Monday, April 19, 2004

Authorization for work on the roads that will lead to a new Sams Club in Bowling Green will come before the city commission Tuesday night. Agreements with the state Department of Highways and Farmers Investment Company are up for approval. That will clear the way for extending a five-lane section of Alvaton Road to connect with Shive Lane, and building a new Ken Bale Boulevard from the Travelodge Motel on Scottsville Road to Shive Lane. Commissioners rezoned a 65-acre tract adjoining the planned course of that road from agriculture to highway business in January. The land is owned by the Bale family of Horse Cave. Farmers Investment Company consists largely of Bale family members. The road projects are expected to cost a total of $1.6 million, with the state providing $800,000. The Bale family and the city are each providing $400,000. A construction date has not been set, but the citys Public Works Department is ready to move soon after getting commissioners OK, City Engineer Jeff Lashlee said. We are about to finish design, he said. However, were still in the property acquisition phase. Depending on when thats done, well be ready to bid here very shortly. City land buysAlso up for approval are four orders allowing Richard Rector, Housing and Community Development director, to buy land for city redevelopment and service projects approved earlier this year. The measures will authorize him to spend the grant money Bowling Green has received for downtown redevelopment and some from its bond issues. The sites for Circus Square and Lee Square the 600 and 200 blocks between State and College streets, respectively are up for purchase. The city expects to be able to buy all of Circus Square, except Booth Fire & Safety. The site is planned to become a large park. Lee Square is to become a block of redeveloped housing. The bond money will go to the expansion of the city Parks and Recreation Community Center on Center Street, the demolition and rebuilding of which is expected to cost $5 million. Daily News ·813 College St. ·PO Box 90012 ·Bowling Green, KY ·42102 ·270-781-1700