New police substation planned on Bloomington’s west side

By Dave Fidlin For Chronicle Media

Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner

If Matthew Draft’s vision for a partnership with the Bloomington Police Department comes true, residents in a rehabbed part of the city will feel empowered.

Drat is director of resource development and community engagement with Mid Central Community Action (MCCA), an organization that has been working with the West Bloomington Housing Collaborative (WBHC) to reinvigorate a residential corridor in and near the 800 block of West Jefferson Street.

As part of an extensive overhaul of the area, which has been spurred by a federal grant, MCCA has been working behind the scenes with the Bloomington Police Department for a planned substation in the heart of the development.

“Our desire is to move forward with this in a positive and inspiring manner,” Drat said. “This is not really a classic view of what many people think a police substation might look like.”

Specifics surrounding the substation remain murky, though it has been eyed on land owned by MCCA at 828 W. Jefferson St. The Bloomington City Council reviewed details in December, but is withholding a definitive vote on the proposal until Monday, Jan. 23.

“We’d like to have this up and running as quickly and as prudently as possible,” Drat said when asked about a timeline for the substation’s opening.

Within the walls of the BPD, there has been support for the substation, which likely would be manned on a part-time basis. Residents within the surrounding community still would be urged to call into the main office for urgent matters.

Matthew Drat

Chief Brendan Heffner in a statement said he believes the substation could have a positive impact in a number of ways.

“(It) reflects the Bloomington Police Department’s commitment to strengthen community relations and enhance public safety,” Heffner said in the statement. “The substation will reduce officers’ response time, increase police visibility and provide officers the opportunity to collaborate with community members.”

Heffner was not available to comment further for this story, though Officer Ben Smith with the department’s public affairs office said the chief’s office is open to exploring new ways of interacting with the community proactively.

“There’s a belief this will be beneficial,” Smith said.

Drat concedes there have been hiccups in communicating the substation with nearby residents. He said there has been misinformation of what the substation will mean for the surrounding neighborhoods.

To that end, Drat said MCCA, the WBHC and other related organizations are embarking on a vigorous campaign to ensure everyone’s views are heard and understood.

“We want to have an open door and an understanding ear,” Drat said. “Our desire is to hear from the residents and hear what they believe is important to the vitality of their communities.”

Drat is quick to point out MCCA’s revitalization efforts within the West Jefferson Street area do not stop at the substation. Other associated efforts include bringing programs from the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal closer to home, as well as such amenities as library facilities and programs.

The MCCA and WBHC began overseeing revitalization efforts within portions of Bloomington’s west side when funding from a $1.5 million grant funneled into the region. Proceeds, which were awarded by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, came as a result of a national foreclosure settlement.

Drat said the goal amid the revitalization process is to provide quality, affordable housing options and to offer robust opportunities for citizen engagement.

Speaking to the substation, Drat said he believes it only will be successful if all participants agree to collaborate openly.

“Whether this works or not will be part and parcel of everyone being willing to work together,” Drat said. “The goal for us is to be a bridge builder.”

 

 

 

— New police substation planned on Bloomington’s west side –