BOWLING GREEN, OH (Toledo News Now) - The city of Bowling Green is requesting a re-zoning that would allow a new shopping complex to be built.
The land in question is at the corner of North Prospect and East Wooster. Mecca Management owner, Steve Green said he hopes to see this spot have a completely different look.
"What we would like to see is a Levis Commons type of look that would be a modern version of the downtown Bowling Green," said Green.
Four houses that Green owns are currently located in a B-2 commercial area. Green would like it changed to a B-3, which would allow for residential living above businesses.
"The university is undergoing a lot of changes. They're improving the corridor between campus and downtown," said Green.
The Corridor Idea is something he said has been done with success at Kent State, Toledo and Ohio State.
"I think this is an inappropriate re-zoning," said resident Les Barber.
Barber lives just down the street. He said that although he trusts whatever the Greens will build will look good, he does not see the need for the change.
"I don't see why an attractive residential area wouldn't be as good a corridor from university to downtown as a whole series of commercial developments. But I need to know more," said Barber.
Nancy Lenhart lives on Court St. directly behind the proposed area.
"To bring more of it down here. I can't understand how that would help the city, the neighborhood, even the university," said Lenhart.
"I know change is hard for everybody, I grew up in Bowling Green, I'm a part of this community. I'm sensitive to everybody's needs. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think it was good for the community and good for the university," said Green.
The planning commission voted 4-3 to recommend the issue to city council. They will start hearing from the public within the month.
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