By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
The city is moving to make progress on many fronts, and two members of council credit citizen involvement with helping set the agenda.
Daniel Gordon, who represents Ward 1, and John Zanfardino, who represents Ward 2, both on Bowling Green’s east side, held a meeting for their constituents Monday night at the Wood County Library to discuss the issues facing the city.
“BG has some really engaged folks,” Zanfardino said. “That’s incredibly important.”
He cited the efforts of the People of Engagement Bowling Green, a project founded last year to bring information to residents and bring those residents into the process. Several members were in attendance.
Zanfardino also noted the weekly bike rides that are being held to raise awareness of the need for accommodations for bike rides.
Students also have been active picking up trash in the neighborhoods on the south side. Sean Herman, who works with The Common Good, was on hand.
“All our efforts are important and are moving the city forward,” Zanfardino said.
One issue that has recently gotten a boost, he said, was the need to look at how to revitalize housing, especially on the east side of town. The city has just allocated $90,000 to hire a consultant to advise it on the issue.
“The city council has put it in the forefront,” Gordon said.
Zanfardino said for the 11 years he was on council the issue was not even acknowledged “until last year.”
The effort follows up on the development of the city’s land use plan. It takes “the housing aspect of it and actualizes it,” he said.
The public forums on a five-year plan for the parks have ended, Gordon said, but those still wanting to submit ideas should send them to skorr@bgsu.edu.
Two issues of particular concern to him are the creation of another park on the southeast end, possibly where a playground exists at the former South Main School, and the further development of the park on the Ridge Street School site.
He also said he was concerned about the lack of play area for the children who live in the mobile home park between Kroger and the railroad tracks.
Those kids end up playing in the street or parking lots. “It’s a public safety issue,” Gordon said.
Again, he said, that it’s one thing if he as a member of council brings the issue up. “It’s another thing if they hear from 50 of you. It has more impact.”
City resident Neocles Leontis said Gordon was “the first councilman who has expressed concern for people in the trailer parks.”
Sandy Rowlands, who holds an at-large council seat, wondered whether a similar situation exists in other mobile home developments in the city.
