Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission adopts COA model and 2026–28 strategic plan; staff outlines $40,000 façade grant

The Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission voted to adopt a model certificate-of-appropriateness (COA) application and unanimously approved a three-year strategic plan for 2026–2028 during its meeting.

Planning staff Heather, identified as a member of the city planning department, presented the COA application draft and said the form largely mirrors current ordinance language and is intended as a placeholder ahead of a forthcoming digital permitting rollout. Commissioners debated wording such as "sketches" versus "drawings" and agreed that the application should be straightforward for lay applicants. After brief discussion a motion to adopt the COA model was made and approved.

Heather also highlighted that 416 West Wooster recently received state historic tax credits — "the first property in the City Of Bowling Green to ever have historic tax credits," which she said was announced by Governor DeWine on Dec. 17 — and she reminded potential applicants that pre-application meetings for the next round must be requested by Jan. 30.

The commission accepted the planning department's three-year strategic plan (2026–2028) after commissioners praised its level of detail and minor editorial corrections were noted for follow-up.

On downtown revitalization, Heather outlined a proposed downtown façade enhancement program for properties within the special improvement district. Staff described the program as reimbursement-based, offering up to 50% reimbursement for eligible façade work (tuckpointing, painting, awnings and similar maintenance) and said the city$s available budget for the year is $40,000. "We could basically give up to 2 grants if you wanna look at it that way," Heather said, explaining the administration is starting small and aiming for projects to be completed within one year. The program design emphasizes flexibility so property owners are not deterred by onerous requirements; planning staff said they would review applications and consult with senior planners when questions arise.

Commissioners also reviewed local-designation candidates and signage: planning staff showed a mock-up for North Maple Historic District signs, roughly 24 by 30 inches and brown-and-white in a traditional historic-sign style, with discussion of placement on existing street-sign poles and preference for an italicized "North Maple" treatment. Staff announced a request for proposals for historic plaques (RFP issued Jan. 26) with proposals due Feb. 17 and a target to begin sign vendor design work in early-to-mid March.

Commissioner Jeff Hollis reviewed the "Historic Building of the Month" program and a proposed schedule of candidate features — including properties such as a duplex on South Church, the downtown venue (former Church of Christ), the Baldwin House, White's Fish Market, the Brown Block, Wood County Hospital and 416 West Wooster — and asked for volunteer authors to prepare the monthly features. Public commenters urged designation or feature status for Kermit's (a longtime downtown eatery), with commissioners noting the option to consider either a site designation or building designation depending on preservation goals.

The meeting closed after brief discussion of outreach ideas for a "Friends of the HPC" group to help identify and personally contact property owners about grant opportunities. The commission set its next meeting for Feb. 24.

Votes at a glance: approval of minutes (unanimous); adoption of COA model (unanimous); adoption of the 20262028 strategic plan (unanimous); motion to adjourn passed.

Next steps: staff will finalize the COA form for implementation in the digital permitting system, continue outreach about the façade grant and sign procurement, and return updates at future meetings.