Commission recommends rezoning of vacant North Main Street property to innovation and employment

The Bowling Green Planning Commission unanimously recommended that city council rezone about 5.8 acres at 1168 North Main Street from Commercial to Innovation & Employment (IE), a change staff said would provide more flexible reuse options for a currently vacant building.

Heather, Planning Department staff, presented the application for two parcels (B07511-180000008002 and B07511-180000008003). She said the structure is vacant; its most recent occupant was Kleinfelder Inc., which vacated in May 2025, and the building is for sale or lease. Heather noted procedural notices were posted and that staff compared Commercial and IE standards, pointing to differences in lot width, front-yard setbacks (0 feet commercial vs. 35 feet in IE), and maximum height provisions. Heather said staff recommended approval to allow flexibility for potential future users.

Rex Hoffman, attorney for the owners and the applicant, described the site's history and market context and said IE zoning would better support a range of economic uses. "At one time they had 120 employees there," Hoffman said of a prior employer, pointing to the building's past role as a local employer. He and other applicants said professional offices could continue under IE, while IE zoning would also allow some light industrial uses that prospective buyers might desire. Heather said she received a supportive written letter from Robert Mauer and a supportive phone call from Lubrizol.

Commissioners discussed compatibility and the desire to increase options for building reuse. After deliberation the chair moved to recommend council approval; the motion passed on a roll call vote of 7'0to'00.

The commission forwarded its recommendation to city council for a public hearing and final action.