open #213953
Excessive Growth
W. Rappel Ave, Bloomington, IN (Private right-of-way under City of Bloomington tax assessment)
- Case Date:
- 9/9/2026
I am writing to report a severe municipal code violation involving excessive environmental growth and hidden accumulation of trash/debris on W. Rappel Ave.The overgrowth along this street has become unmanageable, encroaching upon the roadway and completely taking up roughly one-quarter (25%) of the usable street width. Hidden beneath this thick overgrowth is a substantial accumulation of trash and debris.Because W. Rappel Ave is narrow, this combination creates an immediate and severe public safety hazard:Vehicle Accident Risk: The severe reduction in roadway width forces oncoming vehicles into the center of the street, drastically increasing the risk of head-on collisions.Blind Spots & Physical Damage: Drivers must actively swerve to avoid the overgrowth, or risk vehicle damage from hidden debris and heavy branches.Pedestrian & Environmental Hazard: The hidden trash accumulation acts as a breeding ground for pests and presents a sanitation concern directly adjacent to active commercial businesses.The private developer who retains ownership of this roadway parcel has been explicitly contacted and requested to clear the hazards, but they have refused to comply or take action.As a property and business owner paying City of Bloomington property taxes, I am formally requesting that the Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department dispatch a Compliance Officer to inspect this parcel, issue a formal Notice of Violation to the deed-holding developer, and enforce the necessary clearing and cleanup of this right-of-way.