New Zoning Code for Parks Approved by City Council
Author: Jacqueline Gedeon | Filed under: Local storiesBy: Jacqueline Gedeon
City Council approved the ordinance amending the Bowling Green Zoning District Map on Monday night. The amendment was unanimously approved to rezone seven parks from a variety of different zoning classifications to R-C Recreational-Conservation District zoning.
Michelle Grigore, director of the Parks and Recreation Board, presented the proposal to the council. She said that the new zone eliminates non-compatible uses, has specific land uses, creates a system of public notification for new structures within park land and sets standards for the maintenance of parkland.
The seven parks under the new zoning code are Bellard Park, Carter Park, City Park, Conneaut/ Haskins Park, Raney Playground, Simpson Garden Park and Wintergarden/ St. John’s Nature Preserve.
The Bowling Green Country Club and Pee Wee League will not be included in the re-zoning, but if one were to build a new structure, it would have to follow the application. Grigore has sent letters to both businesses and both approved the zoning. She said the Black Swamp Preservation application will be coming later.
City Council also approved Mark Manley, owner of Heritage Corner Health Care Campus on Klotz Road, 19 new parking spaces to the west of the site. Manley said the hospice is experiencing a greater need for parking and needed the council’s approval because the parking spaces are not allowed do to the zoning code.
The council agreed the parking spaces to be a good use of property and Mike Frost introduced the emergency clause. Frost said to Manley to go ahead and get the project done because of the season and weather conditions.
Frost moved to adopt the issue and it was approved 6-1. Joel Kuhlman abstained on both the second and third readings.
Jodi Anderson, chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Board, asked that the city council take the proposal to replace the 50-year-old aquatic facility very seriously because the aquatic advisory committee has been waiting on the issue since 2005.
Anderson said it is a time sensitive point for the aquatic facility and there will never be a good time to ask for funds.
City Council will decide on Nov. 21 whether to place a .06 mill tax levy request for constructing, maintaining and operating the aquatic facility on the March 6 primary ballot.
City Council is looking for a Human Relations Commission replacement. The new person in position will meet the first Friday of every month at 8am and is responsible for promoting equality among the community and mediates through conferences and conciliation. Please let the Mayor know by Nov. 21 if you are interested.
Dates to remember:
- Nov. 14- joint meeting at 5pm about the utility budget and sewer cap fund
- Nov. 18- Christmas Tree Lighting
- Nov. 19- Holiday Parade at 10am
Tags: aquatic facility, Bowling Green, parking, parks
