Gahanna planning commission approves Northwest Bank redevelopment, grants four variances for 191 Granville St.

The Gahanna Planning Commission on Aug. 27 unanimously approved a major development plan and four variances for a redevelopment of 191 Granville Street to allow Northwest Bank to renovate the long‑vacant former PNC building.

The approvals clear a path for exterior renovations, a relocated drive‑thru at the rear of the site, changes to parking layout and screening, and a departure from the zoning code's primary‑facade transparency requirement. City planning staff recommended approval of the major development plan and all variance requests.

Planning staff described the site as zoned CMU (Creekside mixed use) and said the building has been vacant for about five years. The project proposal includes new exterior materials, moving the drive‑thru to the rear, shifting parking farther from the right of way, added landscaping, and sidewalk upgrades. Under the current code, drive‑thrus are listed as an accessory use and are not permitted in CMU; because this redevelopment would substantially alter the site, a use variance was required for the drive‑thru to remain.

Staff said the application requests four variances: (1) allow a drive‑thru accessory use in CMU, (2) reduce…