Council okays west side job training center, zoo upgrades

West Olive

This vacant building at 1311 W. Olive will become a job training center for low income and at-risk women after Bloomington aldermen granted a special use permit for the property.
(Photo by Howard Packowitz/WJBC) 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – A century old building on Bloomington’s west side will be used as a job training site for women.

Bloomington aldermen, without discussion, unanimously granted a special use permit for the century old building at 1311 W. Olive St.

A staff report to the council said Mary and Hank Campbell have an option to buy the property, assuming the council granted the special use for low income and at-risk women to improve their skills in building trades.

Staffers say the building used to house Erickson’s Grocery Store, with an apartment upstairs. A realtor said the structure’s been vacant since September of last year.

The council also accepted the $1.06 million bid for Miller Park Zoo improvements. Stark Excavating will build a roof, concessions, and add about 50 parking spaces.

“If you come for any of our events, the parking lot’s full before the event even starts,” said Jay Tetzloff, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts for the city.

“I’ve been trying to tell people every time I’ve been on the radio, come an hour before. See the zoo and then enjoy the special event because the lot fills up so quickly,” Tetzloff told aldermen.

Tetzloff and Mayor Tari Renner noted the project will make a profit after 13 years from food sales.

Tetzloff said the additions will benefit all of Miller Park and the west side neighborhood.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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