Speaker 1
Hello and welcome to ask the mayor on WFIU. I'm Joe Hren from WFIU WTIU News. This week. I'm with Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson. Hello, and welcome. Hi, Joe. Thanks for being on the show. Hey, let's just start quick overview. I know the total solar eclipse was a week or so ago, but that's a huge event that happened here. Maybe a quick debrief, how did it go? Any issues, your thoughts,
Speaker 2
it was a dream event in Bloomington. You know, we ordered up the perfect weather, we had the best weather in the nation, obviously, right here in Bloomington. And we, we had a blast. And that was really what our focus was, keep everybody safe, get the logistics done early and prepare for what some would say is the worst, but we might say is the best. And then you know, you can handle any size crowd. We ended up with about a little over 13,000 people in our parks. And we were really pleased with that. switchyard, of course, had the most at a little over 8000. But police actually that day had fewer calls than normal fire was right about normal. And the biggest crisis we had at switchyard. Park was a child got stuck in a swing for a few minutes. But our firefighters got around. I think
Speaker 1
thing kind of go slipped through the cracks or thinking Oh, we didn't think of that.
Speaker 2
You know, I think the the only thing that we didn't think of was that after the pandemic, when you tell people to stay home they do. And so, you know, we were having a great party and switchyard Park and most people who felt like maybe they couldn't drive the traffic was going to be too bad. They stayed home. So they missed the party. And that that was unfortunate. But I know a lot of people had great gatherings in their backyards. Yeah, I
Speaker 1
know, there was we're talking about 300,000 people that didn't materialize about how many you think came to Bloomington you know, I
Speaker 2
don't have the data on that yet. But we, you know, we think that there were another 4000 at the stadium. But I know people you know, people were in hotels, on my way to well, on my way to switchyard. And I also was all around the city that day on my bike, visiting various places. There were little Eclipse parties everywhere, you know, the lawn of the Courtyard Marriott, the lawns of the churches were all filled, and presumably with out of town, guests.
Speaker 1
It was a fun day, we got to walk around to and talk to people from all over the world Germany. Yeah. And then of course, here in the US talk to someone from Maryland. It was just it was very different. It was a very fun day.
Speaker 2
Yeah, we documented 25 Different states that we talked to people from in switchyard. Wow. And as far away as China. Wow. Wow.
Speaker 1
Well, let's get to some city council news. Since last time, we talked City Council expressed its opposition to the Indiana leap pipeline that's in Lebanon would be from the Wabash River. Do you oppose that pipeline?
Speaker 2
So, you know, I what I have advocated for with the City Council is that we keep our resolutions directly focused on things that impact the city of Bloomington business, because a resolution is really a tool to govern our city. So I do think that the state of Indiana needs a smart water policy. And we can advocate for that. And we can work on that together with others. But I actually did not sign that resolution and won't be signing that resolution. And is
Speaker 1
that what you just explained the reason why because it's it doesn't directly affect Bloomington. Yeah,
Speaker 2
so we can really spend a lot of our time concerned with, with the business outside of what we can actually impact with our resolutions in our ordinances. And in fact, we could spend all of our time that way. And as as far as I can tell my time is, is already overloaded with the opportunities and challenges right here in Bloomington. And that's what I was elected to really care for. And that's what I'm going to focus on.
Speaker 1
Okay. So it's not that you're against or for this pipeline. It's that you just don't use it. There's other things to talk about and work about. Yes.
Speaker 2
And any resolution or ordinance that comes in front of the city council. What what happens behind the scenes is dozens, sometimes hundreds of correspondences, meeting requests, meetings, it's a lot of time, and we really have a lot of a lot to focus on here. And if we could spend In that time creatively focused on our opportunities and challenges in Bloomington, we will really advance our community. Okay,
Speaker 1
so speaking of resolutions, let's get to the other one two. City council also calls for a ceasefire in the Israel, Hamas war. That was April 3, after much public input for and against the action. And there was a talk if this should even be drafted. So some, let's also talk about that meeting, some people spotted some hateful rhetoric which prompted an emotional a Facebook message from you. So what needs to be done inside during government meetings and situations when something like that happens?
Speaker 2
Right? Well, first of all, I think we need a plan. And so as soon as hate speech comes up, it needs to be addressed and labeled as hate speech. I am supportive of our freedom of speech here in the United States, people have a right if you're going to have public comment, they have a right to say things that that we don't approve of. And if you don't have a plan to address it, frequently people freeze, and I think that's probably what we saw at city council. So we need a plan to address it. But I think even more than that, one of the things we can spend our time on is addressing whether or not people feel safe here, and what are the creative responses we can have? But also what actions can we take when we hear this kind of hate speech and to prevent it, to educate people and, and and really fight against the ignorance that comes with that kind of hate speech? So
Speaker 1
then, let's get to the second part of that ceasefire resolution as well. That's another that you said does not directly affect Bloomington. So I assume your answer is the same as to why you would not sign or veto it, correct? Yes.
Speaker 2
And in fact, I sent a letter to the City Council yesterday, which I think that your newsroom has because it appeared parts of it appeared in an article yesterday. But you know, any resolution that comes to my desk in the next three years and eight months, I will probably just send a copy of the same letter. I am I am not willing to spend my time on things that do not directly impact the business of the city of Bloomington. Just
Speaker 1
one more take on that. We had someone talk to us about could there be an exception. And Daniel Siegel from the Jewish Voice for Peace. Does this mean it should never be addressed when there's genocide? The hands? It's all hands on deck. He says we cannot do too much. Is this the time to make an exception?
Speaker 2
Now with a resolution? I mean, a resolution ordinance is is an act of the city of Bloomington and the business of the city of Bloomington. Absolutely, we should be speaking out and advocating for humanitarian aid for Hamas to release those hostages. We should be speaking out for what we believe in. And that should be addressed to our federal representatives to President Biden, this is international policy.
Speaker 1
All right. In your State of the City address you talked about removing a third homeless camp in town. Do you have any more details on that what it is? And when? Yes,
Speaker 2
so it's actually there has been a grouping of camps near switchyard Park, and they have grown in size, those are on private property. And so those when when a move is happening, that happens differently than if it's on city property. However, the property owners, we think are going to be very cooperative, they have asked for a no trespass order there. And they are there. They're cooperating with the city and planning. May 1 is the date that we planned to, to move people out of that camp. However, what we see happening, we've been working really hand in hand with the Housing Network with heading home, and the outreach workers that are involved in various organizations engaged with those two teams. And they had asked that we implement a new policy that when possible, we give 30 days notice and those outreach workers can work with people in camps to try to get them housed, where possible or to shelters and to make a plan to move their belongings. So actually, we've been doing that since about April 1, and most people have already moved.
Speaker 1
All right, I've been covering the convention center expansion CIB meetings now fully underway Chair John Whitecourt mentioned this last meeting last week the board still doesn't really have a good hold on what land is available and at what cost. And so there are four landowners different now administration's from a year ago. And they're going to address and get a formal inquiry. But I wanted to ask you about that north portion of land that was bought by the previous administration. Is that land available for the convention center expansion under now your administration? And at what cost?
Speaker 2
Yes, so that land absolutely could be available for the convention center expansion. That land was purchased with RTC TIF funds, at the cost of $7 million, very significant hit to our TIF. And it was bought really when the administration had had insinuated, they might move ahead with a convention center without the partnership of the county. And, and so that was a different financial picture. It was a different scenario for how things might move forward. We can make that land available. However, our TIF really took a hit. And we need that TIF money for projects like Hopewell where we are focused on one of the city's main goals, one of my primary objectives, which is creating attainable affordable housing, right downtown Bloomington. And so we will need some reimbursement. However, I also have asked the commissioners, if we're not using all of the county land, perhaps we could swap. So we trade in the north property at no cost. But for an equivalent land swap for for their property that may not now be used for convention center needs.
Speaker 1
So very early in the stage, but at least things are finally moving. Yes,
Speaker 2
they're moving. They're not moving as fast as any of us would hope I believe. And of course, with construction inflation, it's critical that we move forward. We're losing, you know, about $150,000. Every month that we don't push go on this convention center.
Speaker 1
If that land that North partial parcel is where the CIB wants it to be. How much is the city willing to? Is there wiggle room in that than that cost? So that $7 million
Speaker 2
anything we don't put back in the TIF means dollars that we cannot create more affordable housing. And so you know, just with any just like with any other financial deal where we're trading something, and affordable housing is top on my priority list. Andrew
Speaker 1
emails an interesting question. He feels like the city has been wrecked by overdevelopment, the acceleration of changes and traffic congestion. He says Bloomington seems to be accelerating in size, but not in quality or civility. So and of course, I mentioned this question along that the Sudbury development meeting I think is coming to there's another hearing on that. So what's your response to Andrew?
Speaker 2
So directly related to the Sudbury development, we have had traffic studies done, we are creating plans around that. One of my one of one of the things I ran on and one of the reasons that I got engaged with government in the first place is to create a table where we can have civil dialogue even when we disagree. And so my hope is really that through my administration through opening the doors and creating some some space safe spaces to have real dialogue, we can get to a more civil conversation even when we disagree.
Speaker 1
You know, we were talking to you about you can look out the window and see all the housing developments going up as well. How does that balance quality of life when when more residents are coming in? How do you How can you still keep that balance of of quality of life with more people?
Speaker 2
Well, you know, one perspective is that more people can enhance our quality of life. You know, the many in the arts community have been asking for a larger performance venue. We can't get that unless we have a population to support it. So there are there are many assets that come with larger tax base and and more people living in the downtown area. And we do have to figure out things like transit and you know, our our Bloomington transit is applying for a significant grant. We hear a lot about about cars and bikes. But we don't talk enough I would say about transit and that is Gonna be a key piece to how we move people. And in cities that really work. We have bus systems that get people where they need to go more efficiently than a personal car. And I think we can be one of those cities.
Speaker 1
Love just a quick update. I know we got to get going here but on the momentum progress of the fire headquarters to showers Plaza or any any development with the police headquarters, they're
Speaker 2
moving. So we have, we've selected the place in cooperation really, the chief and his team went through showers and assessed all the open space with our team and they haven't picked out we've got a little paint to put up and but it's a pretty low cost move for the Fire Administration. And they're ready to go. So there'll be in showers before we know it. I don't have a real timeline for that yet. But really, it'll be a relatively short timeline. Meanwhile, we have one of our construction partners, doing a better assessment on the current police station to see what it would really take to modify that and and bring that up to up to snuff to stay there so we can make a really good decision about what's next for the police. But for the time being, the police are happy staying where they are.
Speaker 1
We're out of time, but I always like to leave the last minute to you any announcements, anything else that we need to know?
Speaker 2
Yeah, I think that, you know, Bloomington has Earth Day coming up on Saturday at switchyard Park, we hope that many will ride their bikes to Earth Day. And if you're not within biking distance, which I'm a person who rode her bike across the country, so I think everybody could possibly be biking distance, but drive to switchyard if you can't bike, we have family friendly games there and in a day full of fun. I also just want to give a shout out members of my family I know have been really enjoying the new Griffey Lake trails. And, and the new seating areas, right right on the lake are great viewing for sunsets. So our parks are really not to be missed, especially this time of year.
Unknown Speaker
Thank you so much. We'll see you next month. Thanks Joe.
Hello and welcome to ask the mayor on WFIU. I'm Joe Hren from WFIU WTIU News. This week. I'm with Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson. Hello, and welcome. Hi, Joe. Thanks for being on the show. Hey, let's just start quick overview. I know the total solar eclipse was a week or so ago, but that's a huge event that happened here. Maybe a quick debrief, how did it go? Any issues, your thoughts,
Speaker 2
it was a dream event in Bloomington. You know, we ordered up the perfect weather, we had the best weather in the nation, obviously, right here in Bloomington. And we, we had a blast. And that was really what our focus was, keep everybody safe, get the logistics done early and prepare for what some would say is the worst, but we might say is the best. And then you know, you can handle any size crowd. We ended up with about a little over 13,000 people in our parks. And we were really pleased with that. switchyard, of course, had the most at a little over 8000. But police actually that day had fewer calls than normal fire was right about normal. And the biggest crisis we had at switchyard. Park was a child got stuck in a swing for a few minutes. But our firefighters got around. I think
Speaker 1
thing kind of go slipped through the cracks or thinking Oh, we didn't think of that.
Speaker 2
You know, I think the the only thing that we didn't think of was that after the pandemic, when you tell people to stay home they do. And so, you know, we were having a great party and switchyard Park and most people who felt like maybe they couldn't drive the traffic was going to be too bad. They stayed home. So they missed the party. And that that was unfortunate. But I know a lot of people had great gatherings in their backyards. Yeah, I
Speaker 1
know, there was we're talking about 300,000 people that didn't materialize about how many you think came to Bloomington you know, I
Speaker 2
don't have the data on that yet. But we, you know, we think that there were another 4000 at the stadium. But I know people you know, people were in hotels, on my way to well, on my way to switchyard. And I also was all around the city that day on my bike, visiting various places. There were little Eclipse parties everywhere, you know, the lawn of the Courtyard Marriott, the lawns of the churches were all filled, and presumably with out of town, guests.
Speaker 1
It was a fun day, we got to walk around to and talk to people from all over the world Germany. Yeah. And then of course, here in the US talk to someone from Maryland. It was just it was very different. It was a very fun day.
Speaker 2
Yeah, we documented 25 Different states that we talked to people from in switchyard. Wow. And as far away as China. Wow. Wow.
Speaker 1
Well, let's get to some city council news. Since last time, we talked City Council expressed its opposition to the Indiana leap pipeline that's in Lebanon would be from the Wabash River. Do you oppose that pipeline?
Speaker 2
So, you know, I what I have advocated for with the City Council is that we keep our resolutions directly focused on things that impact the city of Bloomington business, because a resolution is really a tool to govern our city. So I do think that the state of Indiana needs a smart water policy. And we can advocate for that. And we can work on that together with others. But I actually did not sign that resolution and won't be signing that resolution. And is
Speaker 1
that what you just explained the reason why because it's it doesn't directly affect Bloomington. Yeah,
Speaker 2
so we can really spend a lot of our time concerned with, with the business outside of what we can actually impact with our resolutions in our ordinances. And in fact, we could spend all of our time that way. And as as far as I can tell my time is, is already overloaded with the opportunities and challenges right here in Bloomington. And that's what I was elected to really care for. And that's what I'm going to focus on.
Speaker 1
Okay. So it's not that you're against or for this pipeline. It's that you just don't use it. There's other things to talk about and work about. Yes.
Speaker 2
And any resolution or ordinance that comes in front of the city council. What what happens behind the scenes is dozens, sometimes hundreds of correspondences, meeting requests, meetings, it's a lot of time, and we really have a lot of a lot to focus on here. And if we could spend In that time creatively focused on our opportunities and challenges in Bloomington, we will really advance our community. Okay,
Speaker 1
so speaking of resolutions, let's get to the other one two. City council also calls for a ceasefire in the Israel, Hamas war. That was April 3, after much public input for and against the action. And there was a talk if this should even be drafted. So some, let's also talk about that meeting, some people spotted some hateful rhetoric which prompted an emotional a Facebook message from you. So what needs to be done inside during government meetings and situations when something like that happens?
Speaker 2
Right? Well, first of all, I think we need a plan. And so as soon as hate speech comes up, it needs to be addressed and labeled as hate speech. I am supportive of our freedom of speech here in the United States, people have a right if you're going to have public comment, they have a right to say things that that we don't approve of. And if you don't have a plan to address it, frequently people freeze, and I think that's probably what we saw at city council. So we need a plan to address it. But I think even more than that, one of the things we can spend our time on is addressing whether or not people feel safe here, and what are the creative responses we can have? But also what actions can we take when we hear this kind of hate speech and to prevent it, to educate people and, and and really fight against the ignorance that comes with that kind of hate speech? So
Speaker 1
then, let's get to the second part of that ceasefire resolution as well. That's another that you said does not directly affect Bloomington. So I assume your answer is the same as to why you would not sign or veto it, correct? Yes.
Speaker 2
And in fact, I sent a letter to the City Council yesterday, which I think that your newsroom has because it appeared parts of it appeared in an article yesterday. But you know, any resolution that comes to my desk in the next three years and eight months, I will probably just send a copy of the same letter. I am I am not willing to spend my time on things that do not directly impact the business of the city of Bloomington. Just
Speaker 1
one more take on that. We had someone talk to us about could there be an exception. And Daniel Siegel from the Jewish Voice for Peace. Does this mean it should never be addressed when there's genocide? The hands? It's all hands on deck. He says we cannot do too much. Is this the time to make an exception?
Speaker 2
Now with a resolution? I mean, a resolution ordinance is is an act of the city of Bloomington and the business of the city of Bloomington. Absolutely, we should be speaking out and advocating for humanitarian aid for Hamas to release those hostages. We should be speaking out for what we believe in. And that should be addressed to our federal representatives to President Biden, this is international policy.
Speaker 1
All right. In your State of the City address you talked about removing a third homeless camp in town. Do you have any more details on that what it is? And when? Yes,
Speaker 2
so it's actually there has been a grouping of camps near switchyard Park, and they have grown in size, those are on private property. And so those when when a move is happening, that happens differently than if it's on city property. However, the property owners, we think are going to be very cooperative, they have asked for a no trespass order there. And they are there. They're cooperating with the city and planning. May 1 is the date that we planned to, to move people out of that camp. However, what we see happening, we've been working really hand in hand with the Housing Network with heading home, and the outreach workers that are involved in various organizations engaged with those two teams. And they had asked that we implement a new policy that when possible, we give 30 days notice and those outreach workers can work with people in camps to try to get them housed, where possible or to shelters and to make a plan to move their belongings. So actually, we've been doing that since about April 1, and most people have already moved.
Speaker 1
All right, I've been covering the convention center expansion CIB meetings now fully underway Chair John Whitecourt mentioned this last meeting last week the board still doesn't really have a good hold on what land is available and at what cost. And so there are four landowners different now administration's from a year ago. And they're going to address and get a formal inquiry. But I wanted to ask you about that north portion of land that was bought by the previous administration. Is that land available for the convention center expansion under now your administration? And at what cost?
Speaker 2
Yes, so that land absolutely could be available for the convention center expansion. That land was purchased with RTC TIF funds, at the cost of $7 million, very significant hit to our TIF. And it was bought really when the administration had had insinuated, they might move ahead with a convention center without the partnership of the county. And, and so that was a different financial picture. It was a different scenario for how things might move forward. We can make that land available. However, our TIF really took a hit. And we need that TIF money for projects like Hopewell where we are focused on one of the city's main goals, one of my primary objectives, which is creating attainable affordable housing, right downtown Bloomington. And so we will need some reimbursement. However, I also have asked the commissioners, if we're not using all of the county land, perhaps we could swap. So we trade in the north property at no cost. But for an equivalent land swap for for their property that may not now be used for convention center needs.
Speaker 1
So very early in the stage, but at least things are finally moving. Yes,
Speaker 2
they're moving. They're not moving as fast as any of us would hope I believe. And of course, with construction inflation, it's critical that we move forward. We're losing, you know, about $150,000. Every month that we don't push go on this convention center.
Speaker 1
If that land that North partial parcel is where the CIB wants it to be. How much is the city willing to? Is there wiggle room in that than that cost? So that $7 million
Speaker 2
anything we don't put back in the TIF means dollars that we cannot create more affordable housing. And so you know, just with any just like with any other financial deal where we're trading something, and affordable housing is top on my priority list. Andrew
Speaker 1
emails an interesting question. He feels like the city has been wrecked by overdevelopment, the acceleration of changes and traffic congestion. He says Bloomington seems to be accelerating in size, but not in quality or civility. So and of course, I mentioned this question along that the Sudbury development meeting I think is coming to there's another hearing on that. So what's your response to Andrew?
Speaker 2
So directly related to the Sudbury development, we have had traffic studies done, we are creating plans around that. One of my one of one of the things I ran on and one of the reasons that I got engaged with government in the first place is to create a table where we can have civil dialogue even when we disagree. And so my hope is really that through my administration through opening the doors and creating some some space safe spaces to have real dialogue, we can get to a more civil conversation even when we disagree.
Speaker 1
You know, we were talking to you about you can look out the window and see all the housing developments going up as well. How does that balance quality of life when when more residents are coming in? How do you How can you still keep that balance of of quality of life with more people?
Speaker 2
Well, you know, one perspective is that more people can enhance our quality of life. You know, the many in the arts community have been asking for a larger performance venue. We can't get that unless we have a population to support it. So there are there are many assets that come with larger tax base and and more people living in the downtown area. And we do have to figure out things like transit and you know, our our Bloomington transit is applying for a significant grant. We hear a lot about about cars and bikes. But we don't talk enough I would say about transit and that is Gonna be a key piece to how we move people. And in cities that really work. We have bus systems that get people where they need to go more efficiently than a personal car. And I think we can be one of those cities.
Speaker 1
Love just a quick update. I know we got to get going here but on the momentum progress of the fire headquarters to showers Plaza or any any development with the police headquarters, they're
Speaker 2
moving. So we have, we've selected the place in cooperation really, the chief and his team went through showers and assessed all the open space with our team and they haven't picked out we've got a little paint to put up and but it's a pretty low cost move for the Fire Administration. And they're ready to go. So there'll be in showers before we know it. I don't have a real timeline for that yet. But really, it'll be a relatively short timeline. Meanwhile, we have one of our construction partners, doing a better assessment on the current police station to see what it would really take to modify that and and bring that up to up to snuff to stay there so we can make a really good decision about what's next for the police. But for the time being, the police are happy staying where they are.
Speaker 1
We're out of time, but I always like to leave the last minute to you any announcements, anything else that we need to know?
Speaker 2
Yeah, I think that, you know, Bloomington has Earth Day coming up on Saturday at switchyard Park, we hope that many will ride their bikes to Earth Day. And if you're not within biking distance, which I'm a person who rode her bike across the country, so I think everybody could possibly be biking distance, but drive to switchyard if you can't bike, we have family friendly games there and in a day full of fun. I also just want to give a shout out members of my family I know have been really enjoying the new Griffey Lake trails. And, and the new seating areas, right right on the lake are great viewing for sunsets. So our parks are really not to be missed, especially this time of year.
Unknown Speaker
Thank you so much. We'll see you next month. Thanks Joe.
