Bowling Green · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bowling Green public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Rezoning Denial
Bowling Green officials denied a rezoning request in a planned residential zone, siding with neighbors who want to preserve the area’s character. If you live nearby, this decision directly affects what can—and can’t—be built next door.
City Council Election
Local official Rettig is defending his record on the city council as upcoming local elections approach. This defense gives voters a clear look at what the current council stands for and how they plan to run Bowling Green.
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.
Former South Main School listed for sale
After years of silence, the owner of the old South Main School finally replied to the commission's letters — but sidestepped the idea of local historic designation, instead asking about tax credits and repair grants. The property's fate remains on hold.
Street tree care outreach to residents
A resident-led climate action group is partnering with the city to launch a 'Leave the Leaves' project on October 21 at Simpson Garden Park, encouraging residents to leave leaf litter for wildlife and soil health.
Callery pear removal and replacement on Wren
Twenty-six invasive Callery pear trees along Wren Road will be removed and replaced this fall. Residents along the street will get advance notice by door hangers and a press release.
Campbell Hill Road resurfacing
An ordinance was read to set up the Campbell Hill Road resurfacing project, planned for 2031, from Carter Park to Wooster with a shared-use path to Scott Hamilton.
Ward redistricting
A Committee of the Whole before the meeting narrowed roughly two dozen submitted ward maps down to three finalists; legislation with the final map is expected at the October 5 meeting. Two public forums gathered resident input.
Capital projects pipeline 2026-2031
Brian O'Connell updated council on major utility work: pump stations, the Wallace Avenue water/sewer replacement, wastewater clarifiers, and electric circuit and substation projects across the city.
Residential driveway-widening variances and off-street parking
The city caps driveway width at the width of the garage (here 20 feet). Fretz asked for a 4-foot overage to keep his growing family's cars off the street. The board found the modest request didn't harm the neighborhood's character.
Property Taxes
Council formally accepted the Budget Commission's rates and certified the city's tax levies to the county auditor — the routine step that keeps property tax funding flowing.