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HPC discusses marker grants, historic-sign programs and outreach; tax-credit eligibility noted
Summary
Commissioners reviewed options for historic markers and plaques, debated deadlines for a hometown-heritage marker letter of intent, discussed that state rehabilitation tax credits apply to income-producing properties, and reviewed outreach events including a downtown scavenger hunt and historic-home signage deadlines.
Bowling Green's Historic Preservation Commission spent part of its March 20 meeting on outreach and preservation-incentive items, discussing marker grants, historic-home signage, and a slate of education events planned through the summer.
Staff and commissioners reviewed two marker programs: a transportation-marker grant tied to railway and depot sites and a Hometown Heritage Marker program. Heather Sailor told the commission she "think[s] it might be rolling until May 5 is the deadline for a letter of intent," while another packet item and staff citation referenced an April 11 letter-of-intent deadline for certain grants. Commissioners did not resolve the inconsistency at the meeting and asked staff to confirm deadlines before submitting any letters of intent.
Commissioners also discussed historic preservation tax credits and eligibility. When asked whether downtown buildings could use historic preservation tax credits, a staff member replied "Income producing properties," indicating federal or state rehabilitation tax credits apply to income-producing (commercial or rental) properties rather than owner-occupied single-family homes.
On signage and public-engagement projects, the commission reviewed the "homes and buildings of the month" program (March–April: Helfrich House; May: 155 South Prospect), and noted plans for neighborhood-store features in the summer and a Lincoln House feature in October. The commission confirmed a sign-ordering deadline around mid-April (staff said "We do need to order the signs I believe by April 14") and discussed cost concerns for homeowner-purchased plaques; staff said plaque quotes returned so far were pricey and that staff was seeking more price comparisons.
The commission described several upcoming public events and outreach efforts: a Wood County Museum Easter-egg scavenger hunt (April 1–30), a downtown historic-sign scavenger hunt tied to the city's signs (electronic and paper entries; four $25 "Downtown Dollars" prizes), and staff presentations at the Senior Center on April 9 and May 7. Commissioners also discussed partnering with Juniper for a May/2026 program and coordinating with the Downtown BG office and the library to distribute scavenger-hunt materials.
Commissioners asked staff to confirm grant deadlines, finalize sign orders by the stated deadline if participation commitments were secured, and continue outreach to homeowners and neighborhood groups for sign participation.
