BLOOMINGTON – Monroe County commissioners have again rejected a proposed housing development in the Clear Creek area. Commissioner Lee Jones suggested that Bloomington could address housing needs by allowing taller buildings, which she believes is better than expanding development into rural areas.
The proposal, Trails at Robertson Farm, aimed to build 136 housing units on a 44-acre property. Despite support from the county planning staff and plan commission, the commissioners unanimously rejected the rezoning request, citing concerns about density, traffic, and flooding.
Commissioner Julie Thomas emphasized the county’s commitment to keeping urban areas urban and rural areas rural, while Commissioner Penny Githens agreed, stating the plan is to maintain the rural character of the county.
Opponents of the project, including residents, expressed concerns about environmental impacts, traffic congestion, and the potential loss of rural land. Although the developers argued that their plans would mitigate some of these issues, the commissioners decided against the proposal.
Developers expressed disappointment, arguing that the decision missed an opportunity to address the area’s housing shortage, which has led to rising home prices and a lack of affordable options.
