Mayor Hamilton Recommends Removal of Area 7 from Proposed Annexation Map

Bloomington, Ind. - Based on resident input, and in consultation with City staff and Bloomington City Council members, Mayor John Hamilton will recommend to the Council that Area 7 be removed from the scope of land currently proposed for annexation. The northernmost parcel on the proposed annexation map, Area 7 was originally included within the current annexation map for its potential to enhance the community’s economic development, given the area’s location as a gateway and proximity to Interstate 69.  Since the resumption of the annexation process in April, the City has received consistent concerns from residents of Area 7 and some Council members that the area would not lend itself easily to being a gateway district with significant development, based on settlement patterns, topography, and land use that all present challenges to the area’s potential for development. 

“Located alongside our city’s northward corridor, Area 7 seems to offer gateway potential,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “But additional details from residents, Council members, and facts on the ground clarify its limited prospects for development, so we are recommending that this area not be considered for annexation. We’ll continue to work with Council members and the public through the annexation process to right-size the city, so that our greater community can thrive well into the future.”

Area 7 is one of eight areas contiguous with the current City boundaries currently proposed for annexation. Although these areas are already part of the Bloomington community, they are not within the city's municipal boundaries at this time. The proposed annexations will allow for the long-term planning necessary to accommodate a growing community and facilitate the planning, budgeting, and delivery of services and infrastructure. A map of the areas proposed for annexation, a fiscal plan, a property lookup tool, frequently asked questions, comment submission form, and more information are available here.  

The City Council will continue to hear public comment on the proposed annexations Wednesday evening, August 11 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually over video conference at this link: 

https://bloomington.zoom.us/j/94918610625?pwd=UkptSG1zOCt5aE50U0Q5VWNLYnhrQT09

Meeting ID: 949 1861 0625

Passcode: 815819

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