Bowling Green · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bowling Green public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Vacant building enforcement program
City Council is considering an ordinance requiring registration of vacant buildings with steep fines, aimed at pushing owners to reuse empty structures. The commission discussed it but took no position, noting historic-but-undesignated buildings like the Corner Grill could be affected.
Public Safety Infrastructure
Construction on the new fire stations starts this week; Carter Park gets a temporary entrance while its road layout is rebuilt, and groundbreaking will be announced soon.
Not In Our Town community conversations
A survey on what role NIOT should play in Bowling Green drew 63 responses, now under review. Upcoming meeting details are coming.
Two new fire stations
Groundbreaking for the two new fire stations is September 29 at 2 p.m. near Carter Park — the public is invited.
Tenant education and rental property complaints
The city's housing office keeps getting calls from renters and landlords about disputes. They're handling them through education and outreach, and a community housing survey is open for input.
Enforcement of school-zone traffic signal on Fairview Avenue
A temporary light and left-turn-only sign protect bus operations at the high school and middle school during construction, but drivers have started ignoring them. Certifying the devices lets police actually issue citations instead of just warnings.
Fire Division wins national cardiac care award — fifth year running
Bowling Green's fire division earned the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline Gold Plus Award for the fifth straight year, this time with honors for heart attack and stroke care. It reflects the training and emergency medical response of the city's firefighters and paramedics.
E-scooter and e-bike rules downtown and on sidewalks
New rules ban low-speed micromobility devices from downtown and ban motorized use on sidewalks elsewhere. Supporters cite pedestrian safety for elderly residents; Herald argues speed is the real issue and wants a full code overhaul.
Low-speed micromobility devices ordinance
A first-reading ordinance would update city rules on low-speed micromobility devices such as e-scooters.
Street parking congestion and child safety on Wexford Drive
New neighboring houses with work vans and multi-car households have pushed Tembo's family to street parking, sometimes blocking the sidewalk. The wider driveway is meant to fix that.
Masonic Temple storm damage
Dale Arnold reported wind and water damage from the April 13 storm — a downspout blown off at 60 feet and interior water damage — and is working with vendors on facade repairs, possibly through the facade grant.
Domestic violence victim support in low-income housing
A resident and survivor urged council to do more to help domestic violence victims in low-income and HUD housing come forward, saying BGSU, the Cocoon and police feel their hands are tied.
New Everbridge emergency notification system launched
The county's emergency alert platform switched from Code Red to Everbridge today — old sign-ups don't carry over, so residents need to register again on the city website.
Snow Emergency Response and Utility Reliability
The Mayor hailed Public Works' handling of a 10-inch snowstorm — the city's first snow emergency in three years. O'Connell reported linemen sent to Virginia returned safely, water main breaks are running low, and residents can call a 24/7 line for outages.
Human Relations Commission 2025 activities and 2026 plans
The commission boosted its grant allocation from $1,600 to $2,500, awarded five community grants in the spring, condemned KKK flyers distributed in the community, and is reviving the multi-faith breakfast for April 14.