By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
When it came down to architectural character versus costs, Bowling Green City Council voted Monday to reject a plan requiring new houses to have front porches.
Bowling Green Planning Director Heather Sayler presented possible amendments to the city’s zoning code during a public hearing prior to the council meeting. One of the changes would have added a “design standard” that any new housing constructed in the city have a porch covered by a roof. The minimum porch size would be smallish, at 25 square feet.
Sayler explained the reasoning for the proposed change, saying that some newer home construction in the city is bland with “no character.” She also said front porches make a difference in a neighborhood, and act as “community builders.”
During the public comment portion of the meeting, two citizens spoke up against the proposal.
Katelyn Elliott said residential design standards are not necessary, and would raise the costs of any newly constructed homes.
Heidi Reger, an architect, shared those concerns about adding costs to a new home.
“It could be a financial hardship,” Reger said.
Bowling Green City Council member Jeff Dennis agreed.
“I’m generally not in favor of anything that makes housing less attainable,” he said during the public hearing.
“I’m hesitant to create blanket standards,” Dennis added later during the council meeting discussion.
Other council members also voiced their dislike of the front porch standard during discussion of amendments to the zoning ordinance. Greg Robinette said he would not support the language, and Rachel Phipps said the porch requirement was not warranted.
“I don’t think residential design standards are needed at this time,” she said.
Also during Monday’s meeting, council heard a report from the city’s Human Resources Director Michelle Ish. During the past year, the city hired 44 permanent employees. Of those, 40 were replacements or filled vacancies, and four filled new positions. The new positions included a senior planner, acting judge, and staff for GIS and sustainability. Seventy seasonal employees were hired primarily for the parks and recreation department.
The city experienced 21 “separations” from employees – 14 due to resignations, four due to retirements, two terminations, and one death.
Six workers compensation claims were filed, which is a very low number for a city the size of Bowling Green, Ish said.
Also during the year, five union contracts were successfully negotiated with unions representing firefighters, police patrol staff, police command officers, electric, and one representing water, sewer and public works employees.
