By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Dog parks and building design standards will be among the looming issues to be tackled in Bowling Green’s new “living” zoning ordinance.
While the zoning ordinance approved Monday by City Council resolves many issues, the update would have been destined for long delays if every issue was fully deliberated. So with the goal of getting the zoning update passed, council agreed that discussion will continue on some items.
Among the stickier of those are the possible locations for a dog park, and possible design standards for new and renovated buildings.
One amendment suggested Monday evening for the zoning ordinance was the removal of dog parks as a conditional use in institutional districts, which include governmental properties.
Council rejected this amendment. Council member Bill Herald said he did not want to rule out any properties, and said the “conditional” use requirements provide several safeguards.
Council member Nick Rubando said that despite rumors, no decisions had been made yet on a site for a dog park. He assured residents that the city would hold “robust discussions” on all the possibilities before making a decision.
“We’re trying to explore all available opportunities,” Rubando said.
Another amendment suggesting that building design standards be adopted for the Pedestrian Residential zoned neighborhoods surrounding downtown was withdrawn.
The amendment included the following provisions:
- All structures in the PR district that are newly developed, redeveloped or undergoing facade renovations that affect more than 25% of the front facade must comply with design standards.
- One parking space per bedroom must be available with new builds and alterations.
- Any change to the exterior of an existing structure and the exterior of new builds must be consistent with the character of the other homes on the block and be of similar architectural style.
- No external staircases may be added.
- No balconies would be permitted.
- The city will establish a design review committee to be appointed by the mayor with members being homeowners in the district.
Council decided these issues need further discussion. Council member Greg Robinette suggested that the mayor assign a committee to tackle possible design standards.
Rose Drain told City Council that the Bowling Green Save Our Neighborhoods Group is taking steps to become a Community Development Corporation. One of the goals of the group will be to advocate for design standards for the Pedestrian Residential district.
Also at Monday’s council meeting:
- Ellie Boyle, of the Bowling Green Human Relations Commission, presented the organization’s Honor Roll to the Wood County Court Appointed Special Advocates program. The Honor Roll recognizes people or organizations in the community who make significant efforts for the betterment of human relations and promote respect and diversity within our community. CASA is a nationwide program that began in 1977 to assist judges with decisions of the court involving children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
- Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter reported that the new city building is nearly complete. The old city building, at 304 N. Church St., will be closed on July 14 and 17 to allow for the move to the new building at 305 N. Main St. The new city building will be open for business on July 18.
- Public Works Director Mick Murray reported that the 2023 ARPA street paving program is almost complete, with more than six miles of streets repaved and more than 200 curb ramps installed. He also said the roundabout being constructed at the intersection of East Wooster Street and Campbell Hill Road is expected to be completed before Aug. 1, and the new public restrooms in the downtown area will be open by the end of June.
- Council authorized the city to advertise for bids and enter contracts for design, right-of-way acquisition and construction for the shared-use path that will connect Carter Park, Scott Hamilton Boulevard and Crim Elementary School.
