Construction of Affordable Housing on City Land Next to Switchyard Park to Begin in June
Sixty-four new homes are on track to be built on City-owned land adjacent to Switchyard Park, with groundbreaking scheduled for June. Retreat @ the Switchyard will provide a mix of supportive and affordable housing as well as market-rate units in a new apartment building at 1730 South Walnut Street. The City’s Redevelopment Commission (RDC) purchased the 1.5-acre site at the park’s eastern entrance in 2017 to help steer development consistent with the community’s long-term goals.
The RDC in June 2020 selected RealAmerica Companies to develop the mixed-income and mixed-use project, which will include at least 48 units dedicated to residents earning 30 to 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), 10 of which will be reserved for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supported by Stone Belt, a local nonprofit organization. The Bloomington Housing Authority (BHA) will provide project-based vouchers to increase access for low-income households and residents with disabilities. Affordability requirements will be in place for at least 99 years. Sixteen apartments will be offered at market rates, and the plans include ground-floor commercial space of 3,000 square feet as well as parking.
A community integration development, Retreat @ the Switchyard will incorporate services for residents within the facility. Each apartment will be furnished with modern amenities, free Wi-Fi, home office space, and a patio or balcony; common areas will include office space and a conference room. Located at the eastern entrance to Switchyard Park, Retreat @ the Switchyard will offer easy access to the B-Line Trail, Bloomington Transit routes, Bloomington High School South, and shopping.
Mitchell’s own Chase Briscoe to race this weekend in Nascar’s Cup Series
25-year-old racer Chase Briscoe, from Mitchell, Indiana, will race in the Blu-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 500 race this coming Saturday. The race on a .536 mile oval track is in Martinsville Speedway in Virginia. The 500 lap race or 263 miles will be raced in three stages: Stage 1: 130 laps / Stage 2: 130 laps / Final Stage: 240 laps.
Briscoe made 15 short-track starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, scoring two wins – last September at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway and July 2019 at Iowa Speedway in Newton – and earning 10 top-10 finishes. After seven races, Briscoe leads the Rookie of the Year standings by 46 points over Anthony Alfredo. With Rookie of the Year honors in the Truck Series (2017) and Xfinity Series (2019), Briscoe is looking to join Erik Jones and William Byron as only the third driver in history to claim the title in all three of NASCAR’s national touring series.
This weekend marks Briscoe’s first race carrying the colors of Rush Truck Centers on the No. 14 Ford Mustang. Rush Truck Centers is the largest network of commercial vehicle dealerships in the United States with more than 100 locations in 22 states.
Indiana Arts Commission Seeks Executive Director
A dynamic leader is sought for the Indiana Arts Commission, an Executive Agency under the Office of the Governor. The ED reports to a 15-person Gubernatorially appointed commission responsible for developing, supporting, diversifying, and expanding the arts for all.
As change manager, the incumbent will advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, will nurture Indiana’s creative assets, champion authenticity and engagement, and assist in the transformation of communities and lives through education and relevant public service. As team builder, will forge relationships within state government as well as with the private and public sectors; will develop inclusive strategies for artists, arts providers, and communities through public planning, research-informed decision-making, and robust citizen involvement. As thought leader, will help citizens advocate for the arts to decision-makers and influencers. Will have an expansive knowledge of the arts and allied sectors, including tourism, economic and community development, education, and philanthropy.
As public steward, will create a culture of continuous improvement for the organization with sound fiscal, operational, and performance management. Will be responsible for integrating the organizational perspectives, roles, and responsibilities of staff, Commissioners, and the Governor’s Office.
Salary commensurate with qualifications. Applications due by 5-30-21.