Monroe County, Indiana – Under the shade of ballpark bleachers at Winslow Sports Park, the Monroe County community gathers each year to celebrate the opening of Little League baseball season. It’s a scene full of laughter, generations mingling, and a genuine sense of togetherness. But just days before this wholesome moment, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners made a decision that critics argue runs counter to that very spirit of inclusion and community building.
On April 17, the board voted 2–1 in favor of Ordinances 2025-11 and 2025-12, effectively downzoning more than 200 parcels of land in the Sunset Hill and Maple Grove Baby Farms neighborhoods. The change, which shifts zoning designations from High Density (HD) to Residential 1 (RES), is being described by many as a backward move—one that stifles housing variety, limits economic opportunity, and threatens Monroe County’s ability to grow sustainably.
A Shift in the Wrong Direction
The downzoning vote was not a minor technical adjustment. It represented a significant policy shift. Areas that had previously been open to a mix of housing types—including duplexes, triplexes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and even tiny homes—are now restricted to more conventional, lower-density housing.
For housing advocates and smart growth planners, this change flies in the face of efforts to create more inclusive, accessible communities.
“Zoning should plan for the future, not lock us into the past,” said one critic of the vote. “This decision embraces a ‘last settler’s mindset’—a belief that once you’ve arrived, no one else should be allowed in.”
And the timing couldn’t be worse. Local employers across Monroe County continue to report difficulty finding housing for workers. Younger residents, teachers, nurses, and aging homeowners all face a shortage of affordable options. The now-restricted neighborhoods were seen as prime locations for smaller, more attainable housing developments—until now.
Innovation Blocked by Bureaucracy
Monroe County Councilmember David Henry summed up a key consequence of the vote, saying the downzoning “forecloses on opportunities for creative, small-footprint development.” Rather than encouraging innovation in housing design and use, the change will make it harder for property owners to adapt or expand.
County Surveyor Trohn Enright-Randolph also voiced concern, pointing out that the rezoning will introduce more hurdles for homeowners trying to make basic upgrades or modifications to their property. “More variances, more red tape, more frustration,” he noted. “This isn’t how we encourage people to invest in their communities.”
Smart Growth Replaced by Sprawl
One of the most troubling aspects of the downzoning is its location. The affected parcels lie within the Urban Growth Area—exactly where infrastructure already exists to support additional housing. With roads, schools, water lines, and other services in place, these neighborhoods are ideal candidates for sustainable growth.
By reducing density in these core areas, the decision will likely push new development into more rural zones. That means more traffic, longer commutes, higher infrastructure costs, and greater environmental impact.
“This is sprawling by policy,” said one observer. “We need to grow smart—where we already have the tools and capacity—not force people to the outskirts.”
Financial Implications Loom Large
Beyond community impact and planning principles, the downzoning raises serious fiscal concerns.
Monroe County has already lost $3.8 million in property tax revenue due to existing caps and exemptions. Now, with Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) poised to further limit local government’s ability to raise property tax revenue, the county’s financial outlook is tightening. The Justice Center bond and other future investments will need more revenue—not less.
“We don’t just need higher taxes—we need more taxpayers,” critics argue. “Expanding the tax base is the only way to meet the needs of tomorrow without placing an unfair burden on current residents.”
Commissioner Madeira’s Lone Dissent
In a vote that many saw as politically driven and short-sighted, Commissioner Jody Madeira stood as the lone voice of dissent. Her opposition wasn’t just symbolic—it reflected a deeper understanding of long-term planning, housing needs, and the real economic implications of stalling growth.
“She saw the big picture,” one community member said. “Not just the complaints of a few vocal residents, but the needs of thousands who are struggling to find a place to live.”
A Divisive Comment Sparks Outrage
Tensions surrounding the vote were further inflamed by comments from the Chair of the Monroe County Plan Commission. In explaining her support for the downzoning, she took aim at the city of Bloomington, saying it “has no community.”
That remark quickly drew criticism.
“No community?” one resident echoed. “Tell that to the teachers, business owners, families, and Little League players who call Bloomington home.”
For many, the comment reflected an unproductive anti-Bloomington sentiment that has increasingly shaped land-use policy in the county. When decisions are driven more by spite than strategy, it raises red flags about leadership and the future direction of planning.
“If your goal in zoning is to block progress just to stick it to the city, maybe it’s time to reconsider your role,” said one local planner.
The Chamber’s Firm Position
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce formally opposed the downzoning ordinances. In their public statement, they laid out several key points:
• The rezonings reduce housing capacity where it’s needed most.
• They contradict the long-term development goals of the region.
• They discourage reinvestment and increase regulatory burden.
• They risk undermining the region’s ability to attract talent and grow local businesses.
Rather than slamming the door on housing options, the Chamber urged the County to consider overlays, incentives, and other strategies to promote smart, inclusive development.
A Community Larger Than Zoning Lines
Despite the recent vote, many in Monroe County remain hopeful. As families gather this weekend at Winslow Sports Park for the Little League Jamboree, the warmth and strength of the community will be on full display.
There, under the sun and alongside cheering neighbors, it becomes clear that community isn’t defined by zoning codes or land-use maps. It’s defined by people—people who want to stay, grow, contribute, and belong.
In the end, the call from residents, advocates, and planners is simple: let’s zone for that. Let’s zone for a future that includes everyone.
Because real community planning isn’t about exclusion. It’s about possibility.
