New Leadership Elected Amid Tensions at Bloomington Preservation Meet - Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission, February 13, 2025

New Leadership Elected Amid Tensions at Bloomington Preservation Meet - Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission, February 13, 2025

AI Summary:

### Headline:

Contentious Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission Election Yields New Chair Amidst Member Absence

### Article:

In a dramatic turn of events at the February 13th, 2025 meeting of the Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission, a contentious election for the chairmanship unfolded amidst the notable absence of several members. The tension in the room was palpable as the commission grappled with whether to proceed with the election given the reduced attendance.

The meeting began with procedural challenges as several commission members were absent, prompting a discussion about the viability of holding the election. "I'm wondering since we are down so many members if it makes sense to delay the vote on this so that we have feedback from the majority of our membership," one member suggested. However, this was quickly countered by another who insisted, "I disagree. I say let's just do it now. We were down a lot of people last time, and you probably down a lot of people next week, so let's get it done."

Jack Baker, who was not present at the meeting, had self-nominated via email. His message, read aloud, stated, "With my experience on this and other commissions, I believe I can effectively serve as chair." Despite his confidence expressed in the written statement, his nomination was not successful, with the roll call resulting in a rejection of his candidacy.

The floor then opened to other nominations, with Sam Doer being proposed and eventually elected as the new chair after a roll call vote. "Since I know where this is going to go, I can say yes for Sam," stated Daniel Schel, indicating a shift in support among the commission members. The final vote tallied at 4-1 in favor of Doer.

Following the election of the chair, Jeremy Hackard was swiftly nominated and elected as vice-chair, consolidating the new leadership of the commission.

The meeting also addressed concerns from the public, particularly from a long-time resident of the Garden Hill neighborhood, who expressed frustration over the increasing student housing developments and the erosion of residential home ownership. "We're trying desperately to get resident home ownership back," he lamented, highlighting the broader community impacts of commission decisions.

In addition to leadership changes, the commission reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness for modifications to a property on East 16th Street. The proposal, which included a rear addition and changes to the front entrance, was recommended for approval by the staff, noting that the changes would not significantly impact the historic character of the house.

The new chair, Sam Doer, took over the meeting, demonstrating a readiness to address both the immediate agenda and the broader concerns of the community. The meeting adjourned with pending issues and a community anxious to see how the new leadership will impact future preservation and development within Bloomington.

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