Author Archives: sgv
Bloomington’s 2010 population: 80,405
Bloomington’s population was 69,291 as of the 2000 census. The 2010 census figures came out in February, and Bloomington is now officially 80,405, an increase of 16 percent. The news was quite a surprise. The Census Bureau was expecting us … Continue reading
The last quiet day of the year
A week ago, Saturday, August 13, was as quiet as it gets in Bloomington without it being a holiday. IU classes wouldn’t begin for two more weeks. By Monday the 29th, the full impact of 42,000 students on this city … Continue reading
The city IS the campus
To remain competitive, Syracuse U. helps rehab its hometown. Continue reading
Tempest in a tea-cup: AZ SB1070 and our intent to boycott
Bloomington elected officials have used their offices to make the statement, but have not committed the City itself to any formal action. The distinction is significant. Continue reading
“Alternative” transportation: a phrase that’s bad for you
What does that adjective mean, anyway…”alternative”? Because when I think about it, I just find it insulting. Bloomington created an Alternative Transportation & Greenways System Plan (the ATGSP, a mouthful of an acronym) a few years ago. It troubles itself only … Continue reading
Essay: 3.5 units per acre in Garden Hill
Last year, Garden Hill’s neighborhood association was born again. I watched it happen. Garden Hill is the neighborhood south of the Stadium and north of the tracks. At least, it used to be a “neighborhood”; for decades, it has been … Continue reading
Note: IU wants more right of way
Up for First Reading tomorrow: IU wants the city to vacate a block of Walnut Grove. (Remember, First Reading is a formality; the Council actually begins discussing this issue Dec. 10 at Committee of the Whole.) But I can tell … Continue reading
“Changeling,” streetcars, and “Traffic”
Tonight I saw the new movie “Changeling,” starring Angelina Jolie and directed by Clint Eastwood. The movie is set in Los Angeles in the late Twenties and early Thirties. One of the most remarkable features of the movie for me … Continue reading
Thanksgiving Day; no post-meeting report
Normally from now on I’ll post a post-mortem on the previous night’s Council meeting. There was none this week because of the holiday. Don’t eat too much turkey!
Results of last week’s meeting(s)
Normally on Wednesdays I’ll write a preview of the Council meeting that night. Since tonight is the night before Thanksgiving, instead I’ll preview/review highlights of last week’s combined regular-session and committee-of-the-whole meeting. Among other things… 1. We voted in favor … Continue reading