the city.

The UDO, which was created to update the town’s zoning districts, increase residential density and improve aesthetics, included a controversial regulation on signs and flags.

The Bloomington-Monroe County Metropolitan Planning Organization is gathering public input on the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan for the Bloomington metropolitan area.

Members of the Monroe County Board of Commissioners insist the new justice facility is necessary because conditions in the current jail in downtown Bloomington pose risks to detainees and guards alike.

The Ellettsville Town Council is extending funding to allow Rural Transit to continue normal service in Monroe County through year’s end.

The Ellettsville Town Council is offering to help fund Rural Transit past the end of March.

The Ellettsville Town Council says it will help Monroe County fund Rural Transit for part of 2024 to ensure riders can receive regular service in the immediate future.