By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Endless study of the green space on West Wooster Street could lead to “paralysis by analysis,” according to one council member ready to proceed with plans for the site.
Robert McOmber posed the question at the city’s strategic planning meeting Monday evening of who makes the ultimate decision with the property.
“The final say really rests with council,” Mayor Dick Edwards said.
The city put together a team of citizens last year to come up with a plan for the site that formerly housed the junior high school at the corner of West Wooster and Church streets. Several public meetings were held, and the decision was made to leave the space green, while adding some features to create a town square.
But earlier this year, a decision was made to hire Poggemeyer Design Group to study the possibility of the town square sharing the space with a new city office building.
The mayor said Monday evening that he remains committed to the space being just a town square.
“I’m trying to be of an open mind. I just think that space over there is too tight,” he said. “I just hate to see something shoe-horned in there.”
Edwards said he has heard from a lot of citizens who agree, and has visited a lot of communities that have vital town squares.
However, he agreed that one final study, to see if both could share the site, was a good idea.
“We would be remiss” otherwise, he said.
Council member Bruce Jeffers admitted to slowing down the green space implementation.
“I think I’m one of the roadblocks to the project,” he said. “A building could make it a much better space. A building enhances the space.”
Jeffers said it isn’t often that he shows obstinance. “This struck me as something I needed to dig my heels in on.”
It is worth the time and study to make sure the city is proceeding properly with the site, he said.
Council member Daniel Gordon said citizens are questioning the conflicting plans for the property.
“If there’s confusion among us, there must be some confusion among citizens,” Gordon said.
Council president Mike Aspacher assured that as soon as the study is back from Poggemeyer, council will act on plans for the site.
Mayor Dick Edwards reiterated that he is “100 percent” for keeping the city office building in the downtown area. However, he is not in favor of building a new facility.
“It’s no secret that some of us hold high hopes that we can use existing property,” Edwards said.
And some also have high hopes for the green space, the mayor said, noting that in other communities, town squares add vibrancy to the downtowns.
“I’m so sick,” of seeing cities that let their downtowns die, Edwards said, adding that by keeping both the city offices and a town square in the downtown, Bowling Green may be able to avoid the plight of other small cities.
