~ Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson has expressed her disappointment in the outcome of the February 18, 2026 City Council meeting and Planned Unit Development (PUD) vote. In a statement issued today, Mayor Thomson stated that the vote was a crucial step in addressing the city's housing needs and moving from discussions to action.

The PUD, known as Hopewell South, is a proposed development on the former IU Health hospital site. It aims to create a mixed-income neighborhood with various housing types, including small detached homes, duplexes, small multifamily buildings, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The development is designed to be walkable and reflective of Bloomington's character.

According to Mayor Thomson, under current zoning regulations, only 28 homes could be built on the three blocks of land. However, with the PUD in place, nearly 100 homes could be constructed at an average cost of $270,000 each. This significant difference is due to smaller lot sizes, shared infrastructure, and design flexibility that allows for more affordable housing options.

The Hopewell South project has been extensively studied and discussed since its inception in 2017. It has undergone public engagement processes, professional planning reviews, evaluations by outside housing consultants, and two hearings before the Plan Commission. The Commission unanimously recommended the PUD to City Council for approval.

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However, at last night's meeting, the ordinance was not even introduced due to procedural concerns raised by some council members. Mayor Thomson emphasized that while process matters, progress should not be hindered by procedural delays.

She also highlighted the financial consequences of delay in addressing Bloomington's housing crisis. The longer it takes to approve and build affordable housing projects like Hopewell South, the higher the costs become for both developers and potential homeowners.

Mayor Thomson urged residents and builders who care about expanding housing opportunities in Bloomington to make their voices heard as this conversation continues. She also assured the community that her administration remains committed to getting the project approved and built.

The ordinance for Hopewell South will return to City Council on March 4 for first reading. The Mayor hopes that this time, the focus will be on the merits of the project and not on procedural delays. She believes that in a housing crisis, urgency is needed from elected officials to address the issue.

For more information on Hopewell South and other housing initiatives, interested parties can contact the Office of the Mayor at 812-349-3406.

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