Monroe County CIB authorizes RFP for convention-center host hotel, orders appraisals and environmental reports

The Monroe County Capital Improvement Board on April 24 authorized issuance of a request for proposals for a host hotel on approximately six acres recently acquired for the Bloomington Convention Center.

CIB attorney Jim Whitlatch described a prepared RFP and said the resolution authorizes the CIB president to execute documents and take actions necessary to issue the RFP. Board discussion included whether to state explicitly in the RFP that the CIB is offering only land and not additional incentives; CIB President John Wart said the board would start by saying what it has to offer and then evaluate responses.

The board set a June 30 target related to RFP timing and then approved a separate action authorizing JS Held to assist the CIB president in soliciting proposals for appraisals and environmental studies for the newly acquired real estate. Senior Vice President Deb Coons of JS Held outlined a project timeline and offered cost guidance: a phase-one environmental assessment would not exceed $10,000, and two independent appraisals could total roughly $60,000–$70,000 combined. Board members approved the resolutions unanimously.

During public comment a representative of Bloomington Homes for All and activists urged the CIB to continue land-swap negotiations with the RDC to preserve Seminary Point Apartments (29 units), asked that tenant leases be extended past a July deadline, and requested an opportunity to present alternatives to demolition or displacement. The board did not take immediate action on lease extensions during the meeting.

The CIB scheduled follow-up steps to solicit proposals and review appraisals and environmental reports once procured.