BLOOMINGTON – Throughout July, City leaders have been coordinating efforts to protect residents and support resident-led community-building activity in the wake of recent violence in the area of the Crestmont Residential Community.
City staff has directed efforts in the following ways:
- The Bloomington Police Department (BPD) is continuing its investigation into two shootings at the Crestmont Park playground on July 2 and 8 that injured four people, and a report of multiple shots fired at a residential address in the nearby Crescent Bend neighborhood on July 21. The BPD is working with assistance from federal and state agencies. Since the first incident, the BPD has increased its patrols of the Crestmont Residential Community, including the presence of officers on foot. The BPD encourages anyone with information about these crimes to contact the department at (812) 339-4477. Callers may report information anonymously.
- The City is addressing an increase in parking demand and parking-related challenges on West Illinois Court that began after improvements were made to the adjacent playground by implementing approximately 21 angle (pull-in) parking spaces along portions of the street, including a designated ADA space with access aisle to an existing sidewalk ramp. The unstriped areas will be designated as no-parking areas. It is anticipated that striping of the new spaces and installation of the no parking signs will be completed next week.
- Part of the City’s Community and Family Resources Department, the Safe and Civil City program is in coordination with the Bloomington Housing Authority (BHA) Residents’ Council to develop programs to help open communications, empower residents, and reinforce partnerships between the City and the Residents’ Council. The City, BHA, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bloomington will host the Crestmont Community Cookout Saturday, August 7 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Crestmont Court Circle. The free public event will feature food, music, games, and a resource fair, highlighting programming available through the Parks and Recreation department, the Boys and Girls Club, and Head Start, among other agencies.
