Bloomington Residents Voice Concerns Over Community Health and Wellness Center Project
- Meeting Overview:
During the recent Bloomington City Council meeting, residents raised concerns regarding the ongoing Community Health and Wellness Center project. Key issues highlighted were construction disruptions and communication failures by city staff. Residents reported violations of agreed-upon construction protocols, such as heavy machinery idling on Newton Avenue before 7 a.m., contrary to promises that Pen Avenue would serve as the primary entrance. Additionally, input from the community on traffic mitigation solutions appears to have been disregarded or mishandled by city officials.
Elizabeth Camron, a resident, detailed several grievances, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established protocols to minimize disruptions. She noted instances where heavy vehicles blocked driveways and trash cans, creating practical inconveniences for residents. Camron also pointed out that staff had not effectively communicated with residents or incorporated their feedback on noise and light mitigation strategies, despite evidence-based studies provided by the community.
Another point of contention was the proposal to add a sidewalk on Newton Avenue, which residents ranked as their least preferred option. Concerns included the potential removal of mature trees and increased noise and foot traffic. The lack of a clear budget for mitigation measures and the possibility of homeowners bearing the costs out of pocket added to residents’ frustrations.
Council members acknowledged these concerns, with discussions focusing on the need to review policies regarding city contributions to mitigation costs. The suggestion to add sidewalks was clarified as part of a broader city policy to incorporate sidewalks during street construction projects. However, residents were assured that their feedback would be reviewed, particularly regarding the environmental and aesthetic impacts of such developments.
Tim Busse
City Council Officials:
Dwayne Lowman, Shawn Nelson, Lona Dallessandro, Victor Rivas, Jenna Carter, Chao Moua
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
10/13/2025
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Recording Published:
10/14/2025
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Duration:
16 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Hennepin County
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Towns:
Bloomington
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