Something is looming large over Bowling Greens downtown redevelopment plan. OK, two things. Theyre on the sign at 425 E. First St., outside Uncle Sams Exotic Girls. Uncle Sams sign was obliquely mentioned at a preliminary public meeting on a redevelopment plan Sept. 10, during a discussion of businesses that dont fit the citys vision for a homeowner-friendly, tourist-attracting downtown. Gary West, director of the Bowling Green-Warren County Visitors Bureau, complained that when tourists visit the new RiverWalk park, the most eye-catching thing around isnt the image Bowling Green wants to project. I dont want to come across as a goody-two-shoes, but I think the sign down there is very offensive, West said. With plans for carriage rides and walking paths in a resurgent downtown, visiting with your wife, your daughter, your mom, West said, Uncle Sams sign is not what he wants to see next to a multimillion-dollar revitalization project. Over the years, the city has often complained about the sign, Uncle Sams owner Charles Shourds said. The Beaver Dam resident has offered to take it down for compensation. But when money was mentioned, the city always backed off, Shourds said. The redevelopment district is roughly bounded by Eighth Avenue, Center, Chestnut and Park streets, and the riverfront. Consultant Will Linder, who is drafting the revitalization plan, said the area is envisaged as combining small businesses, single-family homes, condominiums and parks. At the Sept. 10 meeting, city Housing and Community Development Director Richard Rector mentioned several businesses that do not fit the neighborhood theme, including Capitol Window & Door, Phillips Ice Service and electronics supplier Randolph, Hale & Meredith. Public opinion and the citys wishes will have the final say on which types of business will go and which will stay, Rector said. When the plan is finalized, there will be an overlay of what is consideredpermitted uses and we havent identified what would be … permitted or not, he said. If Uncle Sams is forced to move, Shourds said hell have no problem ditching the sign. A public meeting on the draft plan hasnt yet been scheduled because Linder is still working on it, Rector said. His report is due in mid-October, so it will probably be the end of the month before its ready for public comment. One of Linders main sources is the District Revitalization Strategy assembled for the city and the Downtown Redevelopment Authority in March. According to it, a city strategy to reduce blight will be to provide for the relocation of certain commercial operations that are negatively impacting the residential character of the Shake Rag neighborhood, a community included in the redevelopment area. Shuffling businesses is expected to cost between $100,000 and $500,000, and should begin by 2006, said the report prepared by consultants RKG Associates, Leo A. Daly, and Gorove/Slade Associates. Whatever the shape of the final plan, it will undoubtedly require extensive land purchases by the city, funded by federal, state, city and private sources, Rector said. The citys plan must conform to state guidelines to qualify for funding under Kentucky law. One of the requirements is that when the city decides what businesses must go to make way for a revitalized downtown, it must find suitable new sites for those ousted and pay their relocation expenses, Rector said. Shourds isnt worried about finding a prime location, such as the one needed by the gas station next door to Uncle Sams; his biggest expense would be in replacing the custom-made fixtures that any nightclub uses. After all, Shourds said, he cant just pick up his bar and carry it out the door. We have a loyal clientele that has been with us for years and years, Shourds said. Were similar to someone with a favorite supermarket or hangout or something theyll go to us wherever were at. Im willing to work with the city as soon as theyre willing to tell me their policy on relocation expenses. There is a uniform act describing what the city can pay for in relocating or buying out businesses and residents, Rector said. The city could conceivably end up paying to find Uncle Sams a new site, City Attorney Gene Harmon said. If the city did purchase that business and decide to move it, I think he would be eligible for relocation expenses, he said. The land and building are the property of Bale Oil, owned by James Kenneth Bale of Horse Cave. He and partner Kenneth Gordon Bale, who operates Bale Tire Co. across the street from Uncle Sams, bought the building when it was a bar, James Kenneth Bale said. They leased it to Shourds in 1984.Ive never been in it, James Kenneth Bale laughed. He and Kenneth Gordon Bale both said they have no quarrel with redevelopment plans. Weve always worked with Bowling Green, and we plan to continue to work with them, James Kenneth Bale said. The Bales and Shourds agree that for them, any city-ordered purchase or move would be no problem. I intend to be fully cooperative, Shourds said, noting that he just doesnt want to pay out-of-pocket for a city-mandated move. I think any business owner would be of the same opinion. I told Mr. Rector, When Uncle Sams relocates, many people will consider 90 percent of the battle won on relocation, Shourds said. I told him that I want to be at the forefront of working with the city, to kind of set the example for businesses to follow. I fully intend on doing my part, and whether the deal works depends on whether the citys willing to do its part. If it doesnt cost me anything, Im ready to start working it out today. A similar business, however Tattle Tails Gentlemens Club, just across the river from Uncle Sams at 1316 Old Louisville Road would be a different matter. It lies outside the downtown district, and so could not be moved with state redevelopment funding. Tattle Tails is adjacent to the old landfill that the city wants to begin converting into a public festival ground within 18 months. If the city could prove a public use for the site, it could buy the building, Harmon said, but not with state funds. Tattle Tails owner Robert Adams of Paducah could not be reached for comment. Adams leases the building, which is owned by Jerry and Sue Hudson of Bowling Green. I dont operate the business; I just own the property, Jerry Hudson said. Im not wanting to sell it, but Im not saying I wouldnt sell it.