Bloomington's big bucks boost is all set to kick into high gear as the city gears up to renovate beloved community spots and sheaths its green spaces in fresh care, thanks to the recently approved sales tax bump. Mayor Tim Busse detailed the roll-out of the $155 million investment funded by the new half-percent sales tax that got Bloomington voters' thumbs up in the 2023 elections. The cash infusion is pegged for a revamp of the Bloomington Ice Garden, the birth of a new community health and wellness center, and sprucing up the Nine Mile Creek corridor, along with Moir and Central Parks.
Breaking down the blueprint, Mayor Busse said the tax uptick could be in play by April Fool's Day, sans the jokes. But first up on the docket is the Bloomington Ice Garden, set to commence construction come spring 2025. The whole kit and caboodle's expected to wrap by year's end, ideally unfurling the "Welcome Back" mat just in time for hockey season, according to a recent mayoral memo.
Not to play second fiddle, the community health and wellness center is also bracing for a glow-up. With funding no longer in limbo, the city's raring to dig into detailed planning and development. The big kahuna is ensuring that Creekside services continue unfettered amidst the forthcoming construction chaos. Resident input is top of mind for City Hall, with a solid stretch of community engagement sessions slated for 2024. If all goes according to plan, the wellness hub's doors could swing open by 2027.
Meanwhile, Nine Mile Creek corridor's facelift hinges on the public's perspective, especially the conundrum over bike paths potentially denting its tranquil vibe. Local leaders are eyeballing early next year to launch those heart-to-hearts with the populace. "The biggest issue we heard related to this project was the presence of bikes and whether there would be bike paths added in the Nine Mile Creek corridor. The concerns are maintaining the serenity of the corridor and protecting the natural areas," Busse's memo highlighted.
