Bloomington redevelopment commission approves Hopewell South PUD with 35% permanent-affordability requirement

The Bloomington Redevelopment Commission on June 1 authorized staff and the engineering department to move forward with platting, permitting and other approvals for the Hopewell South planned unit development, and agreed that engineering should provide quarterly updates.

Kendall Kinoi, the city engineer, told the commission engineering expects to put infrastructure out to bid this year but that most construction is likely to occur in 2027 because of recent delays; Kinoi said lot-line adjustments and some initial homes could start sooner and that contractors might undertake earthwork or utility work depending on weather and availability.

Commission member Sue Scamalori outlined the affordability requirements carried over from the Bloomington City Council’s conditions: at least 35% of all dwelling units in Hopewell South shall be designed as permanently affordable, with a goal of reaching 50%. The commission unanimously approved the council’s conditions and authorized staff to proceed.

The decision clears the way for the engineering team to apply for necessary approvals and focus on design milestones; the commission said it will expect periodic milestone reports rather than biweekly staff attendance at meetings.

What’s next: staff will continue platting and permitting work and return when major milestones or specific items require commission feedback.