Case Date:

2/12/2026

I am a resident in the area of Pete Ellis Drive and Discovery Parkway in Bloomington, Indiana, and I am writing to strongly urge you not to proceed with cutting down the trees along these roadways. These trees provide far more than aesthetic value. Mature urban trees offer shade that reduces pavement temperatures, lower surrounding air temperatures by several degrees, and help combat the urban heat island effect. They reduce energy costs for nearby buildings, improve air quality by filtering pollutants, absorb carbon dioxide, and help manage stormwater runoff by intercepting rainfall before it reaches drainage systems. Removing them increases runoff, erosion, and strain on municipal infrastructure. These trees also serve as critical habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife, helping maintain local biodiversity. Beyond environmental benefits, numerous studies show that trees improve mental health, reduce stress, support public safety, and increase property values. Tree-lined streets encourage walkability and community engagement, contributing to overall quality of life. Mature trees cannot simply be replaced with saplings and expected to provide the same ecological, environmental, and economic benefits for decades. A replacement ratio of less than one-fifth does not meaningfully offset the long-term loss of canopy coverage. It takes 20–40 years for newly planted trees to begin delivering comparable benefits. Urban tree canopy is an essential part of climate resilience planning. Many cities are investing heavily in expanding — not reducing — their canopy to meet sustainability and climate goals. Removing established trees runs counter to these broader environmental objectives. I respectfully ask that you reconsider this proposal and explore alternatives that preserve as many existing trees as possible. If removal is deemed absolutely necessary, a significantly higher replacement ratio and a clear canopy restoration plan should be implemented. Protecting our urban canopy is an investment in the long-term health, sustainability, and livability of Bloomington. Thank you for your consideration.

Case Date:

2/11/2026

I witnessed this officer using an extraordinary amount of verbal and physical force when arresting this man for riding the wrong way down walnut. The amount of unbridled rage displayed publicly by this officer driving car 1263 is dangerous and should be investigated thoroughly.

Case Date:

2/10/2026

Trees on Pete Ellis Drive marked for removal Hi there—I just read the article in the paper about this issue. Please work with the state to not remove all of these beautiful old trees. Surely some compromise can be made to save some of them! Thank you!

Case Date:

2/6/2026

I would like to express some disappointment in the overall process for the Kirkwood closures. I made the mistake of watching 2/4's city council meeting and was surprised at the level of outrage that some individuals had due to the city recognizing that what exists currently is insufficient and a drain of city resources. I can certainly appreciate why businesses on/right around Kirkwood would want to give their business an essentially free boost of revenue but missing from this equation is how it impacts non-Kirkwood businesses. It seems all is framed to help these bars and restaurants out but it seems if you go down there when the Kirkwood is open that they're already doing just fine. Further, the city did mention that there is approximately $80k in lost revenue, plus the staff drain...if we do end up closing it, maybe we should consider permit fees high enough to recoup these costs instead of giving them this PUBLIC space for the current nominal amount. Mostly I just want to state that while I look forward to a thoughtful Kirkwood redesign in the future that does expand options for businesses, residents, and visitors alike, Bloomington is much, much, much more than Kirkwood! I would love to see us start celebrating and investing into those areas with the same energy that we put into Kirkwood- even if they don't have the KCA behind them!!

Case Date:

12/31/2025

Reported by BikeSmith (112 S College) a homeless shelter made out of cardboard was erected on their rear deck, between 113 S Gentry and 117 S Gentry, next to 119 S Gentry. The cardboard has been cleaned up. The individual(s) are no longer on site. We wanted the issue documented by the City of Bloomington. Thank you. Mike at Olympus Properties