By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green is about to grow by 31 acres, making room for an assisted living facility on the northern edge of the city.
City Council voted unanimously Tuesday evening to accept the annexation request for the acreage at the northeast corner of Haskins and Newton roads, across from the city’s community center. According to the request, submitted by HCF Realty of Bowling Green, the new facility would consolidate existing nursing home buildings at 1021 and 850 West Poe Road.
Council tabled the ordinance which would change the zoning for the acreage to I-1 institutional until a public hearing can be held on the request on March 7, at 6:45 p.m.
Map showing shaded area being annexed to Bowling Green.
Council member Bruce Jeffers called the proposed facility a “significant development” for the city. He explained how city officials must do a “cost-benefit analysis” prior to voting on any annexation request. In this case, the benefit of the annexation outweighs the expenses associated with the additional acreage, Jeffers said.
“The cost benefit analysis is very favorable to us,” he said. “This particular project is nothing but desirable.”
The location of the proposed assisted living facility next to the community center makes sense, Jeffers said. “I am happy to support this.”
Other council members echoed those feelings, including Bob McOmber who after recent knee replacement surgery spent 11 days in one of the facilities being replaced. The updated facility will be appreciated, he said.
HCF officials are promising a “state of the art facility,” council member Sandy Rowland said.
“It’s going to be a benefit to the community,” council member Theresa Charters Gavarone said.
The current nursing homes on West Poe Road being replaced will be sold if possible. If they cannot be sold, HCF officials have told the city they will tear down the structures rather than let them decay.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, city council:
- Heard that waterline work is being planned in the area of Manville, Third and Clough streets. Information will be sent to residents affected, according to Brian Craft, public works director.
- Learned ODOT is erecting a noise barrier along Interstate 75 in the Carter Park area.
- Learned the Winterfest activities went well this past weekend. “I’m happy to report the sculptures in City Park are still there” but may melt when warmer weather returns this weekend, said Kristin Otley, head of the parks and recreation department.
- Heard from Otley that the levy committee will have a recommendation ready for the park board next week. The honorary chairperson of the levy campaign will be Margaret Tucker.
- Learned that the salt not used to treat snowy streets this winter will still be good next year. “What’s left in the old salt shed, we’ll move to the new salt shed,” Craft said.
- Heard from Lori Tretter, municipal administrator, that city officials are continuing their visits to local industries.
