A view of Kirkwood Avenue during a previous year of the Outdoor DIning Program
(Mitch Legan, WFIU/WTIU News)
Kirkwood Avenue will close to vehicular traffic this summer for the annual Outdoor Dining Program.
The Bloomington City Council unanimously approved the ordinance last night.
Kirkwood will be pedestrian-only between March and November. The program will also be extended indefinitely, removing the need for city council approval each year.
Kirkwood Community Association president Bob Costello said Wednesday night that this version of the dining program will bring predictable economic stability and improved safety to Kirkwood.
“Students are able to walk through the streets. They’re going across the streets without worrying about cars, Ubers, DoorDash. It brings a sense of order and safety to that area,” said Costello.
City council president Hopi Stosberg said she wants to explore other ways to expand the Kirkwood program beyond dining.
“I do think that it’s really important that the parts of Kirkwood that are converted have some community space in them that is independent of the restaurants,” Stosberg explained. “Maybe that can be something that is worked on.”
Jane Kupersmith, director of Bloomington’s Economic and Sustainable Development, said the closure of Kirkwood Avenue still faces some constraints with the 100 block and sidewalk improvements in the 500 block. While the period of March-November has been selected for the program, it can be terminated early each year if the city deems it necessary.
One potential reason for an early termination of the program would be dangerous weather.
Some residents voiced concern over accessibility issues, especially for elderly visitors. Kupersmith said accessibility accommodations will be discussed with business owners in the area.
Councilmember Sydney Zulich said she’s organizing a meeting for Feb. 3rd at 5:30 p.m. for members of the public to come voice their concerns and give feedback on how the program can be improved. Zulich said she is still working out the details of that meeting.
All final guidelines for the Outdoor Dining Program will need to be approved by the city’s Board of Public Works.
