Mayor Kerry Thomson made headlines following a contentious City Council meeting where a vote on the Hopewell South Planned Unit Development (PUD) at the former IU Health hospital site was stalled on procedural grounds. In the wake of the February 18, 2026, meeting that left the housing project in limbo, the mayor released a statement emphasizing the impact this decision may have on Bloomington's housing crisis. "Time and delay carry real financial consequences," Thomson underscored, pointing out the cost that each postponement adds to the project, potentially obstructing the path to more affordable housing options.
The planned Hopewell South PUD aims to transform the locale into a mixed-income neighborhood with various housing types, seemingly a far cry from current zoning allowances. The mayor highlighted that, under present regulations, only about 28 homes would be built, averaging an estimated $425,000 each. In contrast, the PUD proposes roughly 100 homes, with "modeled averages closer to $270,000," potentially making affordable housing a more attainable dream for many. This stark difference is attributed to the smaller lots and shared infrastructure that the PUD presents, in a design meant to reflect Bloomington’s character and stretch dollars further for homebuyers, according to a statement obtained by Bloomington.in.gov.
Despite the project's master planning having begun in 2017 and the proposal receiving a unanimous positive recommendation from the Plan Commission following extensive public engagement and professional review, procedural concerns prevented the ordinance from being introduced for debate at the City Council. Mayor Thomson expressed frustration over this hurdle, stating, "Process matters, but so does progress. Process is not an outcome." The mayor's statement, acquired by Bloomington.in.gov, emphasized the urgency with which the community’s elected officials must act to face the housing crisis head-on.
Looking ahead, Mayor Thomson remains committed to the housing venture and has announced that the ordinance is scheduled to return to the Council on March 4 for first reading. In the meantime, the mayor is advocating for the involvement of residents and builders, urging those invested in diversifying housing options to join the conversation and lend their support. "We are in a housing crisis, and the community should demand that its elected officials respond with urgency," she said, as noted in the statement. The administration is clear on its stance, determined to navigate through the city's bureaucratic process to fulfill the housing needs of Bloomington's residents.
