By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green City Council voted Monday to move ahead with buying land to create more metered parking downtown, provide restrooms for Wooster Green, and preserve the location of the Four Corners Center.
Council approved an ordinance for the issuance of $890,000 in bonds for buying four parcels of land on South Church and South Main streets.
“These are all things necessary to keep our downtown moving forward,” said council member Bruce Jeffers after the vote.
The purchase covers four properties. One parcel is at 119 S. Church St., located just south of the police station. The former Huntington Bank Branch location has been closed for several years, but has drive-up ATM units. The city is interested in building restrooms there that will serve those using Wooster Green as well as visitors to the downtown area.
In addition, the location has been eyed by the city for years as property that could be used to expand the police station. While there are no immediate plans for an expansion, the addition of an improved safety dispatch center is one of the city’s long-term capital plans.
The out-of-state owner of this property recently contacted city officials to discuss the building. The landowner also owns a nearby parking area behind Ben’s and the building at 130 S. Main St. – the current home of the Four Corners Center.
While city officials are not interested in owning the Four Corners Center building, they recognize the community value of that site. Located there are the Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Downtown BG, and Economic Development office. The lease for that building expires on Dec. 5, 2020.
So, by acquiring the LLC that owns the building and holds the lease, the city can take ownership of the lease – ensuring no changes for the tenants.
City officials then plan to sell that building prior to its lease expiring, with a provision that the Four Corners Center be given a lease arrangement for the building with a rental amount set.
The cost for the mini-bank area, parking lot behind Ben’s, and building at 130 S. Main St. will be $730,000.
Also being sold are the building at 123 S. Church St., currently housing Bowling Green Mirror and Glass, owned by the Bortel family, plus the parking lot to the west of that building.
An unspecified downtown business owner has decided to purchase that building and the parking spaces to the south of that building. However, the buyer has no interest in the other parking area located between the Huntington ATM location and parking lot behind Ben’s.
So the prospective new owner is willing to work with the city so that the purchase can be split, leaving the city with the large parking area that will connect the other two property purchases along South Church Street. The cost will be $325,000.
In other business, council voted to issue bonds not to exceed $1,010,000 for the new park and recreation building in City Park. The bonds will pay for constructing, furnishing and equipping the new community building, including the landscaping, paving an entry drive and parking lot, and construction of a patio.
Also at Monday’s meeting, Council President Mike Aspacher read a proclamation recognizing the sixth anniversary of Not In Our Town Bowling Green. The organization celebrates diversity and stands up to hate, bias and discrimination.
“In light of recent events, we think this is most timely,” Aspacher said.
Emily Dunipace, the community co-chair of Not In Our Town, thanked City Council for its support of the organization.
“Your support has been unwavering,” she said.
Dunipace also invited the community to an anniversary celebration for Not In Our Town on April 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Wood County District Public Library.
In other business, Madi Stump reported that a reusable bag making workshop will be held on April 28, during the Earth Day celebration on the grounds of the Montessori School.
Also at the meeting, it was announced:
- The city is conducting a Fair Housing study on barriers to housing in the community.
- Nominations are still being sought for Bicycle Spokesperson of the Year.
- City residents can sign up on the city website for CodeRED alerts for such issues as snowstorms, water boil advisories or power outages.
- With the continued construction downtown, citizens were asked to support local businesses there. “The road construction is wearying on people,” Jeffers said.
- The city’s utility consumer confidence report in past years has been mailed as inserts in bills. Those will be done electronically this year, Public Utility Director Brian O’Connell said.
- A public hearing on sidewalks widths will be held May 20, at 6:45 p.m.
- Another Community Improvement Corporation meeting on single-use plastic bags will be held May 6, at 6 p.m., in the council chamber.
