Bloomington set to open more sites to adult businesses

The Bloomington City Council is on its way toward opening up more property around the city as potential sites for adult businesses.

Only about 8 acres in Bloomington, less than 1 percent of the city, is available to adult bookstores, movie theaters, novelty stores and similar businesses.

City officials say the new regulations would allow adult businesses in about 4 percent of Bloomington, while prohibiting them near churches, schools, day care centers and parks. Changes endorsed by the city's plan commission would remove cemeteries and large shopping centers from the list.

Officials say the changes would get the city in line with Supreme Court rulings and protect it against lawsuits.

The City Council endorsed the changes Wednesday night and could take a final vote next week, the Herald-Times reported.