Granville board adopts Local Law No. 1 of 2025 after brief public hearing on winter parking rules

The Granville Village Board adopted Local Law No. 1 of 2025 at its Nov. 3 meeting following a public hearing on proposed changes to the village's winter parking rules. Deputy Mayor Dean Hyatt moved adoption; Trustee Paul Garrone seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Paul Labas opened the public hearing and said the proposed law text had been posted on the village website and available at the Clerk's office for ten days. During public comment, press member Erik Pekar asked how adjusted winter parking-ban hours would affect Main Street businesses — for example, whether a café would need to prohibit on-street parking between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. to comply. The mayor responded that free parking lots at either end of Main Street would remain available and emphasized that the law's intent is to allow local and state DPWs to clear snow and ice efficiently for public safety. He also told the board that Main Street, as part of New York State Route 149, is plowed by the County rather than the Village, and that enforcement on that thoroughfare would not be the village's immediate priority.

Mr. Matthew Rollwagen asked whether the proposed local law addressed e-bikes. Mayor Paul Labas and Police Chief Ernie Bassett said New York State statutes already govern e-bike operation; the mayor said he has asked the Police Department to enforce existing regulations if violations occur. Labas also reminded operators to watch speeds near vehicles and pedestrians, noted helmets are required for minors, and said bikes should be ridden on the roadway shoulder rather than sidewalks.

The board took its vote immediately after the hearing and moved on to other business. The adoption vote was recorded as unanimous; no amendments or requests for referral were made during the discussion.