By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green Planning Commission approved plans Wednesday evening for a small housing subdivision east of Peace Lutheran Church. The seven-lot subdivision will sit on the 3.5 acres between Pearl, Martindale and West Wooster streets. The backside of the development borders the homes on Western Avenue.
The property, owned by David Maurer, will be called the Reserve at Martindale. The plan is to develop the subdivision in two stages, with the three lots along Pearl Street going first.
The owner, represented by Dave Saneholtz of Poggemeyer Design Group, requested several waivers of subdivision rules and regulations. They were:
- Reduction of the 35-foot front yard setback to 25 feet. City Planning Director Heather Sayler said this was acceptable since many homes in that area have the small setbacks.
- In lieu of rear or side yard easements, the owner offered easements along the public right-of-way. Sayler said that was satisfactory.
- Delay of the waterline installation along Martindale Road until the lots along that road are created. Fire Chief Tom Sanderson said that was acceptable.
- Waiver from improving the existing street to the centerline.
- Avoidance of putting in sidewalks along the development since many streets in that area lack sidewalks.
The sidewalks waiver request was the only one that met with opposition from city officials.
“We do not support that,” Sayler said, explaining that bit by bit, the city has been trying to install sidewalks in residential areas. “We’ve been working hard to get sidewalks in wherever we can.”
Preliminary plan, with West Wooster Street at the top, Martindale Street on the left, and Pearl Street at the bottom.
Sidewalks improve the walkability of neighborhoods and are there “for the benefit of the whole community,” Sayler said. The city now requires them with all new residential construction.
Planning Commission member Judy Ennis supported sidewalks as a necessary safety feature. “We’re strongly in favor of sidewalks.”
Saneholtz pointed out that while sidewalks exist on the south side of Pearl Street, they have not been installed on the north side in that area. And sidewalks are already located on the north side of West Wooster, but not the south side. He added that the owner isn’t sure if all seven lots will be developed, so requiring sidewalks on the first three would not provide a link to other sidewalks.
The planning commission denied the sidewalk waiver, but agreed to all the others.
Sayler said the subdivision project will come before the city again when construction plans are submitted.
Also at the meeting, Sayler reported the city has received 311 zoning requests this year, compared to 312 for the same period last year. Single-family home permits have totaled 25 this year, compared to 23 last year at this time.
She reported on other development in the city, including a new building for The Beat dance studio in the Bellard Business Park, an expansion of NovaVision in WoodBridge Industrial Park, and plans for a car wash at the former bowling alley site on South Main Street.
