Al Smith dealership looks to build new facility

Bowling Green's Planning Commission has scheduled a Jan. 8 public hearing on an annexation petition that would allow a long-time Bowling Green auto dealership to building a new facility.David A. Knauss, on behalf of several family members, has petitioned the city to annex 2.409 acres at 17103 N. Dixie Hwy.The property is at the northwest corner of Newton Road and North Main Street, immediately north of the BG welcome sign.Documents filed with the BG Planning Commission indicate that Al Smith Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram plans to purchase the parcel after annexation for a new dealership.The firm has been located about a mile south in the 900 block of North Main Street since the mid 1960s.The land is zoned A-1, agricultural in Plain Township. The city's Master Plan shows the property as B-2, general commercial, which the commission can recommend when it forwards a recommendation on interim zoning to BG City Council for final action. The Wood County Commissioners earlier approved the annexation and sent the petition to the city.The commission's meeting is scheduled at 6 p.m. because the normal first Wednesday meeting day coincides with the New Year's holiday. The city's Zoning Board of Appeals meeting remains scheduled for 7 p.m. on Jan. 8, its normal second Wednesday date and time.