(Mitch Legan, WTIU/WFIU News)
Kirkwood Avenue will close to vehicle traffic from Indiana Avenue to Walnut Street starting April 4. The decision was made to increase community engagement and commerce for local businesses.
Read more: City board finalizes 2025 Kirkwood Outdoor Dining Program
The Kirkwood Outdoor Dining Program began in 2020 during the pandemic to provide outside seating to local restaurants that had to adjust to indoor social distancing.
Council members want to close Kirkwood for community matters but not for economic reasons, as was done in the past. Certain council members view Kirkwood as an experience rather than a walkable street.
The closure of Kirkwood has raised concerns for businesses downtown; only half said in a recent survey that they support the closure.
Read more: City considers long-term extension of Kirkwood outdoor dining program
Accessibility worries were brought up during the city council vote, with community members expressing concerns about accessibility for people with disabilities and the elderly. Some say that will lead to isolation of certain community groups.
This year, Kirkwood is scheduled to close on April 4 and reopen Nov. 10, weather permitting.
This week on Noon Edition we’ll discuss the closure of Kirkwood and what local residents can expect.
Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.
You can also record your questions and send them in through email.
Guests:
Jane Kupersmith, Bloomington's Director of Economic and Sustainable Development
Isak Asare, Bloomington City Council member
Rev. Matt Seddon, Rector of the Trinity Episcopal Church