The City of Bloomington is putting a spotlight on Hopewell and sparking a dialogue on innovative approaches to neighborhood development that could shape the face of housing attainability. Scheduled for February 12, "Cultivating Neighborhoods & the Small-Scale Development Movement" is a free public event aiming to educate the community about new methods of fostering growth that align with the city's values. The occasion will take place at Bloomington City Hall from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
In an effort to address the pressing need for diverse housing options, Bloomington, recognized as Indiana's most housing cost-burdened metro area, is exploring small-scale, incremental developments as a means to make housing more accessible. Mayor Kerry Thomson underscored the city's housing challenges, stating, “Bloomington needs more housing, of all shapes and sizes, for more people,” according to a recent release. Hopewell represents a testing ground for alternative neighborhood growth strategies that could influence future city-wide initiatives.
Last June, Bloomington chose to pass on traditional development proposals, instead partnering with Flintlock LAB to devise an alternative framework for Hopewell. This framework includes a series of innovative measures aimed at simplifying the building process. Pre-approved designs aim to streamline permitting, while local builder and vendor involvement, a mixture of attainable and market-rate housing, and educational opportunities for burgeoning developers are all part of the city’s holistic approach to development reform.
The lecture slated for February 12 will be given by Eric Kronberg, an IncDev faculty member and principal of Kronberg Urbanists + Architects. Kronberg, known for his expertise in navigating zoning and development regulations, will lead discussions on the principles of small-scale and incremental development, and the application of these principles at Hopewell. "Hopewell is our opportunity to rethink how neighborhoods grow in ways that are more attainable, more local, and more reflective of who we are as a community,” remarked Mayor Kerry Thomson. Participants are encouraged to register beforehand, as space will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and time has been reserved after the lecture for questions and discussions.
The event is organized in partnership with the Incremental Development Alliance, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting small-scale developers focused on community-oriented projects. The Alliance is known for its workshops and educational programs that have guided over 10,000 alumni across 33 states in the finer points of small-scale development. As Bloomington grapples with the evolving landscape of urban growth and housing demand, Hopewell stands as a beacon of potential transformation under the city’s pilot model.
