By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green residents were urged to be patient as the city deliberates on the future of the gray area known as the downtown green space.
On Tuesday evening, Mayor Dick Edwards said he expects the city to make some decisions within the next two months on the open 1.7 acres at the corner of West Wooster and South Church streets that formerly housed the junior high school.
Edwards noted that the 15-member Green Space Task Force completed its work more than nine months ago, after “very intensive study efforts.” That group suggested that the location be preserved as a green space and gathering area for the community.
“I don’t want to see the work of that task force slip away or be forgotten,” the mayor said.
The task force, led by Eric Myers, addressed the four points they were asked to study:
- Develop and recommend a conceptual plan for the space.
- Review the history of the site and prior recommendations for possible use of the space.
- Consider design elements that require minimal operating costs in keeping with the history of adjoining properties.
- Recommend a plan that lends itself to private fundraising efforts.
In the nine months since then, City Council’s Public Lands and Building Committee looked at the possibility of a new city office building sharing the acreage with a green town square.
“Council and the administration have been engaged in a process that reflects the weight of the topic and the value of the land as well as the varying opinions from many members of our community,” Edwards said to council.
The mayor said that out of respect for that process, he has tried to listen quietly to public debate.
“At the same time, it’s been no secret that I strongly favor the retention of the 1.7-acre green space as green space given its integral spatial relationship to our historic downtown and the adjoining historic church and neighborhood,” Edwards said.
“I see great value in what it means to be a vibrant and healthy community to have a small space where people can gather and enjoy, and where adjacency to the downtown is possible,” he added.
That doesn’t mean he is unaware of the need for a new city office building. “I am reminded each and every day that the current municipal building has long outlived its usefulness as a place to conduct the business of the public in a city the size and complexity of Bowling Green,” he said.
So the city administration has been analyzing another existing building site and other options for city use. Edwards has repeatedly said the former Huntington building downtown should be thoroughly studied as a possible site for city offices.
The mayor asked that the community be patient as the city analyzes the options for relocation of the city building and reaffirm the green space plan recommended by the task force.
Council President Mike Aspacher thanked the mayor for recognizing the link between the green space and a future administration building.
“I second your hope that the public remain patient,” Aspacher said.
Council member Bruce Jeffers added that “it may be a little frustrating for the task force,” but it’s important that the city study all the options.
Council member Theresa Charters Gavarone agreed that the city must do its due diligence on both issues.
And council member Daniel Gordon asked that all the task force members be kept in the loop about the city’s progress.
Ryan Tackett, accompanied by his family, is sworn in as police sergeant during council meeting.
Also at Tuesday’s council meeting:
- Ryan Tackett was sworn in as sergeant for the Bowling Green Police Division. Tackett is replacing Sgt. Alan Carsey, who recently retired from the force.
- Brian Craft, director of public works, reported that the parking kiosks will soon be ready to install in the city parking lot behind the east side of the first block of South Main Street.
- Craft said work will begin on July 18 to add a left turn lane to East Gypsy Lane Road at South Main Street. The work will close that stretch of Gypsy Lane for about 21 days.
- Craft also reported that road salt bids have come in much lower for this year at $39.77 a ton. That is about $10 less per ton than last year, and $50 to $60 less per ton than the previous years.
- Park and Recreation Board member Cheryl Windisch received a proclamation from the mayor declaring July as Parks and Recreation Month in Bowling Green.
- Earlene Kilpatrick, executive director of the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce, said that 140 local businesses and residents donated to make the fireworks a success this year.
