The possibility of future changes to improve access on the Bowling Green’s streets and byways for all
users was on the mind of the Transportation and Safety Committee of Council Monday night.
The committee met just prior to Monday’s regularly-scheduled council meeting to discuss what is called
"complete streets legislation."
"Personally, I’m very intrigued and I see a lot of connection between the concept of complete
streets and our recently passed land use update," said committee chair John Zanfardino.
The concept of complete streets encompasses streets that are "designed and operated to allow safe
access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and
abilities," Zanfardino said.
Committee member Daniel Gordon noted the idea has been percolating in the city since last year, and that
the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) has adopted it as a formal policy.
Currently, there are 625 complete streets legislative areas nationwide; eight such communities are in
Ohio, among them Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo.
"It’s not an exclusively urban policy, either," said Gordon, noting that, across the country,
37 percent of the areas involved are small suburban communities the size of Bowling Green, or smaller.
Gordon said complete streets programs, which also reflect an interest in sustainability, have been shown
to reduce the risk of traffic accidents and congestion.
Developing such a program in the city would be, "in general, trying to make Bowling Green a
community that’s more connected within its own borders."
Complete streets can serve as an economic development tool, and can also attract and retain citizens, he
said.
"This is something that citizens have requested city government to look into for a long time,"
said Gordon.
"We can tailor a policy to fit our needs."
Committee member Sandy Rowland, a Realtor and member of the National Association of Realtors, noted that
organization is also on board with the concept.
"We know that people are wanting more and more neighborhood-type communities to live in."
The idea of complete streets, however, is not without cost. City Engineer Troy Sonner prepared, as a
conceptual example, figures for how adding on bike lanes or paths could increase the price of upcoming
roadwork projects. Depending on the size and scope of the added features, prices could be increased by
$40,000 to $1 million.
"Those are the types of costs we need to look at as we go forward," he said, noting that he
wanted the committee to "have some numbers in the back of your mind."
"The sobering realities of the costs are what they are," said Zanfardino, noting that further
discussion and conceptualizing is needed.
The committee members are expected to discuss the topic further at their first meeting in December.
On another road-related matter, council Monday night gave a first reading to an ordinance that would
reduce the speed on Conneaut Avenue, between Grove Street and 527 feet west of the Conneaut/Haskins
intersection, to 25 mph. That section is currently listed at 35 mph.
A document prepared for council about the issue notes that Conneaut is currently classified as a
"through highway outside the business district" under the Ohio Revised Code, which permits a
35 mph limit. However, the ORC additionally allows council to designate a roadway within residential
district as not being a through highway, and reduce the speed to 25.
In other business, council:
• Heard that a Committee of the Whole meeting will be held prior to the Nov. 17 council meeting at 6 p.m.
to discuss the annexation of approximately 21.5 acres of land owned by Robert and Patricia Maurer,
fronting the west side of Ohio 25, north of Bishop Road. The matter had previously been tabled so that
more information could be gathered.
• Passed an ordinance authorizing Utilities Director Brian O’Connell to execute a contract with American
Municipal Power regarding its Ecosmart Choice Program, which allows ratepayers to pay to support
alternative energy projects.
• Heard from O’Connell that Spears Brothers, at $432,000, was the low bid for sewer work to be done next
year on North Grove and West Evers streets. The project deals with long-term maintenance of the sewer
pipes themselves.
• Heard that the Bowling Green Tree Lighting will be Nov. 21, and the Holiday Parade will be Nov. 22.
