An expansion of the Midtown by Brookside apartments has been recommended by the City-County Planning Commission of Warren County for approval by Bowling Green City Commission.

The planning commission approved the recommendation Thursday and welcomed new planning commission Executive Director Ben Peterson, who took over Tuesday. Peterson replaces interim planning director Steve McWhorter, who stepped in after long-time planning director Steve Hunter stepped down last year.

The apartments are behind Alumni Square near the campus of Western Kentucky University and also near the Hyatt Place hotel.

The expansion by Brookside Kentucky LLC, of Columbia, Mo., is on about 5.08 acres at 1313 Center St., at the corner of 13th Avenue and Kentucky Street. It is a continuation of the planned unit development that opened in August. The second phase calls for a five-story, 98-unit building containing 280 bedrooms, according to information presented to the commission.

The second phase is 128,850 square feet. Once complete, the overall development will host 173 units, 519 bedrooms and total of 259,501 square feet. The project includes 4,666 square feet of commercial space.

Amenities of the entire complex include a large study area, a fitness facility and a roof-top pool. Individual leases start at $499; however, students who maintain a 3.8 GPA receive a $150 rent reduction. Potential apartment residents will be WKU upperclasmen — the university requires freshmen and sophomores to live on campus.

In a second recommendation approved by the planning commission, John Tarter and David Tarter have proposed constructing 48 dwelling units on about 3.29 acres on Russellville Road, between Hillwood Drive and Windover Avenue and had requested a change in zoning from agriculture to general business. The development is part of the Walnut Valley Growth Focal Point in the planning commission’s 2030 master plan.

There was no opposition to either application.

Bowling Green attorney Kevin Brooks withdrew a third application. Dwight and Jan Trabue had filed a request to raise a sign three feet at 1621 Scottsville Road. Brooks said the applicant and the planning commission staff are still in discussions. FamilyWorks Counseling is at the address, according to the Trabue website.

—Follow business reporter Charles A. Mason on Twitter at twitter.com/BGDNbusiness or visit bgdailynews.com.