By Joe Ragusa

BLOOMINGTON – A member of the Bloomington Housing Authority wasn’t allowed on their property until Thursday and has an extensive criminal record.

Arthur Haynes pleaded guilty to a gun charge and spent two and a half years in prison. Since then, he’s worked with the West Bloomington Revitalization Project, but he’s also been convicted of multiple DUIs. An arraignment on a felony charge of driving on a revoked license is scheduled for Sept. 4.

Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner said board applicants don’t go through background checks and it could be difficult to start doing that because of all the applications the city receives.

“It would take a lot of staff time and that just means we have to budget for that as we go forward, because obviously, you’re talking about hundreds of (applicants) and hundreds of background checks,” Renner said.

Renner wouldn’t say if he supports Haynes’ appointment now that he’s aware of his criminal history.

“At this point, I want to talk to the city council, and (his appointment) is certainly not inconsistent with our ordinance,” Renner said.

Haynes was recommended for the position by Alderwoman Karen Schmidt and other members of the WBRP. He was appointed May 26 by Renner.

It’s unknown why Haynes was not allowed on BHA property.

A previous version of this story has been corrected to clarify crimes Haynes has either pleaded guilty to or was convicted and the reason why he wasn’t allowed on BHA property until Thursday.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].