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Commission approves reduced-cost historic plaque program for locally designated properties
Summary
The Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved a letter to offer 8x8 bronze plaques to properties on the city's local historic register; owners would pay $130 (the city covers the other half) and production is estimated at 5'7 weeks after payment and final layout approval.
The Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to send a reduced-cost plaque offer to owners of locally designated historic properties.
Heather (Planning Director) presented a draft letter and application describing an 8-inch-by-8-inch bronze plaque program limited to properties on the city's local historic register. Under the proposal, the city would split the cost of the plaque with the property owner; Heather said the owner's portion would be $130 and that the commission has limited funds for the program in 2026. She said standard production is approximately 5 to 7 weeks after final layout approval and receipt of payment, plus transit time.
"The bronze plaques will be 8 in x 8 in in size and are only for building sites and sites that the city council has locally designated as historic," Heather said. She recommended including a firm deadline and requiring payment and a completed form before an order is placed.
Commissioners discussed eligibility and wording in the second paragraph to make clear the plaques are for properties on the local register (not every historic house). One member asked whether plaques could be ordered for properties in both historic districts and individually designated properties; Heather and others explained properties must be on the local register to qualify but noted a few exceptions such as the university and the courthouse.
A commissioner moved to accept the letter and image Heather drafted and to proceed with distribution; another commissioner seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
The commission directed staff to finalize the letter with a deadline, collect completed forms and payments, and proceed on a first-come, first-served basis while funds remain. Heather said the planning department will contact owners once plaques arrive and owners will be responsible for pick up and installation.
Next steps: staff will finalize the mailing and application, publish the deadline, accept completed forms with payment, and return this program to the commission if additional funding is needed.
