By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – New businesses in Bloomington won’t be able to sell alcohol if they’re located within 100 feet of daycare centers and preschools after a narrow city council vote Monday night.
The council voted 5-4 in favor of Alderman Joni Painter’s proposal that was inspired by Circle K convenience store’s request to sell liquor and provide video gaming next door to a daycare center at Hershey and G.E. Road.
The council unanimously adopted a one-year moratorium on video gaming in February. However, four council members who voted no to prohibiting liquor sales at these establishments wanted more information.
City resident Betty Toland wanted a tougher restriction, perhaps up to 500 feet instead of 100.
Alderman Jamie Mathy worried about unintended consequences, like making it harder to land a grocery store in what he says is a “huge” food desert on Bloomington’s west side.
“I’m concerned about whether or not if we take this motion right now, we’re prohibiting somebody from coming in that might want to put a grocery store on S. Main St. or somewhere even remotely close to downtown that would better serve the west side,” said Mathy.
Aldermen Amelia Buragas, Scott Black, and Diana Hauman also voted no.
In other business, the council voted unanimously to ease up on penalities for non-compliant boat dock owners at Lake Bloomington.
Daily fines were initially supposed to take effect when owners received official notice to appear before an administrative court judge. The fines will now be imposed after the judge makes a ruling in the owner’s case.
The council’s decision came after hearing from some of the lakefront owners, including Terry Kirby.
“These docks are not harmful to the lake and do not negatively impact water quality,” Kirby said.
“They don’t negatively impact public health, safety, or the environment,” Kirby added.
Without discussion, aldermen also unanimously agreed to spend $290,875 to replace leaky pipes that are part of the ice making system at Grossinger Motors Arena and the Pepsi Ice Center.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected].
