This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, May 20, 2020.

In today's program, our weekly consumer watchdog segment, Better Beware Hosted by Richard Fish. Also, WFHB News Director Kade Young talks to the founder of Quarantine Buddies - a Google form started by an IU student to connect those in isolation.

 But first, your local headlines.

WFHB Assistant News Director Sydney Foreman breaks down the latest Bloomington Redevelopment Commission meeting - where a purchase agreement was made to develop the former Night Moves property into affordable housing (Photo courtesy of Indiana Public Media).

The Bloomington Redevelopment Commission approved a purchase agreement with Real America for 1730 South Walnut street also known as the former Night Moves site. Housing and Neighborhood Development Director Doris Sims said the property would be developed into affordable housing and would partner with Stonebelt.

Sims said Real America is experienced in affordable and low-income housing. Commission member Cindy Kinnarney asked city attorney Larry Allen about property financing.

Real America Vice President of Development Jeff Ryan said they will build approximately 60 affordable living units with a mix of bedroom numbers. He said the apartments would be a mix of 5 levels of affordability ranging from 30 to 80 percent of area median income.

***

WFHB News Director Kade Young covers a petition in Monroe County with a list of demands to protect people from being evicted. (Photo courtesy of Pro Publica).

Governor Eric Holcomb issued an executive order putting a halt on evictions and foreclosures until the state of emergency expires on June 4th.

As record numbers of people are out-of-work, local activist groups are calling for a list of demands to protect people from being evicted.

Hoosier Action started a petition to protect Monroe County residents from Covid-19 evictions. The organization said their goal is to reach at least 500 supporters.

The petition asks the Mayor of Bloomington, the City Council of Bloomington, the Monroe County Commissioners and the Monroe County Council to do everything in their power to prevent evictions as a result of the Covid-19 crisis and to protect those already experiencing homelessness by following a number of demands.

Those demands include keeping public restrooms and facilities open, letting people use public spaces and benches as shelter if necessary, putting a moratorium on water or utility shut-offs, establishing a rent relief program, developing a local plan to inform renters of their rights and asking judges to stay all local eviction orders.

The petition said, “All Hoosiers, no matter where we come from, what our color or religious tradition, deserve a safe place to live. During Covid-19 this is more important than ever since we must shelter in place to protect everyone’s health.”

Hoosier Action said due to Covid-19, there are an estimated 43,800 newly low-income renters in Indiana and an estimated 205,837 low-income houses will require rental assistance in the wake of the pandemic.

The organization said, “In order to prevent a massive wave of evictions and increase in Hoosiers experiencing homelessness, we must take swift action to protect Hoosier renters and those already experiencing housing insecurity."

More information can be found at HoosierAction.org.

***

Sydney Foreman breaks down the May 19th Board of Park Commissioners meeting. (Photo courtesy of City of Bloomington.)

Bloomington Parks and Recreation Community Relations Manager Julie Ramey provided an update about virtual programing during the May 19th Board of Park Commissioners meeting. She said multiple virtual events have been available for children of all ages.

Ramey said programing can be found on the Banakir Community Center Facebook page and city ...