Community Profile CHAPTER

This chapter summarizes the City’s McLean County, and generally 2 social, economic and environmental character- presents only moderate limitations for commu- istics and trends in order to form a basis for nity growth and development. Following is a developing goals, objectives, policies and brief summary of the local climate, topogra- plans. It begins with an overview of the phys- phy, soils and flood plains with references ical characteristics and constraints of the natu- made to implications for development. ral environment, followed by a review of the factors that shaped the City’s historical growth Climate and development. It then presents a general assessment of the local economic situation and the corresponding demographic and housing Bloomington lies within the humid implications. Land use, transportation and continental climatic zone with four distinct community facility development is also seasons that offer variety and generally do not addressed. pose serious limitations for development or adversely impact the local quality of life. The local climate is characterized by warm and NATURAL ENVIRONMENT humid summers with a July mean temperature of approximately 76 degrees and a January The natural environment contributes to mean temperature of 26 degrees. The growing a high quality of life in Bloomington and season is approximately 172 days. The last

Illinois Wesleyan University Hanson Student Center

City of Bloomington Comprehensive Plan 5 killing frosts normally occur in mid May and of buildings, streets, and roads. the first killing freeze in mid October. Rainfall amounts to approximately 37 inches Soils per year and peaks during the growing season. Snowfall in the winter months averages a total of 24 inches. In the spring and summer McLean County contains some of the months, both frontal and convectional thunder- world’s most productive farmland. The United storms produce occasional heavy downpours States Department of Agriculture, Natural that may cause some highly localized ponding Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has conditions in certain low-lying or depressional identified an abundance of prime farmland areas. throughout the County, including much of the area adjacent to the City. In order to minimize the loss of prime farmland, future develop- Topography ment should be contiguous to existing devel- opment and should be reasonably compact, Local topography is consistent with avoiding excessively low densities and unnec- that of the glacial till plain section of Central essarily wide streets. However, it is recog- Illinois. Most of the terrain is nearly level to nized that the high demand for urban land will gently rolling with some steeper slopes occur- require the use of some prime farmland adja- ring adjacent to stream valleys and drainage- cent to the City. ways, particularly along waterways such as According to the NRCS, Bloomington the Sugar Creek (see Map 2.1). The lowest and much of Illinois contain a predominance elevations within the City are primarily found of soil types that exhibit severe limitations for along the main branch of the Sugar Creek on a variety of urban uses. Soil properties or site the southwestern edge of the community. features that are unfavorable or difficult to Relatively low elevations can also be found overcome receive a severe rating by NRCS, along the many tributaries of the Sugar Creek indicating that special design, construction, that dissect the community. The City’s higher and maintenance practices are necessary to elevations generally occur on glacial avoid potential problems. Although soil condi- moraines. The highest elevation within the tions are important considerations, site loca- community is found on the Prairie Vista golf tion, land availability and cost often play a course near the southern edge of the City. greater role in making development related Higher elevations are also prevalent near the decisions, particularly if soil or other physical downtown area, in the vicinity of the Central limitations are not readily apparent. However, Illinois Regional Airport on the City’s east local subdivision ordinances provide a safe- side, and on the City’s northeastern edge. guard by requiring that special precautions be For the most part, the terrain presents taken to overcome the physical limitations of few constraints for most types of urban devel- the land in order to minimize potential devel- opment. Gravity flow sewers are possible in opment related problems. Additional informa- many undeveloped areas immediately adjacent tion on soil characteristics and limitations in to the City, although lift stations may be the Bloomington area is available from the required in some areas. Caution should be local office of the NRCS. exercised when considering the development of very flat or depressional areas, since these Flood Plains areas may exhibit ponding or flooding prob- lems and could require drainage improvements to alleviate such conditions. Although limited Flood plains represent an important in extent, localized areas of steep slopes can natural resource that should be preserved. produce erosion hazards during construction Flood plains, when left in their natural state,

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Chart 2.1 Historical Population Growth and Significant Events City of Bloomington

70,000

60,000

50,000

40,000

Route 66 Bypass

Population buses replace trolley 30,000 Lake Bloomington developed; first airport; Route 66 opened from Chicago to St. Louis first sewage treatment plant

first sewer laid fire of 1900

20,000 land donated for Miller Park first brick street laid

coal discovered 10,000 trolley system begun

downtown fires railroads 0

1850 1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

Source: U. S. Bureau of the Census

City of Bloomington Comprehensive Plan 9 HISTORICAL GROWTH AND City. These historic features were identified DEVELOPMENT in the City of Bloomington Five-year Historic Preservation Plan completed in 1987. The In 1829, James Allin purchased land Plan also includes recommendations for addi- at the north edge of the Blooming Grove and tional historic designations. The City’s cur- opened the first store in what was to become rently designated historic districts are shown the City of Bloomington. Allin’s site won the on Map 2.3 of this report. Additional infor- honor of becoming the county seat because of mation on the City’s history and references his dedication of 22 acres of land both as a are provided in the 1998 City of Bloomington site for a courthouse and for sale by the Comprehensive Plan. County in order to fund the new government and construction of the courthouse. During ECONOMY this early period, growth of Bloomington was slow. In 1850, the year Bloomington was The City of Bloomington has a strong incorporated as a city, the population was and diversified local economy. The City is 1,611. host to numerous major employers, including Although the survival of the City of State Farm Insurance, Country Companies Bloomington was somewhat guaranteed by its Insurance, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, status as county seat, the arrival in 1853 of GROWMARK, General Electric, The two railroads freed the City from its land Pantagraph, and the Illinois Agricultural locked status and by 1860 the population of Association. Bloomington and Normal the City had grown to 7,075. Other factors employers represent by far the largest employ- would influence the growth of the community ment center between Chicago and Springfield, including the coming of additional railroads, and between Peoria and Champaign-Urbana. and by 1900 the population of the city was Besides directly contributing to com- reported to be 24,000. This was only a pre- munity growth by providing jobs, these con- view of the growth that has continued cerns indirectly create a demand for high qual- throughout the twentieth century to the pres- ity development and generate the tax revenues ent. Chart 2.1 illustrates the City’s historical needed to sustain a high level of urban servic- growth and some of the significant events in es. These are important factors that contribute the City’s history. The geographic expansion to making the City of Bloomington an attrac- of the City is illustrated on Map 2.2. tive community in which to live and work. Five historic districts and a number of The City’s economy is also enhanced dispersed historic sites are present within the

Chart 2.2 Labor Force and Employment Growth Rates City of Bloomington, 1980-22000 30.0% 27.8% 27.6% 25.0% 25.0% 23.1% 20.0% Labor Force 15.0% Employment Percent 10.0%

5.0%

0.0% 1980-11990 1990-22000 Decade

Source: Appendix A, Table A.1

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60,000 55,000 50,000

n 45,000 o

i Civilian Labor Force t a l 40,000 Employment u p o

P 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 1980 1990 2000 Year

Note: Employment projections are based on an assumed unemployment rate of 3.5 percent.

Source: Appendix A, Table A.1. by a number of institutions of higher learning agricultural service center. The City is cen- located in the urban area, including Illinois trally located within the State of Illinois, Wesleyan University, Heartland Community approximately midway between Chicago and College, Illinois State University and Lincoln St. Louis, and between Champaign-Urbana College. These institutions not only provide a and Peoria. The region is served by Interstate substantial number of jobs, but also offer a Highways 39, 55, and 74, along with three wealth of educational resources and training State and U.S. Highways. The urban and rural opportunities for area residents and employ- areas are well served by an efficient system of ers. arterial, collector, and local streets and roads. The City’s favorable economy derives Transportation of people and goods is further largely from its strategic location and accessi- enhanced by expanded passenger jet service at bility (see Map 1.1). Situated in America’s the Central Illinois Regional Airport, which agricultural heartland, Bloomington is a major offers daily flights to Chicago, St. Louis,

Chart 2.4 2000 Median Family Income for Bloomington and Selected Places

Bloomington $61,093 Normal $60,644 Champaign $52,628 Urbana $42,655 Peoria $46,882 Decatur $42,379 Springfield $51,298 McLean County $61,073 Illinois $55,545

$0 $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 $70,000

Source: Appendix A, Table A.2

City of Bloomington Comprehensive Plan 15 Chart 2.5 Percent of Persons Below Poverty Level in Bloomington and Selected Places

Bloomington 7.8

Normal 19.3

Champaign 22.1

Urbana 27.3

Peoria 18.8

Decatur 16.5

Springfield 11.7

McLean County 9.7

Illinois 10.7

0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 Percent

Source: Appendix A, Table A.2

Minneapolis, Detroit, and Orlando. slightly by the year 2000. Nevertheless, the Furthermore, the Chicago-St. Louis rail corri- unemployment rate decreased from 5.2 per- dor and interstate bus and truck service pro- cent in 1980 to 3.9 percent by 2000, up only vide additional land-based transportation. slightly from the 1990 level of 3.7 percent. Thus, the City’s excellent location and acces- Both labor force and employment levels sibility have contributed to the vitality of the increased by over 13,000, approaching 37,000 local economy. and 36,000, respectively, by the year 2000 The following sections provide an (see Chart 2.3). overview of local economic indicators, includ- ing labor force and employment, income lev- Income Levels els and sales tax revenues.

Consistent with a healthy local econo- Labor Force and Employment my are the relatively high income levels of Bloomington residents (see Chart 2.4). Income Recent labor force and employment levels in the City compare favorably to other data provide evidence of the strength of the major central Illinois cities. The 2000 Census local economy. The exceptionally high rate of reported the City’s median family income to employment growth in the 1980’s was exceed- be $61,093, which was the highest of those ed by that of the 1990’s (see Chart 2.2). places compared in Chart 2.4 and significantly During this twenty-year period, the growth of higher than those outside McLean County. the labor force was able to keep pace with The City’s per capita income level of $24,751 employment growth and actually surpassed it was also highest. The reported percentage of

16 City of Bloomington Comprehensive Plan Chart 2.6 2002 Total Sales Tax Receipts and Percent Change Since 2000 Bloomington and Selected Places

Bloomington 5.8%

Normal 2.8%

Champaign 4.1%

Urbana 6.5%

Decatur 2.9%

Peoria -2.2%

Springfield 8.7%

$0 $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 $70,000 $80,000 $90,000 $100,000 Thousands Source: Appendix A, Table A.3 persons of all ages below poverty level was indicator of the City’s economic health. lower than comparable central Illinois cities, Despite the downturn in the national and state McLean County, and the State of Illinois (see economies, recent data on the City’s sales tax Chart 2.5). The relatively high income levels receipts also suggest a strong and stable local and relatively low poverty rates give further economy. The number of taxpayers and total evidence of Bloomington’s strong and growing receipts increased between 2000 and 2002. economy. Total receipts increased by 5.8 percent during this period (see Chart 2.6). The increase in Sales Tax Revenues total receipts occurred despite decreases in those from drinking and eating places, furni- ture, agricultural/other, and manufacturers. Sales tax receipts are a measure of the This is indicative of the prosperous sales volume of business and thus represent another activity among other industries. Lumber,

Chart 2.7 2002 Sales Tax Receipts by Category and Percent Change Since 2000 City of Bloomington

General Merchandise 30.3% Food 48.0% Drinking and Eating Places -7.7% Apparel 1.3% Furniture & H.H. & Radio -19.9% Lumber, Bldg, Hardware 70.9% Automotive & Filling Stations 10.7% Drugs & Misc. Retail 10.8% Agriculture & All Others -7.4% Manufacturers -65.2%

$0 $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 Thousands

Source: Appendix A, Table A.3

City of Bloomington Comprehensive Plan 17 absolute increase (see Chart 2.7). Chart 2.8 Recent Trends in Population Growth Sales tax revenues generated within City of Bloomington, 1970-22000 the City of Bloomington compare favorably 70,000 with those of other central Illinois metro-areas 60,000 64,808 (see Chart 2.6). Bloomington’s combined vol- 50,000 51,972 44,189 ume and growth was exceeded only by those 40,000 39,992

30,000 of Springfield. Population 20,000 10,000 POPULATION 0 1970 1980 1990 2000 Source: Appendix A, Table A.4 This section presents an overview of recent population growth and selected demo- building, and hardware showed the greatest graphic characteristics, including age composi- percentage increase, followed by food, while tion and educational attainment. auto and filling stations showed the greatest

Chart 2.9 Population by Age and Gender 1970 and 2000 (as percentage of total population) City of Bloomington

85+ 0.38% 0.33% 0.74% 0.99%

80-84 0.49% 0.54% 0.99% 0.98%

75 to 79 0.79% 0.82% 1.87% 1.33%

70 to 74 1.04% 1.11% 2.06% 1.41%

65 to 69 1.09% 1.56% 2.22% 1.44%

60 to 64 1.33% 1.94% 2.65% 1.46%

55 to 59 1.81% 2.19% 2.70% 1.95%

50 to 54 2.83% 2.16% 2.60% 2.92%

45 to 49 3.42% 2.39% 2.74% 3.63%

40 to 44 3.90% 2.36% 2.59% 4.12%

35 to 39 4.21% 2.32% 2.25% 4.26%

30 to 34 4.16% 2.48% 2.64% 4.02%

25 to 29 4.38% 3.50% 3.51% 4.24%

20 to 24 4.36% 5.35% 6.18% 4.79%

15 to 19 3.49% 4.31% 5.44% 3.53%

10 to 14 3.40% 4.35% 4.40% 3.21%

5 to 9 3.65% 4.52% 4.19% 3.63%

0 to 4 3.75% 4.16% 3.88% 3.62%

6.50% 5.50% 4.50% 3.50% 2.50% 1.50% 0.50% 0.50% 1.50% 2.50% 3.50% 4.50% 5.50% 6.50% Males 1970 Females 1970 Males 2000 Females 2000

Source: Appendix A, Table A.5

18 City of Bloomington Comprehensive Plan Chart 2.10 2000 Educational Attainment in the City of Bloomington

Less than 9th grade 3.2

High school graduate or higher 89.8

Bachelor's Degree or higher 39.7

0 102030405060708090100 Percent of Population 25 Years and Over

Source: Appendix A, Table A.6

Recent Growth Trends system, a broad range of City services, and excellent accessibility afforded by the City’s Due to the high quality of life and proximity to the state and interstate highway expanding employment base, the City’s popu- system. These factors are largely responsible lation has increased substantially over the past for the City’s recent dramatic growth in popu- several decades. The 1970 population of lation and employment, and are expected to 39,992 increased by over 62 percent to 64,808 continue to positively influence growth for the in 2000 (see Chart 2.8). The greatest period foreseeable future. As noted earlier, however, of growth was during the 1990’s when the the rate of growth will likely decrease to some population increased by nearly 25 percent. extent. The City’s many attributes include quality res- idential neighborhoods, outstanding education- al facilities, an excellent park and recreation

Chart 2.11 Percent of Population 25 Years and Over with Bachelor's Degree or Higher Bloomington and Selected Places

Bloomington 39.7

Normal 42.4

Peoria 28.0

Champaign 44.3

Urbana 53.5

Decatur 17.0

0 102030405060 Percent

Source: Appendix A, Table A.6

City of Bloomington Comprehensive Plan 19 Chart 2.12 Change in Number of Occupied Households by Tenure City of Bloomington, 1990-22000

30,000

25,000 9,785 (36.6%) 20,000 8,956 (41.7%) Renter 15,000 16,942 (63.4%) Owner 12,545 10,000 (58.3%)

Number of Occupied Units 5,000

0 1990 2000

Source: Appendix A, Table A.7

Age Composition totaling slightly over 4 percent. In contrast, the percentage of the population composed of Bloomington’s changing age composi- adults from ages 25 to 54 rose sharply, nearly tion between 1970 and 2000 was consistent 15 percent, between 1970 and 2000, and it is with the national demographic trend towards the children of these adults who lessened the an older population. The City’s changing age decline in the percentage of younger children composition for this period is illustrated in in the population at large. During this period, Chart 2.9. While in 1970 children and young adults aged 55 and higher became a slightly adults (ages 0 through 19) accounted for more smaller proportion of the total population, than 35 percent of the population, by 2000 the although their total numbers increased as did percentage had declined to slightly more than those for other age groups. 28 percent. The decline among children aged from birth to fourteen was less pronounced, Educational Attainment

Chart 2.13 Census data indicate the City of Change in Average Size of Household City of Bloomington, 1990-22000 Bloomington has a relatively well educated population. Nearly 90 percent of the popula- 2.9 tion has completed high school or higher, 2.7 2.63 while nearly 40 percent has a bachelor’s 2.54 degree or higher (see Chart 2.10). 2.5 City of Bloomington The educational levels of Bloomington 2.3 2.34 Illinois 2.31 residents compare favorably with other 2.1 Central Illinois communities (see Chart 2.11). 1.9 Bloomington had a higher percentage of per- 1.7 sons with a bachelor’s degree or higher than 1.5 both Peoria and Decatur. Normal and 1990 2000 Champaign-Urbana had somewhat higher per-

Source: Appendix A, Table A.7 centages; however, this can be attributed to

20 City of Bloomington Comprehensive Plan the presence of Illinois State University in has increased significantly since 1990 with the Normal and the University of Illinois in most dramatic increase occurring among Champaign-Urbana, both of which have sig- owner occupied households (see Chart 2.12). nificant university populations and faculty. While the total number of households The levels of educational attainment increased by just over 24 percent, the number by City of Bloomington residents can be of owner households increased by 35 percent. attributed not only to educational institutions As a result, the City’s previously low propor- such as Illinois State University, Illinois tion of owner households is becoming more Wesleyan University and Heartland typical of other communities as had been pre- Community College, but also to the large dicted in the City’s 1998 Comprehensive Plan. number of professional, managerial and tech- This shift is at least partially attributable to the nical jobs that exist in Bloomington and City’s relatively high personal incomes and Normal. Characteristically, a highly educated the low mortgage rates which have prevailed population is attracted by and typically for a number of years, thus helping to make demands a high level of urban services. home ownership available to greater numbers of people. The gradual increase in the propor- HOUSING tion of owner occupied housing is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

This section examines housing tenure and household size as well as affordability as Size of Household considerations for determining future housing demand. The City’s average household size has increased, both relative to the State of Illinois Tenure and the City’s average household size in 1990 (see Chart 2.13). This increase is attributable to the significant increase in the 1990’s in the Consistent with the recent population number and proportion of owner occupied growth, Bloomington’s number of households

Chart 2.14 Intensity of Development City of Bloomington and the "Average" City

Total Residential

Low to Medium Density

High Density

Commercial City of Bloomington Industrial "Average" City Public & Semi-Public

Streets, Alleys & Railroads

Total Developed Area

0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 Acres of Developed Land Per 100 Persons

Source: Appendix A, Table A.8

City of Bloomington Comprehensive Plan 21 Chart 2.15 Distribution of Existing Land Use in Acres City of Bloomington

1,223 4,242 Low to Medium Density Residential 3,193 High Density Residential Commercial Industrial 767 Public & Semi-Public Streets, Alleys & Railroads Vacant/Agricultural 2,776 2,629 1,249

Source: Appendix A, Table A.8 households, which are characteristically larger also have difficulty in obtaining the necessary than renter occupied households. The impact credit approval to purchase a home. on average household size of the expected continuation of the trend toward increasing LAND USE proportions of owner occupied housing in the City, however, is expected to be offset in part by the overall trend toward smaller households Urban development within and adja- both nationwide and locally. Thus, the City’s cent to Bloomington continues to be generally average household size is expected to remain contiguous and well confined to the incorpo- relatively stable in the coming years. rated area as was reported in the City’s 1998 Comprehensive Plan (see Map 2.4). Some scattered rural subdivisions remain to the west Affordability and south of the community. However, the large majority of all growth has occurred According to the recent Community within or immediately adjacent to the corpo- Assessment of Needs (CAN) study produced rate limits and has been annexed to the City. by a committee under the direction of the The existing development pattern for United Way of McLean County, housing the City is fairly compact, as illustrated in affordability is a serious problem for a signifi- Map 2.4 and Chart 2.14. The intensity of cant number of McLean County residents, development, with some exceptions, is compa- many of whom live in Bloomington. This is rable to that of other small to mid-size mid- despite the City’s relative affluence and partly western communities for which data is avail- because of it. The large number of relatively able. Intensity is expressed by the ratio of high incomes among City residents tends to developed acres per 100 persons. drive up housing and related costs, making it As in most communities, densities in more difficult for those of lesser means to Bloomington have declined. The older core of afford housing. The lower income residents the City is comprised of small to mid-size not only have difficulty affording mortgage houses on relatively small lots and a commer- payments, but according to the study, many cial core in the downtown area that contains

22 City of Bloomington Comprehensive Plan v—ke2floomington

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City of Bloomington Comprehensive Plan 25 Public and Semi-PPublic Traffic Circulation Network

These areas include land used for The City’s traffic circulation network recreation, like parks and golf courses, and is comprised of a fairly well-linked system of for public buildings, like public schools and arterials, collectors and local streets that pro- government land and buildings. These areas vides reasonably efficient access. Arterials also include semi-public uses, like churches provide for the movement of relatively large and parochial schools. Nearly 19 percent of volumes of traffic across the community and the City’s developed land is devoted to public region. Collectors provide for traffic move- and semi-public uses. The City’s ratio is ments between arterials and local streets. slightly below but comparable to that of the Local streets serve to connect individual average city. The distribution of the City’s parcels with collectors or arterials. The focus public and semi-public land is shown on Map of the comprehensive plan is on the City’s 2.4, with the parks, recreation and open space arterial and collector streets, which together areas distinguished in green. comprise the City’s major street system.

Streets, Alleys and Railroads Arterials

These uses account for just over 21 Arterials include interstate highways percent of the City’s developed area. The and major streets and highways that carry City’s ratio is comparable to that of the aver- large volumes of traffic across the City and/or age city. between the City and other communities. Three interstate highways provide access to Lake Bloomington Area and from the urban area (see Map 2.5). I-55 passes through the twin cities and links St. Louis and Chicago. I-74 connects the urban The City owns Lake Bloomington and area to Champaign-Urbana, Peoria, and the surrounding land as shown in the inset of Map Quad Cities. U.S. 51/I-39 also provides 2.4. A limited amount of very low density access to Rockford and Decatur among other residential development has been permitted destinations. Illinois Route 9 and U. S. Route around the Lake. However, this issue has 150 provide additional connections to areas been controversial, since the lake is the City’s outside the urban area and are supplemented principal source of public water supply, and by six County Highways that connect to the the provision of a central sewer system around urban area street system. the Lake would be extremely costly and would The City’s interior street system is encourage more development. shown on Map 2.5. Facilities comprising the arterial system include U.S. Route 51, TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM Veterans Parkway, Illinois Route 9, U. S. Route 150, White Oak, Linden, Towanda/State, Hershey, G. E., Airport, The City’s transportation system Towanda-Barnes, Washington, Oakland, includes the traffic circulation network of Alexander, Morris, Market, Mitsubishi, Fox major streets and highways, a public transit Creek, Ft. Jesse, Streid, Ireland Grove, system, bicycle and pedestrian transportation, Wylie, Hamilton, and Dr. Martin Luther air service and rail service. The comprehen- King, Jr. sive plan focuses on traffic circulation, transit and bicycle/pedestrian transportation.

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u vegend Collectors employment, housing and entertainment. Currently, there are eight fixed transit The collector street system includes routes that provide service to the City, as Hinshaw, Cottage, Seminary, Emerson, Allin, illustrated on Map 2.6. Most routes provide Lee, Clinton, Colton, Fairway, Clearwater, service or connections to destinations in Rainbow, Eastport, Royal Pointe, McLean, Normal. The fixed routes provide service as Dinsmore, Eastland, Prospect, Olive, Grove, follows: Mercer, Euclid, West Oakland, Wood, Green A – provides service between Lincoln, Bunn, Lafayette, Arcadia, Eddy, transfer centers in downtown Bloomington and Brigham School, Dansbury, Rockbury, Six downtown Normal at ISU’s Watterson Points, Bloomington Heights, Front, McClun, Towers, and includes the BroMenn Regional I.A.A., Arrowhead, Country Club, Four Medical Center. Seasons, Eldorado, Mt. Vernon and West Red B – connects Alexander Estates Washington. Collector streets are also identi- on the southwest with Eastland Mall on the fied on Map 2.5. east via the downtown Bloomington transfer center, and provides service to College Hills Mall and Illinois State University. Public Transportation Purple C – serves central Bloomington north of downtown, the downtown transfer Public transportation in the City is center, the south and southeast portions of the provided by the Bloomington-Normal Public city and eastward to Eastland Mall, and to Transit System (B-NPTS), which has been in points east of Veteran’s Parkway on Empire operation since 1973. Currently the system Street, Hershey Road and College Avenue. provides service on nine fixed routes operating Blue E – originates from the down- from 6:00 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through town Bloomington transfer center, and pro- Saturday, excluding major holidays. The vides service to far southern Bloomington at fixed route system has four major transfer Southgate Estates, along the South Main Street points: downtown Bloomington, downtown corridor, and to the north along Clinton Normal, Eastland Mall, and The Shops at Avenue. College Hills. Fixed routes and service areas Brown F – provides service to down- are shown on Map 2.6. B-NPTS also pro- town and west Bloomington, including west vides a campus shuttle service at Illinois State Market Street, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. University from 7:30 a.m. through 7 p.m. on Drive and O’Neal Park, and east to Eastland weekdays, and a late night service, NiteRide, Mall via Seminary Avenue and Division and which operates from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. and Empire Streets. serves the ISU and Heartland College campus- Yellow G – via the downtown transfer es, the College Hills Mall/Parkway Plaza area center, serves southwest Bloomington and east and points in between. NiteRide service is Washington and Grove Streets, to Eastland available to all riders. Mall and to College Hills Mall and the All transit system buses are equipped College Avenue corridor in Normal. with motorized lifts and kneeling capability Orange H – serves southeast for those needing assistance in boarding. B- Bloomington, including East Oakland Avenue NPTS also operates paratransit services for and points south and east of Veteran’s persons unable to use the fixed route system. Parkway and the State Farm South Corporate Many system riders are transit Campus, through Eastland Mall and along dependent and rely on the system for access to East Empire Street and Towanda Avenue into employment and shopping. The increasing Normal. student ridership uses the system to access Lime I – from the downtown transfer campus activities, as well as off-campus center, serves the far west, including West

City of Bloomington Comprehensive Plan 29 Market Street and points west of Interstate Street, Hamilton Road, Liberty Branch and 55/74 on Wylie Drive and JC Parkway, and Fox Creek Road Trails also represent impor- connects via White Oak Road and Hovey tant segments across portions of south Avenue into downtown Normal. Bloomington.

Bicycle-PPedestrian Transportation COMMUNITY FACILITIES

Bicycle and pedestrian transportation The City’s community facilities is an important component of the transporta- include public buildings, parks, schools, water tion system. A well planned network of bicy- and sewer systems and stormwater manage- cle and pedestrian facilities that connect major ment facilities. General design criteria for origins and destinations can serve as a practi- each type of facility are presented in Appendix cal alternative mode of transportation. Such a C. An overview of the City’s existing facili- network can result in reduced congestion on ties is presented below. area roads, reduced energy consumption and cleaner air. The City’s subdivision ordinance Public Buildings requires sidewalks on both sides of the streets in new subdivisions. This enhances pedestrian transportation, although destinations are often Public buildings addressed include the somewhat limited due to segregated land uses City Hall, Government Center, police station, and limited interconnectivity of streets. fire stations, library, Bloomington Center for The Constitution Trail represents an the Performing Arts, public service facility arterial route for bicycle and pedestrian trans- and Bloomington arena. portation, serving much of the heart of the City and connecting a number of important City Hall origins and destinations. In 2004, the City maintained over 14 miles of Constitution Constructed in 1963, City Hall is one Trail. The City also maintains a number of of the oldest of the City’s public buildings. It miles of recreational trails within its many is located on East Olive Street well situated on parks. Beginning in the northeast, the the southeast side of the downtown, just south Constitution trail follows an abandoned rail- of the Chamber of Commerce and north of the road right of way west, past a number of resi- new police station (see Map 2.7). It contains dential, commercial, industrial and recreation- approximately 42,000 square feet and houses a al areas through southeast Normal and south number of municipal offices including those of to just south of Washington Street in central the Mayor, City Manager, City Legal Bloomington (see Map 2.6). Department, Finance Department, City Clerk Approximately one mile to the south, and Computer Services Department. The construction on another major segment has Engineering and Public Service Departments also been completed. From Bunn Street, just are located nearby in a separate structure on south of Veterans Parkway, the trail follows East Street. The Water Department is located another abandoned railroad right of way north in a facility on West Division Street. and west past another assortment of land uses beyond Interstate 55 to Illinois Route 9 near the proposed extension of Mitsubishi Government Center Motorway, a distance of approximately five miles. Future efforts will focus on connecting In 2003 the City entered into a joint the Bunn Street terminus with the Washington venture with McLean County in the acquisi- Street terminus. The existing East Lincoln tion of an office building at the southwest cor-

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City of Bloomington Comprehensive Plan 33 Scottish Rite Temple (Consistory) located at first time in 2004. It houses water department East and Locust Streets. As the Bloomington offices and water system maintenance facilities Center for the Performing Arts, and in con- and supplies. junction with the McLean County Art Center, the building anchors the Downtown Cultural Parks and Recreation District. The Cultural District is being devel- oped as a major attraction for the downtown area, to to include a new park and other The City has a wide variety of parks amenities for users of the Center for the and recreation facilities, neighborhood parks, Performing Arts. community parks and a regional park within the community. The City’s existing park loca- tions and service areas are shown on Map 2.7. Bloomington Arena The characteristics and features of these facili- ties are summarized in Table A.9 in Appendix In mid-2004 the City broke ground for A. the construction of a multi-purpose arena In addition to these facilities, the City located on Front Street between Center and operates three municipal golf courses, as well Lee Streets. On completion, the development as other recreation facilities that offer alterna- will include a sports and entertainment venue, tive or specialized activities and opportunities, a fitness center, food services and associated such as Lake Bloomington. Lake Bloomington concessions and other services, and an indoor is primarily a water source for the City but ice skating rink for use by local amateur hock- does offer some recreational activities. The ey teams and the general public. The arena is City also has a system of multipurpose trails, expected to open in 2006. including the City’s segments of the Constitution Trail. The City parks offer a Public Service Facility variety of playground equipment and athletic fields in neighborhood settings. In addition, public school facilities provide added park and The Public Service Facility was built recreation space for residents. in 1965 and occupies approximately 29,000 In 1996, the City of Bloomington con- square feet on South East Street behind the tracted with Thompson Dyke & Associates to Police Station (see Map 2.7). The facility is prepare a long-range comprehensive park and equipped to store traffic signs, equipment, recreation plan for the City. The City of some carpentry applications and public works Bloomington Park & Recreation vehicles. It serves as a meeting place for Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the City in employees who pick up their vehicles in the November, 1997, includes a thorough invento- mornings. There is also an on-site solid waste ry of park and recreation resources in the transfer system that is certified by the community, and identifies current open space Environmental Protection Agency. Also on the standards and policies. It also presents the premises is a salt storage facility capable of results of a needs assessment study and con- storing 6,200 tons of salt. tains recommendations for future park and recreation development. The plan is designed Water Department Facility to serve the City until the year 2015. The City’s park plan is being updated by the con- sultant concurrently with the development of A new water department facility was con- this comprehensive plan. Careful coordination structed in 2003 on the north side of Division has taken place to ensure consistency of find- Street, just west of the railroad tracks (see ings and recommendations. Map 2.7). This facility was occupied for the The preliminary draft of the park plan

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City of Bloomington Comprehensive Plan 37 ment of wastewater generated within the McLean County Regional Planning Bloomington-Normal Metropolitan area. Commission. This plan identifies specific Treatment is provided at two plants. The West objectives and strategies for stormwater man- plant is located in southwest Bloomington agement, including runoff and contamination north of West Oakland Avenue and east of I- reduction. An erosion control ordinance is 55/74 (see Map 2.7). This plant has a design also being considered by the City staff as a capacity of 22.5 mgd and, with the recent means to help reduce contamination of water- addition of a second plant to serve the eastern ways from stormwater runoff. This ordinance portion of the community, should be adequate was also jointly developed with the jurisdic- to serve the western portion of the City for the tions noted above. foreseeable future. The second treatment plant was recently constructed in Randolph Township along the Little Kickapoo Creek (see Map 2.7). Most development in the area located south and east of Veterans Parkway from Bunn Street to one-half mile north of Fort Jesse Road will be diverted to the new south plant. This diversion allows the existing inter- ceptor, trunk sewer and plant capacity to accommodate projected service area growth.

Stormwater Management

The City maintains separate stormwa- ter and sanitary sewer systems, although some combined sewers are present in older areas of the City. The stormwater system is designed for the capture, detention/retention, storage and controlled discharge of excess runoff into either man-made or natural drainage systems through non-structural and structural means. It permits the detention and treatment of runoff as well as the protection of downstream areas. The concept of stormwater detention/retention is to temporarily store excess runoff and release the stored volume at controlled rates consistent with capacities of downstream drainageways (natural and man- made) and to adopt appropriate regulations and ordinances. The City currently has approximately fifteen major detention/retention basins that serve virtually the entire community. The City recently adopted a stormwater management plan developed in cooperation with the Town of Normal, McLean County, Bloomington- Normal Water Reclamation District, and

38 City of Bloomington Comprehensive Plan