This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, July 13th , 2020.

Later in the program, you will hear from Mayor John Hamilton in our recurring Monday segment, ‘A Few Minutes with the Mayor.’ Also coming up in the next half hour, Artbeat, a weekly program, interviewing artists, activists and educators about their work.

But first, your local headlines.

Up first, WFHB Correspondent Aaron Comforty delivers your latest headlines in today’s local news brief. We turn to Aaron Comforty for more.

In March of 2020, Bloomington withdrew their court appeal to acquire Juan Carrasquel’s 222 South walnut property, where his realty business is stationed, for the reconstruction construction of the 4th street garage.

The garage closed on January 1st of 2019 due to structural instability. Back on May 8th of 2019, the city staff and property owner discussed terms for purchasing the property from Carrasquel for $587,500. Carrasquel rejected the offer, proposing a value of $1.5 million instead.

During the summer of 2019, the city filed a petition in the Monroe County Circuit Court to acquire the property through eminent domain, however, the Judge denied the petition, stating that the garage plan included commercial use and therefore would not be used completely for public purposes.

The judge filed a final order on July 9th 2020, in which it states the city has 30 days to pay 62 thousand 500 dollars in legal fees for Carrasquel. According to a B Square Beacon article, “he city has paid its outside counsel on the case, Bose, McKinney & Evans, a total of $39,367.50 since the litigation started.” This totals the city to over one hundred and one thousand dollars in legal fees for the case.

The replacement 4th street garage footprint is now being modified to fit its original property size. Once construction is fully underway, it is approximated to be complete in one year. The garage has been closed for over a year and a half.

 

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration offices have been closed since March due to Covid-19. Now, state FSSA offices in the state will reopen according to a report in the Associated Press.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration reopened Division of Family Resources offices in all 92 counties in Indiana for in-person service.

Department of Family Resources staff are required to wear face coverings and take other protective measures for themselves and the public. It encouraged all visitors to wear masks while inside or around others. Face coverings will be required wherever local mandates are in place.

Marni Lemons, spokesperson for FSSA, said at-risk people should still use online services. She urged that only people with immediate circumstances should use the in-person services.

Lemons encouraged clients to wear masks when they arrive at FSSA offices.

In a press release, Indiana FSSA said it has been processing an increased amount of applications for food and cash assistance and health coverage virtually.

The organization said it encourages Indiana residents to apply for these benefits or check the status of their application or case either online at www.fssabenefits.in.gov or over the phone by calling 1-800-403-0846.

FSSA advised clients to be patient if there are long wait lines. Due to social distancing requirements and capacity limits, clients may be required to wait outside.

Each office has a drop box, where any paperwork or documents can be left by applicants or clients without requiring them to enter the building.

The organization’s Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services will reopen to in-person clients at respective offices - however, services will be available remotely.

DFR offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.