By Peter Kuebeck
Special to the Sentinel-Tribune
Bowling Green City Council on Monday introduced an ordinance authorizing a portion of North Maple Street as a historic district on the Local Historic Register. The recommendation was suggested by the Historic Preservation Commission.
The recommended portion of North Maple Street encompasses more than 4.7 acres, including 22 homes and 36 parcels. If approved, this would be the city’s first historic district on the Local Historic Register.
“The HPC has been working for several months on researching the history of homes along North Maple Street, creating a FAQ sheet to help guide owners on potential questions, and a letter with the required written survey prior to starting the process of designation,” a memo from the HPC to council stated. It noted that 16 responses to the survey were received, with 10 owners “indicating support and six owners not in support,” though three of those properties not in support were later removed from the potential district.”
Further information provided by the HPC noted that most of the structures in the area were built in the late 1800s or early 1900s “and most of the homes can be classified as ‘Gable Front and Wing’ with a ‘Folk Victorian’ design. … Overall, North Maple Street represents a typical Bowling Green residential area of the early 20th century during a time when the city was experiencing great expansion and population growth.”
Additionally, a number of “prominent civic and educational leaders have been residents of the street over the past 100 years,” the document stated.
The irdinance “provides a process to protect the historic buildings and character of Bowling Green. Once a property is listed … either individually or within a district, the Historic Overlay Zone is added to the existing zoning of the property. All properties within the Historic Overlay Zone follow the Historic Preservation Ordinance.”
To follow the ordinance, “if a property would require any new, major exterior work … the owner should file a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) with the Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission. This (COA) shows that the proposed work is a suitable application for the structure’s architectural style, remaining historical appearance, and, in the case of a district, surrounding historical character.”
According to the legislative package document prepared for council, on Aug. 27, the commission held a public hearing on the matter, which would include the addition of Historic Overlay Zoning. The recommended designation was given to council at its Sept. 16 meeting, and, as per city ordinance, then referred to the planning commission. During its Oct. 2 meeting, the planning commission reviewed and recommended that council approve this request for historic designation.
Council is required to hold a public hearing on the matter, which has been set for Dec. 2.
In other business, council:
• Heard from resident Rose Drain, who reported on the BG Save Our Neighborhoods Group’s Oct. 12 Call to Action meeting, which drew 70 attendees. She said that the attendees came to a consensus on four action items for the group to move forward on: revitalization of existing properties, a public transit feasibility study, establish a sustainability and resiliency task force to prepare for climate change, and explore new housing options within the city. She also suggested that the city look into utilizing “green infrastructure” in projects including upcoming subdivisions and a shared use path along Brim Road.
• Heard from City Engineer Brad Holman, who provided updates on a variety of projects. He noted that 2024 is the end of the city’s American Rescue Plan Act-funded paving program, saying that Pearl and Sand Ridge were paved this year as part of it. Additionally, the Gypsy Lane resurfacing project on West Gypsy Lane Road from Sand Ridge to Main Street, and East Gypsy Lane from Interstate 75 to Dubridge, is also completed. A paving project at a parking lot at Carter Park near the water tower was also completed. Holman also said that there is construction taking place on new subdivision plats including Cogan’s Crossing, Stone Ridge, Stone Brook, and the new Toussaint Springs subdivision near Brim and Bishop roads.
Holman additionally noted that a major paving project on South Main is planned for next year, from the city’s south corporation limit to Ordway Avenue. The project will include intersection improvement at Napoleon and South Main, and a shared use path in the area.
• Heard from Councilman Greg Robinette that the finance committee will met Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. to hear the third quarter financial update and the 2025 city budget presentation.
• Heard from Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter that an update on the city’s rental registration program, including statistics, will be provided at the Nov. 4 meeting of council.
