Michael Aspacher

This Strategic Plan for the City of Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission outlines a three-year roadmap from 2026 to 2028. The plan aims to preserve, promote, and support the maintenance, use, and reuse of historic buildings to foster civic beauty, strengthen the local economy, and safeguard the city's heritage. Key objectives include promoting local history through education and publicity, expanding local historic register listings, conducting comprehensive building inventories, encouraging building maintenance and rehabilitation, ensuring continuous education for commission members, maintaining Certified Local Government status, securing funding opportunities, enhancing public engagement, developing design guidelines, reviewing preservation codes, and strengthening community partnerships.

The commission discussed the 2026 meeting schedule, the Ohio AAP Put a Lid on It grant helmet distribution, and planning for monthly 'Slow Roll' community bike rides. A potential scooter ordinance regarding sidewalk riding and micromobility devices was reviewed with input from the City Council. Additional topics included the Main Street Bike Study, future bike audit interest, educational efforts for bicycle safety such as kindergarten curriculum and driver outreach, and professional development opportunities. Administrative updates covered commission appointments, recent pedestrian and bicycle incident reports, and local climate action team involvement in a week-long initiative without driving.

The commission discussed the 2026 meeting schedule, the Put a Lid on It grant distribution, and planning for various Slow Roll bicycle events. The group reviewed proposed scooter and micromobility ordinances, explored the potential for a bike audit, and developed goals for bicycle safety education, including curriculum for kindergartens and driver outreach programs. Administrative reports included updates on pedestrian and bicycle incidents and reports from city administration regarding commission appointments. Additionally, the commission discussed participation in a week without driving initiative.

The Council meeting included a special presentation honoring a former Council Member for his service and a review of correspondence regarding a new liquor permit application. Public testimony addressed concerns about roadway flooding, updates on local participation in the 2026 Walking College, and delays in clearing a burned building site. New legislation was introduced concerning municipal appropriations, the deposit of public moneys, and a gas service easement. Official reports included a department update on website improvements and a presentation regarding electric rate increases and solar user charges. The Council also adopted several resolutions and ordinances, including agreements for community housing and transportation projects, and authorized the development of a solar generation project.

The meeting included reports on selective tree removal in City Park, the prioritization of oak species for re-planting, and updates on the USDA canopy grant and ongoing sidewalk clearance efforts. Discussions also covered tree planting initiatives at the Montessori school, maintenance of trees along South Main Street, and the upcoming Earth Day event. Additionally, the commission planned a mulching event for the Urban Forestry Arboretum, noted the upcoming opening of the Forestry supervisor position, and discussed the future solicitation of public comments regarding tree selection requirements in subdivisions.