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.
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.
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.
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.
Community Development Programs Update
The commission's grant application window is now open until November 30. The call went out in BG Independent on Oct. 1 and city social media, and local groups have a month to apply.
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.
Substation transformer replacement planning
The aging transformers at the Bishop, Poe, and Gipsy substations need replacing, but new units may take six years or longer to manufacture. Planning is starting now so reliability isn't compromised down the road.
Poe/Mercer Pump Station screen replacement
Council approved a funding agreement with the state loan programs to design and build replacement screens at the Poe/Mercer Pump Station — upkeep of the wastewater system.
Permit compliance by contractors in Tucson Springs subdivision
Multiple board members flagged that contractors building in the growing Tucson Springs area aren't pulling permits for patios and pads, leaving new homeowners in violation without knowing it. The board suggested the city remind the contractor of permit rules to prevent repeat cases.
Regional Law Enforcement Education and Training Center
New legislation launched a joint city-BGSU law enforcement training center, with a joint use agreement and construction contracts introduced.
Sidewalk and pedestrian infrastructure program
Council adopted an emergency ordinance for sidewalk repairs paid through special assessments on benefiting properties.
Surveillance Cameras
Bowling Green is weighing the installation of Flock safety cameras, which could shake up how local police operate and what it means for your personal privacy. It's a classic debate between catching criminals and keeping tabs on everyday citizens.
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.
Community grant program
The commission's grant window opens Oct. 1 and runs through Dec. 31 — local groups can apply for funding. BG Song recently used a $250 grant for door hangers reaching renters.
Future of Juneteenth celebration
BRAVE, the organization that ran Juneteenth, is no longer active. The commission is reaching out to former members to see if the event can continue.
Home Depot-area deed restriction vs. city building height minimum
A private reciprocal easement agreement caps outlot buildings at 23 feet while the city code requires new commercial buildings to be at least 25 feet tall — a genuine conflict that nearly killed the Chipotle project. The compromise: build to 22 feet 8 inches with a variance.
Fence height measurement from grade before mounding
The city measures fence height from the original grade, not after a homeowner adds dirt — so backfilling doesn't fix an over-height fence. The Yohe case shows how easy it is to run afoul of this rule and how sympathetic boards can be when a contractor, not the owner, causes the problem.
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.
Appliance Recycling Program
Bowling Green is launching a new appliance recycling program that pays residents cash to haul away old, energy-wasting units. It is a quick win to clear out your garage and pick up some extra spending money.
Sign size standards for multi-tenant commercial plazas
A new Jersey Mike's/Wingstop building at 1502 East Wooster has an old, weathered pylon sign the owners want to reface, but the 2023 zoning code caps multi-tenant buildings at two signs per business. The board confirmed the planning director read the code correctly, leaving the owners to either live with the sign or sue in common pleas court. Neighbors may notice the faded pylon stays for now.
Commercial building height minimum on South Main Street
The 25-foot minimum height for commercial buildings is tripping up national chains like Chipotle that build shorter standard prototypes. The board wrestled with whether corporate cost savings count as a 'practical difficulty' — and ultimately said no.
2026 Supplemental Budget and 2027 Revenue Estimate
Council adopted Ordinance #9342 amending the 2026 city budget. Details of the specific line items weren't discussed on the floor.
South Mitchell Road estate lots and ten acres of preserved woods
Progress Point Properties will split land on the 800 block of South Mitchell Road into big estate lots and a preserved ten-acre wooded parcel, avoiding tree removal next to the Stone Ridge golf course community. Not everyone on the commission was satisfied the trees are truly protected in writing.
Two new starter homes on Liberty Street near downtown
A local builder will split a narrow Liberty Street lot to build two three-bedroom, roughly 1,600-1,700 square-foot homes priced around $315,000 or more. Immediate neighbors told the commission this beats the alternatives — including Airbnbs and apartments — and welcomed the single-family infill.
Accessory uses zoning amendment
A long-pending ordinance updating rules for storing RVs at homes — plus civil offense classifications — was delayed again so council can review recent changes before a March 2 vote.
CDBG entitlement funding
Council authorized the mayor to apply for and administer federal Community Development Block Grant money, keeping the city eligible for community improvement funding.
PowerBlock voltage conversion project
A new ordinance would let the Utilities Director contract with PowerSecure, Inc. for the PowerBlock Voltage Conversion Project — introduced on first reading.
South Main Street repaving
Some sections of the new South Main paving failed air-void testing and popped potholes over the winter freeze. The contractor will mill and repave the bad sections starting next week at no cost to the city.
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.
Access management policy overhaul (first since 2007)
The city's rules for driveways, signals, turn lanes and development traffic reviews are getting their first rewrite in 19 years, aligned with new ODOT standards. It adds roundabout consideration, bike/ped path requirements for developers, and a clearer appeals process — shaping how every new development connects to city streets.
Shared-use path on North Main Street
An emergency ordinance authorizes design, engineering, right-of-way acquisition and construction contracts for a shared-use path on North Main from Poe Road to Nims Road.
Criminal Justice
Chief White reported rising call volumes, seven new hires in the pipeline, countywide dispatch tech, a retail theft task force hit, and a planned move to the East Court station in late 2027.
Engaging Friends of the HPC
Jan Knape suggested commission members and their volunteer 'Friends' hold a brainstorming session to identify downtown buildings that should pursue the new façade grants — members liked it, noting sunshine-law limits mean individual outreach only.
Commission membership and quorum concerns
Wil Roudebush leaves in May, and BGSU architecture professor Dr. Kerry Fan is the pick to replace him — but a city ordinance requiring east-side members must be amended first.
Historical plaque program
The commission selected Franklin Bronze Plaques after a review committee scored submissions, and a contract is being finalized. Plaque designs may be ready by the next meeting.
Evergreen Terrace Gas Service Upgrade Easement
Council granted Columbia Gas an easement on an emergency basis so the Evergreen Terrace gas service upgrade can move forward without delay.
Wood County Park District Grant for Black Swamp Preserve
The city's parks received a $10,000 grant from the Wood County Park District for a project at jointly owned Black Swamp Preserve.
Stormwater flooding at W. Merry Ave. and Fairview Ave.
A resident says heavy rains flood her driveway six feet deep at the corner of West Merry and Fairview. City officials promised to share results of utility camera inspections of the storm pipes and any corrective actions.