HPC discusses Former South Main School, tax‑credit eligibility, plaques costs and preservation‑month events

At a meeting of the Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission, members discussed the status of several potential local designations, historic tax‑credit eligibility, a plaque program for designated properties, and the commission’s planned preservation‑month events.

On the Former South Main School, commission members said the mayor has not yet found a buyer and expressed concern about the building’s interior condition. A commissioner summarized outreach: "He's talked about developing it himself, which he hasn't. He's done some repairs, but minimal... He's been trying to sell it at various points as well." The commission agreed to continue outreach to the building owner and to pursue National Register nomination as a next step that could enable tax‑credit options for a developer.

Several speakers cautioned that historic tax credits typically require a property to be listed on the National Register or locally designated. A former member with experience in rehabilitation offered to facilitate a panel discussion on tax credits if pending state legislation clarified credit rules. "She said there's also a, I can't remember if it's a house bill or senate bill that she told me that, if it passes soon that will change a bit about tax credits," a commissioner reported.

The commission discussed designation for the First Presbyterian Church. Planning staff said tax credits are unlikely to help a tax‑exempt church because state and federal rehabilitation credits generally apply to income‑producing properties. The commission discussed alternative fundraising options such as establishing a restricted endowment fund through local community foundations.

Members reviewed options and pricing for commemorative plaques. Research showed wide price variance: aluminum plaques quoted as low as about $210 (8x8) and $281 (10x10); bronze plaques ranged from around $384 (8x8) to $482 (10x10). The commission noted aluminum is a lower‑cost alternative that resembles bronze. One member reported ordering 30 additional signs for the "History Signs" program and said there are currently around 44 signs on the street.

On outreach and events, the commission confirmed several preservation‑month activities: a scavenger hunt with four downtown‑dollar prizes ($25 each), walking tours run by a local company with scheduled dates in May and June, and coordination with the Wood County Museum and Wood County District Public Library. Staff said the scavenger hunt map will be available on the city website and at planning and library counters starting May 1.

Nomination items and building‑of‑the‑month features were also discussed. Commissioners named several candidate properties and volunteers for writing features. Public comments addressed local histories and small neighborhood grocery stores; a speaker also reported that a member of the Human Relations Commission had asked city council to consider a name change for Gypsy Lane because the term is viewed as pejorative for Roma people. Commissioners acknowledged the city‑level jurisdiction and noted the resolution would likely begin at council before involving county action where the road extends beyond city limits.

Votes at a glance - Motion to approve minutes from 03/25/2025: motion made and seconded; voice vote recorded as all in favor; outcome: approved. - Motion to adjourn: motion made and seconded; voice vote recorded as all in favor; outcome: approved.

No other formal actions or ordinance votes were taken at this meeting.