By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
The Bowling Green citizens who rallied earlier this year to protect their older neighborhoods from zoning changes haven’t retired quietly to their homes.
They are just getting started.
The Save Our Neighborhoods Group (BG SONG) was galvanized by its success convincing City Council to reverse zoning plans that would have resulted in dividing more homes into duplexes and allowing businesses to set up shop next to homes in the neighborhoods surrounding downtown.
Fortified by that victory, the organization is looking for other ways to improve neighborhoods and bring back pride to some of the older residential areas.
BG SONG, which became a non-profit organization in July, has set the following goals:
- Advocating for passage of a strong exterior maintenance code for the city.
- Reporting concerns with zoning code violations using the “report a concern” link on the city’s website.
- Planning a home improvement event for spring 2024 with community and BGSU student volunteers.
- Discussing the potential for collaboration with other area non-profit organizations and businesses, including rental property companies.
While some view the organization as a savior for neighborhoods in decline, others question why the group should be allowed to dictate rules and define blight at residential properties.
One of the BG SONG members, Ross Mazzupappa, has heard those type of concerns expressed. They have been described as “petty old people who don’t want to see renters come in,” he said.
But Mazzupappa – a young art professor at BGSU who rented for years in Bowling Green prior to recently buying a home – defies that description.
“It can sound petty, but having properties maintained does elevate a neighborhood,” he said. “Those can be determining factors when someone is looking to move here.”
His wife, Chris Humble, recalled family coming to Bowling Green when the couple moved here to teach. Compared to their previous home in another college town, the family dubbed Bowling Green as “trashy.”
“What we see is the potential of this city, and we don’t want it to be held back,” Humble said.
Despite concerns, BG SONG is not the equivalent of an HOA – homeowners association, the couple said. The group is not asking for rules on exterior paint colors, or other nit-picky regulations.
Long-time Bowling Green resident Joyce Kepke explained her reasoning for being involved with BG SONG.
“I’ve been appalled at the housing situation in some areas of town,” Kepke said. “One house can take down a whole street.”
The organization has approximately 20 members, and meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, at 6:30 p.m., in the fellowship room of Trinity United Methodist Church at 200 N. Summit St. The church is not affiliated with the group, but allows members to gather there. The public is welcome to attend.
“We want to work together with people – to make it a better place for everybody,” said Rose Drain, president of BG SONG.
“I think we can find common ground with people,” even those suspicious of the group, she said.
“Come sit with us, be a part of the conversation,” Mazzupappa suggested.
The organization has set its sights on the proposed Exterior Maintenance Ordinance that will be voted on during City Council’s meeting Monday evening. If passed, the ordinance will allow the city to enforce standards that have long been in place in other Ohio communities.
“We’re not inventing the wheel, we’re just adapting it to our space,” Drain said.
“Residents of Bowling Green have been discouraged for many years by the sight of overflowing dumpsters, trash accumulating in yards, boarded up windows, peeling paint, and broken siding,” Drain said. “In short – by the blight that has long persisted in Bowling Green. BG SONG believes attention to the appearance, health and safety of our city is long overdue.”
The proposed code includes these responsibilities for homeowners:
- “The owner shall keep the exterior of all premises and every structure thereon including, but not limited to, walls, roofs, cornices, chimneys, drains, towers, porches, landings, fire escapes, stairs, store fronts, signs, windows, doors, awnings, and marquees in good repair … for the purposes of preservation and avoiding a blighting influence on adjoining properties.”
- “Lawns, hedges, and bushes shall be kept from becoming overgrown and unsightly where exposed to public view, and where the same constitute a blighting factor which depreciates any adjoining property.”
- “All yards, courts or lots shall be kept free of unsightly refuse/rubbish.”
Prior to the group’s success convincing City Council about zoning changes earlier this year, Humble was “very cynical” about the effect citizens could have on local government decisions.
“It showed me you can have a positive impact in your government,” she said. “It inspired me to be a part of this group to make positive changes in the community.”
As professors, who rented for years, she and her husband have an understanding of some of the housing issues.
“Most of my students are renters,” Mazzupappa said, explaining that he sees one of the group’s functions as protecting renters and holding landlords accountable.
“They shouldn’t be treated like a second class citizen,” Humble said of tenants.
In April, the organization plans to hold its first home improvement event modeled after the “Rock the Block” activities held in Toledo. BG SONG will host the project in one or more of the central residential neighborhoods. Offering hands-on assistance with yard work and light exterior repairs, volunteers will help area homeowners complete maintenance tasks on their properties.
“We’re excited about that,” Drain said.
The group is hopeful that some landlords will want to join in the “Rock the Block” program, to make improvements to their properties.
To receive membership information or make a donation in support of the group’s work, community members may contact Bowling Green Save Our Neighborhoods Group at bowlinggreensong@gmail.com or call Drain at 419-450-2233.
