Bowling Green Save Our Neighborhoods Group is encouraged to read the provisions of the proposed Exterior Maintenance Ordinance that will be voted on during City Council’s meeting this coming Monday. We are fully in support of Mayor Aspacher’s and the council’s stated goal of improving the condition of properties in Bowling Green. If passed, the ordinance will allow the city to enforce standards that have long been in place throughout most of Ohio.
Residents of Bowling Green have been discouraged for many years by the sight of overflowing dumpsters, trash accumulating in yards, boarded up windows, peeling paint, and broken siding.
In short—by the blight that has long persisted in Bowling Green. BG SONG believes attention to the appearance, health and safety of our city is long overdue.
The proposed code has these important provisions:
“Owners shall have all the duties and responsibilities as prescribed in these sections.”
“The owner shall keep the exterior of all premises and every structure thereon including, but not limited to, walls, roofs, cornices, chimneys, drains, towers, porches, landings, fire escapes, stairs, store fronts, signs, windows, doors, awnings, and marquees in good repair … for the purposes of preservation and avoiding a blighting influence on adjoining properties.”
“Lawns, hedges, and bushes shall be kept from becoming overgrown and unsightly where exposed to public view, and where the same constitute a blighting factor which depreciates any adjoining property.”
“All yards, courts or lots shall be kept free of unsightly refuse/rubbish…”
The ordinance also stipulates that storefronts and commercial signs, awnings and marquees be maintained in good repair.
Some specific suggestions to strengthen the code are offered here:
“Dumpsters exposed to public view shall be enclosed within a fence or screened from view and have lids that remain closed.”
“Windows shall be fully supplied with window glass which is glazed and is without open cracks or holes, shall have sashes in good condition which fit within frames and be maintained to exclude adverse weather elements from entering the structure.”
“Residences and commercial properties shall maintain foundation plantings where exposed to public view.”
All residents of Bowling Green who support the improvements that will follow the passage and enforcement of this ordinance are urged to contact council members this week. For phone numbers and email addresses, go to the “How Do I…” page on the city’s website bgohio.org and click on “Contact City Council.”
Respectfully yours,
Rose Drain, President
Bowling Green Save Our Neighborhoods Group, Building Strong Neighborhoods for Everyone
bowlinggreensong@gmail.com
Editor: This letter is a version updated by sender. The original version was posted earlier.
