By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Renewed focus is being placed on ensuring the safety of rental housing and preserving historical structures in the city.
Bowling Green City Council Committee of the Whole will meet for a work session Saturday to continue discussions about creating a rental housing registration, licensing and inspection system. The meeting starts at 10 a.m., and is expected to be long.
No public comments will be taken during the work session, in council chambers of the city administration building, at 304 N. Church St. But the public may view the meeting at https://www.bgohio.org/meetings.
At Monday’s council meeting, members of the Historic Preservation Commission presented their proposal for the city to apply for Certified Local Government status – which would allow the city to enact an historic preservation plan.
Tax credits and grant funding could be accessed once the city earns CLG status, explained John Sampen, chair of the historic preservation effort. Bowling Green is the only major university town in Ohio without that status, he said.
“This could be a special moment of hope, opportunity and civic pride” for the community, he said.
Les Barber, also of the historic preservation commission, talked about the value of saving the distinctive architecture in Bowling Green.
“We recognize how important the historic feel of our community is,” especially in the downtown and more historic corridors, he said.
The legislation would set standards for protected historical properties. Only the exterior of buildings would be considered, Barber said.
The pattern seen with some historic homes in the city is a “progression of neglect and disintegration” when older homes are turned into rental units, he said. This legislation is intended to prevent further decline.
Benefits of a CLG include:
- Fostering history pride in the community
- Contributing to the quality of life
- Offering tax incentives and loans
- Protecting neighborhoods and downtown
- Encouraging revitalization of unique buildings
- Promoting recognition and history for local history
Mayor Mike Aspacher noted that legislation for historic preservation had been introduced years ago, then was tabled at its third reading due to misunderstandings. He thanked the commission members for creating a flexible ordinance.
“I look forward to signing this legislation if it’s approved by council,” Aspacher said.
Also at Monday’s meeting:
- Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter reported that leaf collection in the city will start on Nov. 9. Residents do not need to call the city to make arrangements. Two sweeps will be made in every area of the city.
- Council went into executive session to discuss real estate. No action was taken afterward.
- It was announced that a joint meeting of the Board of Public Utilities and council finance committee will be held Monday, Nov. 9, at 5 p.m.
- Council member Greg Robinette mentioned an email he received from Bowling Green High School about the 124 of the 127 scheduled NLL sporting events being held this fall. He complimented the success of the organizers to make sure the season went on as “normal” as possible.
