Bowling Green Council on Monday unanimously approved a rezoning request that would pave the way for a new housing development.
“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for the city,” said Councilman Greg Robinette, during a public hearing on the matter held by council’s planning, zoning and economic development committee prior to the council meeting. “I fully support this. I think we have a great need for additional single-family homes and this is an opportunity to increase that supply by a significant amount.”
The request was to rezone approximately 36.89 acres located at the southwest corner of Newton Road and Brim Road from M-3 Business Park zoning classification to R-2 Single Family Residential zoning classification. Kati Thompson, on behalf of the Bowling Green Community Development Corporation, was the applicant.
According to the application for the zoning change, the land is currently used for agricultural purposes.
“Bowling Green Economic Development has been working to attract housing developers to Bowling Green to address the housing shortage,” the application reads. It further stated that “the property was marketed for industrial use for (more than 20) years with no success. Industrial growth is taking place on the north and east areas of Bowling Green while residential growth is happening on the west. Residential use of this property aligns with natural development patterns.”
During the public hearing, Planning Director Heather Sayler noted that about 130 homes are planned to be built on the property, in various phases. Thompson noted that the starting price for the homes would be around $225,000. She said that the developer hopes to start construction this summer.
“I really applaud Economic Development and the city administration for being so proactive,” said Councilwoman Rachel Phipps, who also chairs the committee, during the hearing.
Robinette also asked Thompson about a parcel of land which is currently zoned M-3 near the Community Center, but which the city’s Future Land Use Plan has slated as residential.
“They know what we’re doing here” Thompson said of the land’s owner, “they’re aware and I think they’d be open to a conversation if that’s the appropriate next move.”
Also at the meeting, council:
• Introduced an ordinance authorizing Public Services Director Joe Fawcett to seek qualifications, advertise for bids, and enter into contracts for the design, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and other services and agreements, including funding applications and agreements, related to the construction of a shared-use path connecting Scott Hamilton Avenue to Carter Park and the adjacent vicinity. According to the legislative package document prepared for council, the current estimate for the project, which starts at Crim Elementary, is approximately $1.7 million, but staff recommends using $2 million for a planning figure and is requesting $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to use toward a local match for safety grant funding through the Ohoi Department of Transportation. Staff plans to begin by applying for ODOT safety funds and if needed, and once allowed, to apply for Safe Routes to Schools infrastructure grant funding.
• Voted to excuse the absence of Councilman Nick Rubando, who was not present at the meeting.
