Bowling Green has a once in a half century opportunity to update its zoning code. It’s a chance to examine the kind of growth we want to allow. Do we want to be locked into outward sprawl or do we want to allow for a gentle increase in density by allowing ADUs (and duplexes?
The proposed code is not a radical change for the Pedestrian-Residential District. In fact, it would permit more of what allowed it to thrive in the first place. Looking at the Historic Preservation Tour, I discovered converting a part of a home to an apartment has a nearly 100 year old history. A second story exterior entrance and apartment were added to the Samantha and Nelson Taber House at 331 Pearl Street around the Great Depression. It allowed the owners, sisters Margaret and Isabel Draper, to stay in their home. Allowing these kinds of changes builds economic resilience. It also provides needed housing.
More people are staying single, having less or no children, and realizing they do not want all the downsides and responsibilities that come with owning a single family home. Is there a future for them in Bowling Green?
I use the term allow purposely. The zoning code is merely a document. Changes made to it will not result in massive, immediate changes around town. It will allow for future changes should property owners see fit to make them. No one is being forced to do anything. We would not have the Bowling Green of today if past generations had been held to the requirements of the current zoning code. If the PR District were to be destroyed, the proposals put forth by Save Our BG Neighborhoods would prevent it from being rebuilt. Will we be holding back future generations if we tie them to a zoning code stuck in an imagined past?
Please join me in asking city council to keep duplexes and ADUs in the new code. Let’s adopt a zoning code that allows for change and adaptation. Let’s give people more choices, not more restrictions.
Your thoughts are worth sharing with council even if they contradict the loudest voices. It’s okay to disagree with people you admire and respect even if you usually agree. If you want BG to have new housing opportunities in our most walkable neighborhoods, please talk to council.
Katelyn Elliott
Bowling Green
(As originally posted the name of the letter writer was not included)
