City council amended a zoning ordinance that dealt with proper building height in certain parts of town.

Previously, the ordinance allowed for such buildings to be four stories high, but the council’s amendment changed this provision to just two stories.

This effects a proposed strip mall development on East Wooster Street between North Prospect and North Summit Streets.

The amendment came as a result of citizens’ fears of later development in the lot that could have allowed for a four story building.

Residents of the area stressed to the council at a preliminary hearing on Monday to consider suggestions made by the Planning Commission in the past regarding a transitional business district, such as buffer areas.

“We want to strengthen the residential characteristics of these neighborhoods,” said resident Neocles Leontis.

Rather than having the houses torn down, residents want the houses to be maintained and kept sustainable so people want to buy them, Leontis said.

Interest in buying homes in the area was not a problem, said Sandy Rowland, at-large council member.

“There is a growing desire for people to live in the smaller towns,” Rowland said. “That’s what gives Bowling Green an advantage over Perrysburg, [it] is the short distance from downtown.”

CVS

Representatives from CVS store and pharmacy presented the site plans for the proposed CVS on the corner of East Wooster and South Prospect streets. They also applied for a zoning change to B-3.

David Hart, planner of the site, advocated for the zoning change because it would be necessary for commercial development for CVS and be consistent with the city’s objective to develop downtown further east toward the University campus.

The proposed CVS is directly across from the proposed strip mall that was met with concern from surrounding residents.

Residents raised questions about a buffering zone for the surrounding residential area.

Attorney Mary Ann Wervey said there would be a six-foot vinyl fence along the south side of the property and landscaping would be done around the property that would conform to city codes.

Ultimately, city council decided to table the zoning change until the planning commission gave a recommendation on the transitional district. Council plans to bring up the zoning change at the Jan. 22 meeting and resolve the strip mall zoning issue during that meeting as well.