Commission finalizes plaque design, will subsidize half the cost for locally designated properties

The Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission finalized a design for a new historic-plaques program and agreed to subsidize part of the cost for locally designated properties.

Commission members reviewed a vendor estimate and discussed the per-plaque cost. One line-item quote was discussed at about $422, while a bottom-line per-plaque figure appeared closer to $225 depending on bundling and graphic changes. The commission agreed to offer approximately $200 toward a qualifying property’s plaque (described in the meeting as “half of it”), and the commission noted it has budgeted $500 total to support the program initially on a first-come, first-served basis.

Why it matters: the plaque program is intended to recognize locally designated historic properties and to encourage owners to pursue designation. Members said they will send a letter to property owners on the local register when the design and costs are finalized and will require payment before ordering a plaque.

Details: staff said bundling orders (multiple plaques shipped together) could reduce per-unit shipping or graphic fees; a graphic-change fee of $81 was discussed and would apply only when artwork changes were needed. Commission members emphasized that applicants must be locally designated to qualify for the subsidy.

Next steps: staff will finalize the design, prepare a draft letter to owners, and circulate the application process for owners to request the plaque and remit payment. The commission cautioned that available subsidy funds will be limited and likely support only a small number of plaques at first.