Granville board refers former Masonic Lodge at 43 East Main Street to Planning Board for possible reclassification

The Granville Village Board agreed on June 3 to refer a request to change the use of the former Masonic Lodge at 43 East Main Street to the Planning Board for further review.

The request, made in a letter from Peter Stephanopoulos, would allow the property to host small gatherings such as bridal showers and post-funeral receptions. The property is currently in a residential zoning district, and Trustee Dean Hyatt suggested the Planning Board consider classifying the building as an "Inn," which would permit that type of activity through a Special Use Permit under the existing zoning code. The Planning Board would evaluate practical issues including parking, refuse removal and any impacts to surrounding homes; if the Planning Board concludes the classification is not appropriate, the case may be referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

During public comment, Pete Kishak suggested that if parking is a concern the owner could consider acquiring an adjoining parcel to provide off-street parking to support event use. The board agreed to proceed with Trustee Hyatt's referral suggestion and the Planning Board clerk will contact the local property manager to initiate the referral process.

Next steps: the Planning Board will review the referral, assess parking and neighborhood impacts, and determine whether to reclassify the building or send the applicant to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Any application for a Special Use Permit or variance would follow the village's established public-notice requirements.

This referral does not change zoning or permit any events; it only starts formal review by the Planning Board.