Bloomington Planning Commission Considers Transforming South Loop into Walkable Urban Neighborhood

The Bloomington Planning Commission met on October 10, 2024, to discuss several initiatives, including an update to the South Loop District Plan, proposed changes to city code regarding sidewalk connections, and amendments to the zoning code.

The South Loop District Plan update was a focal point of the meeting, with the commission considering how to transform the area from a dispersed suburban commercial region into a more cohesive, walkable urban neighborhood. The plan, originally adopted in 2012, aims to guide development and capital investments through 2050, focusing on land use, transportation, parks, and economic development. With changes in demographics and real estate markets since the plan’s inception, the commission emphasized the necessity of aligning the updates with broader city planning documents and community needs.

Significant public investments, such as the construction of the Lindale Link and improvements to the Metro Transit Station at the Mall of America, were highlighted as catalysts for the area’s transformation. The commission discussed the importance of integrating these developments into the updated plan, alongside new sustainability and creative placemaking initiatives. A proactive outreach plan was outlined, including engagement with stakeholders and community events to gather input on the area’s evolution.

Despite these advancements, there was skepticism among commissioners regarding the progress made towards achieving the vision of a walkable urban area. Concerns were raised about the lack of retail options and pedestrian traffic, with one commissioner noting the area’s absence of character and identity. Suggestions included developing unique destinations, such as breweries or enhanced parks, to draw people into the South Loop.

The commission also examined the potential for leveraging local assets, such as the bluff overlooking the area, to increase the South Loop’s appeal. The lack of trail connections to Bluff Lake was seen as a barrier to attracting residents and visitors, with calls to improve access to this unique feature. Such enhancements could potentially raise rental prices and foster a more vibrant community atmosphere.

In addition to the South Loop discussion, the commission deliberated on a proposed ordinance related to sidewalk connections. The ordinance would shift the responsibility for reviewing sidewalk connection requests from the city engineer to the planning commission. While some members believed this could ensure accessibility and consistency in sidewalk development, others voiced concerns about the potential for increased financial burdens and processing delays for applicants.

The meeting also addressed safety concerns related to infrastructure projects, specifically a recent study of 102nd Avenue following the approval of a new football stadium. Commissioners expressed frustration over the timing of the safety study and its omission from prior meeting materials, emphasizing the need for continued focus on community safety amid rapid development.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Mayor:
Tim Busse
Planning Board Officials:
Aubrey Albrecht, Kevin Cunningham, Dan Curry, Abdi Isse, Phil Koktan, Jeannie McGovern, Deanna White

Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:

Trending meetings
across the country:

Meeting Date
Filter by bodytypes
Agricultural Advisory Committee
Airport Advisory Board
Art and Culture Board
Beach Committee
Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Board of Elections
Board of Health
Borough Council
Building Committee
Cannabis Control Board
Cemetery Commission
Charter Revision Commission
Child and Family Services Board
City Council
City Identity Committee
Code Enforcement Board
College Board of Trustees
Community Appearance Board
Community Preservation Committee
Community Redevelopment Agency
County Council
Disability Advisory Committee
Economic Development Board
Elderly Affairs Board
Electric Advisory Board
Environmental Commission
Financial Oversight Board
Historic Preservation Commission
Housing Authority
Human Relations Committee
Human Resources Committee
Insurance Fund
Land Use Board
Library Board
Licensing Board
Mental Health Commission
Municipal Alliance
Open Space Commission
Oversight and Review Committee
Parent Advisory Board
Parking Authority
Parks and Gardens Commission
Parks Commission
Pension Board
Planning Board
Police Review Board
Port Authority
Property Assessment Board
Public Safety Committee
Recreation Commission
Redevelopment Agency
Rent Control Board
Rent Leveling Board
School Board
Sewerage Authority
Shade Tree Commission
Special Magistrate
Taxation & Revenue Advisory Committee
Tourism Board
Trails Committee
Transportation Board
Utility Board
Value Adjustment Board
Veterans Committee
Water Control Board
Women's Advisory Committee
Youth Advisory Committee
Zoning Board
Filter by County
FL
Bay County
Bradford County
Brevard County
Broward County
Clay County
Duval County
Escambia County
Gulf County
Hendry County
Highlands County
Hillsborough County
Indian River County
Lake County
Lee County
Leon County
Levy County
Liberty County
Manatee County
Marion County
Martin County
Miami-Dade County
Monroe County
Okaloosa County
Orange County
Osceola County
Palm Beach County
Pasco County
Pinellas County
Polk County
Putnam County
Santa Rosa County
Sarasota County
Seminole County
St. Johns County
Taylor County
Volusia County
Walton County
MA
Barnstable County
Berkshire County
Bristol County
Essex County
Franklin County
Hampden County
Hampshire County
Middlesex County
Norfolk County
Plymouth County
Suffolk County
Worcester County
MN
Anoka County
Becker County
Beltrami County
Benton County
Blue Earth County
Brown County
Carver County
Cass County
Chippewa County
Chisago County
Clay County
Cook County
Crow Wing County
Dakota County
Freeborn County
Goodhue County
Grant County
Hennepin County
Isanti County
Itasca County
Kanabec County
Kandiyohi County
Koochiching County
Lac Qui Parle County
Lyon County
Mcleod County
Morrison County
Mower County
Nicollet County
Olmsted County
Pipestone County
Polk County
Ramsey County
Rice County
Scott County
Sherburne County
Sibley County
St Louis County
Stearns County
Steele County
Waseca County
Washington County
Wright County
NJ
Atlantic County
Bergen County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Essex County
Gloucester County
Hudson County
Hunterdon County
Mercer County
Middlesex County
Monmouth County
Morris County
Ocean County
Passaic County
Somerset County
Sussex County
Union County
Warren County
NY
Bronx County
Kings County
New York County
Queens County
Richmond County
TN
Shelby County
Filter by sourcetypes
Minutes
Recording