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Residents press Bowling Green leaders on driveway flooding, sidewalk access and a stalled fire-damaged property
Summary
Three residents urged action: Faith Olsen reported yard and driveway flooding reaching about 6 feet, Debbie Thompson described a local Walking College fellowship focused on pedestrian access, and David Neuendorf pressed the city on enforcement and the use of fire-escrow funds for a fire-damaged site that has remained fenced for about two years.
Several residents used the public-comment period to press city officials on infrastructure, accessibility and a long-idled fire-damaged property.
Faith Olsen, who gave her West Mary Avenue address for the record, said severe stormwater flooding regularly inundates her driveway and yard near the Bowling Green Lake and golf course. "Because the water is so deep, it comes up 6 feet into my driveway," Olsen said, adding that pumps had been used previously to remove lake water and that she has seen utility crews run inspection cameras in nearby pipes. She asked the city to investigate and requested to be informed of the results.
Council staff said the complaint was logged and would be pursued. Municipal staff asked Olsen to leave contact information so officials could follow up directly or through council members.
Debbie Thompson, who identified herself as chair of the City of Bowling Green Sidewalk Commission, described that she and two other local residents were selected as 2026 Walking College fellows through America Walks. Thompson said the program provides training and mentorship and that the fellows will develop actionable strategies and return to the city with a report and materials. "Oh, definitely," she said when asked if the fellows would provide more than a written report.
Resident David Neuendorf pressed the council about a fire-damaged building that has remained fenced and undeveloped for roughly two years. He cited a state regulation about fire-escrow procedures and asked, "I'm asking you, did Bowling Green sign on to the fire escrow act or not?" Neuendorf said the site should be torn down and redeveloped if necessary and expressed concern about hazards posed by the fenced property.
A city legal representative responded that the city's code mirrors the Ohio Revised Code provisions he cited and noted that escrow amounts set under earlier rules may be insufficient to cover current demolition costs. The legal representative added that enforcement actions have been started on the property. Council members asked and discussed whether insurance proceeds and escrow funds typically cover demolition costs; staff said the escrow mechanism does not transfer ownership to the city but can be applied toward remediation, and that enforcement is underway.
No formal action was taken during public comment; staff recorded the complaints and indicated follow-up would occur.
