By Andy Dahn

BLOOMINGTON – Three possible property tax abatements were presented to the District 87 school board Wednesday night.

Apartments on North Main and West Washington Streets designed to keep more young people in the community as well as property that would be used for Green Top Grocery were among the projects presented by Bloomington Economic Development Coordinator Austin Grammer. District Superintendent Barry Reilly said with the information the board has been given, he is confident the positives outweigh the risks.

“In the long run, we will get a better stream of funding coming in,” Reilly said. “I understand the concern that a couple of our board members presented, such as the fact that we could have access to that funding right now. We certainly could use it and I understand where they’re coming from.”

Controversy has surrounded the apartments on West Washington Street that are already near completion despite the property owners still awaiting the tax abatement. Reilly said the blame doesn’t fall on the developers, but rather on a lack of communication with the City of Bloomington.

“I certainly expect that this does not become a pattern,” said Reilly. “It hasn’t been. We’re all human, we make mistakes. I have no doubt that they’ll learn from it and we will not see this type of mistake being made in the future.”

Another concern that was shared by board members was the timing of the tax abatements. The district is currently facing a budget deficit.

“We’re being asked by the city to be very good partners and stewards by supporting these tax abatements and giving up tax dollars that we truly need,” Reilly said. “On the other hand, at least in discussion, they’re looking at trying to get more money out of us. That is concerning.”

Reilly added that the District has a great relationship with the City of Bloomington, but he said giving away more tax dollars “raises some eyebrows.” The board will likely vote on the abatements at its Sep. 9 meeting.

Andy Dahn can be reached at a[email protected].