A River District without a River?

While Bloomington and the surrounding area is known more for its lakes than rivers, there has, nonetheless, been a proposal to create a riverfront district in Bloomington. Per Indiana code, a "river" is defined as any flowing body of water (or even a part of a body of water) and adjacent land. This broad definition gives communities wide latitude when setting up a riverfront district. The Bloomington proposal would see Miller-Showers Park (with its flowing canal) and the surrounding area designated as such a district.

But what is a riverfront district and why is it important? In Indiana, businesses within a riverfront district may apply for an alcohol permit through the state's Alcohol & Tobacco Commission, regardless of the quota allotted to their municipality. This could also help to free up permits currently being used in Bloomington if a permit holder decided to relaunch in the riverfront district. While a recent sale of a three-way liquor license garnered up to $275,000 here in Bloomington, recipients of the riverfront liquor licenses pay an annual fee of $1,000. The north side of Bloomington is seeing rapid residential growth and encounters a lot of tourists coming to Bloomington for sports events. Yet the northside also lacks an anchor. A Miller-Showers riverfront district could be such an anchor and would be a huge boon for economic development and revitalization efforts on the north side of town. Furthermore, such a district would help to increase visitors to the park and enhance the Bicentennial Gateway area.

Many cities like Carmel, South Bend, Columbus, Madison, Kokomo, and more have successfully implemented a riverfront district. Is it time for Bloomington to get in the game as well? The "river" at Miller-Showers Park might be small, but its economic impact could be mighty if the city were to adopt a riverfront district there.

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