By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Armed with the results of multiple community planning recommendations, the city of Bowling Green last year picked its top 10 priorities. Council member Greg Robinette reported last week just how the city is doing at checking off tasks on that list.
“We have made and will continue to make great progress,” Robinette said.
Four of the priorities have been completed:
- A micro-grants program has been created to provide grants of up to $5,000 in the target reinvestment area, the residential sections to the east of the downtown area.
- Council has asked the planning commission to study zoning code issues, specifically in the Gateway District zoning district on East Wooster.
- A historic preservation commission has been created and is functioning.
- The parks and recreation department is looking at improvements to Carter Park, including the new shelter house being constructed. The parks and rec department has been asked to discuss the construction of a trail to the community center.
One priority has been tabled indefinitely:
- This item involves working with Bowling Green State University on the development of land near the campus. BGSU has no immediate plans for the property, Robinette said.
One priority has been started, but is not yet complete:
- A grant is being sought for bicycle infrastructure on East Court Street. The city administration is also developing plans to implement recommendations of the city bicycle commission.
Two priorities are being incorporated in the zoning code review, with an update to begin this year:
- City Council has established a goal of hiring a consultant to review and update the zoning code in 2020. A report will be presented at a Feb. 11 meeting.
- Look at possible mixed-used development along East Wooster Street near BGSU.
Two priorities have pending implementation:
- City Council has asked the city administrator to provide an explanation of the processes and requirements for Tax Increment Financing.
- Creation of a city-wide rental property registration program is underway to improve rental property conditions.
Robinette also reported on the plans for redevelopment of the East Wooster Street corridor. Plans for the “Gateway Zoning District” at the northwest corner of East Wooster and Thurstin streets will be presented at the joint council and planning commission meeting on Feb. 11.
Development of the proposed “Eds, Meds & Beds” district on East Wooster must begin with an agreement between BGSU and Wood County Hospital, Robinette said. And further discussion on the creation of a “Walkable Hospitality District” at the eastern end of East Wooster Street should be deferred until the construction of the roundabout at Campbell Hill Road, and sidewalk improvements are completed, Robinette said.
Robinette also reported that for the immediate future, the issue of public art will be addressed by the BG Arts Commission.
Also at last week’s meeting Mayor Mike Aspacher thanked the public works crews for handling the heavy wet snow the weekend before.
“Public works got in front of it,” he said.
The mayor also thanked city residents for removing their vehicles from the streets to make plowing easier.
Aspacher also reported that since taking office he has visited every city facility, on every shift, to learn more about the jobs they perform.
“I’ve been extremely impressed by the quality of people we have working for the community,” he said.
In other business at Tuesday’s meeting, City Council:
- Heard from Planning Director Heather Sayler that a joint meeting of the Planning Commission and City Council will be held on Feb. 11, at 6 p.m., in the Simpson Building, to discuss the “Gateway Corridor” on East Wooster Street.
- Learned from Parks and Recreation Director Kristin Otley that the Brown Bag Music Series is starting Jan. 31, at the Simpson Building.
- Passed a resolution honoring Mayor Emeritus Dick Edwards for the job he performed for the community during his two terms.
- Voted to authorize City Attorney Mike Marsh to file a petition to annex approximately 40 acres of city-owned land at the southwest corner of Carter Road and East Poe Road. The property is contiguous to the Wood Bridge Business Park.
