By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green is paving the way for sidewalks to be installed along two busy streets that will help local residents walk safely to city parks and elsewhere in the community. The infill projects will link existing sidewalks that currently dead-end with no connections.
On Tuesday evening, City Council heard the first reading of two ordinances to construct sidewalks along Conneaut Avenue from Wintergarden Road to Cedar Lane, and along South Wintergarden Road from North Street to the entrance of Wintergarden Park.
Both projects are under design, with construction expected late this year or early 2027.
Funding for both sidewalks was part of the city’s successful ODOT Safety application, which will fund approximately 90% of the construction costs. For the Conneaut Avenue sidewalk, that means the city’s share will be about $49,630 of the total $496,300 project cost. For the South Wintergarden Road sidewalk, the city’s share will be about $34,927 of the total $349,271 cost.
The Conneaut sidewalk will be installed on the south side of the street, and have links to some of the side streets on both the south and north sides. This project will provide a safe pathway for pedestrians and bicyclists to Simpson Garden Park, and connections to existing sidewalks to City Park and the downtown.
The Wintergarden pedestrian and bicycle sidewalk will be constructed on the east side of the road. It will link North Street to the entrance of Wintergarden Park, and the existing sidewalk in front of the park, which is already connected to sidewalks reaching much of the city.
The ordinances authorize the municipal administrator and utilities director to sign agreements with ODOT, request qualifications and advertise for bids to enter into contracts for design, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, construction and other services.
In order to maintain the project timeline, council has requested two more readings of the ordinances to take place at the Feb. 2 council meeting.
The city’s Capital Projects page can be viewed here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5e03aff3b8e54c49b54edfd57bffa7d6
Also at Monday’s meeting:
- City Council appointed Tom Ross to the BG Parks and Recreation Board.
- Mary Dennis, of the BG Arts Council, talked about the volunteer-driven organization dedicated to inspiring creativity, fostering learning, and enriching the community through the arts. The arts council has a space for exhibits and gatherings behind Coyote Beads at 178 S. Main St. Information on events in the ArtSpace can be found at bgartscouncil.com.
- Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter reminded residents of their responsibility to keep their sidewalks clear of snow.
- Council heard the first reading of ordinances to lease unused city acreage for agricultural purposes; sell city equipment no longer needed; change the rules for storing recreational vehicles at homes; and rezone property on West Newton Road for a new fire station and the former Poggemeyer Design Group site on North Main Street to Innovation and Employment zoning.
