The Master Zoning Plan was created in the 1960s, updated in 1987, and now the plan is ready to be updated again by city council.
The plan is mainly used as a tool for future development projects in the city.
Improving housing conditions, bike paths and the entrance to the city are the council members’ main concerns.
“East Wooster Street might be the first place we start at, so when people come off 75 they say, ‘Wow,’” at-large council member Bruce Jeffers said.
He says the goal of this plan is to bring young, skilled workers into the area and also to attract more people to downtown.
“The University is also very involved with this plan and concerned with good housing, and they’re going to have to spend money in certain places.” Jeffers said. “But I think everything is doable.”
Aside from the University’s involvement, First Ward council member Daniel Gordon believes the involvement of the citizens is also crucial.
“If we can get our townspeople involved, that’s ideally what we want to do,” Gordon said.
The council members agree the plan is put into place to overall improve the city, but they also acknowledge its possible problems as well.
“I don’t agree with everything in the plan, but everyone can look at the plan and find something they’re not crazy about,” fourth ward Theresa Gavarone said. “But I think that’s what I like about [the plan]. It’s flexible.”
At-large council member Robert Mcomber is aware that not every aspect of the plan is favorable, but he still plans on approving it.
Jeffer’s involvement with the plan is one reason Mcomber wants to see its success.
“We’ve had a lot of council members— good ones, too, but I’d say that Bruce Jeffers is the most thoughtful,” Mcomber said. “This is a plan I want to be supportive of. It’s a big project and I know [Jeffers] has spent a lot of time on it.
The dates have not been determined and are still a topic of discussion, however, the council members are eager to start the renovations in order to benefit the city.
“The plan isn’t perfect and will result in debate,” President of city council Mike Aspacher said. “But the biggest thing to walk away with is the foundation [of the plan] and the vision for the city.”
Gordon is also focused on the town’s future.
“We’re not perfect, no community is, but I think we can get there,” Gordon said. “We’re flexible and committed to Bowling Green’s future and city council is listening.”
