New Granville construction, tax incentive agreements among top stories of 2019 – The Newark Advocate

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The past year saw development again a key talking point in Granville. The year also saw construction or openings of new structures including a new medical center at the east end of the Village, and the launch of the Michael D. Eisner arts center at Denison University.

Following, are some of the most significant events making Granville news in 2019.

January

The Village of Granville, Granville Township Trustees and officials from Denison University discussed partnering to help fund enhancements to the new, wider Ohio 37 bridge, construction of which is slated to begin in 2020.

Also in January, Granville Township officials were expressing doubt that an existing service contract to provide fire and EMS services to Union Township had much future left as Union and Hebron discussed forming a new fire district.

During one of its first meetings of the year, Granville Council also heard the first pitch for a new cidery to be located in a downtown barn, a proposal that would eventually find approval later in 2019.

February

Granville Council approved a tax subsidy or TIF for a new medical complex currently nearing completion at the east end of the village, close to the Newark border. The medical center being constructed by Hplex Solutions was described as a $5.3 million state of the art orthopedic center, expected to result in a $2.5 million payroll.

Council also approved an 18-acre annexation to establish the Glenshire residential development on Newark-Granville Road.

March

Granville Township Trustees, working with Kendal, announced a new traffic light at Ohio 16 and Kendal Drive. That signal went live the week of Thanksgiving.

Granville Schools announced a plan to partner with a community group to begin work on field improvements at Granville High School. The district also hired a new district treasurer, Brittany Treolo.

Granville police began enforcement of the villages new Nathans Law, prohibiting use of mobile communication devices while driving in the Village.

April

April brought announcement of plans by Welsh Hills Schools to construct a new high school, and the first home in Granvilles solar community, Village Roots, was completed and showcased with an open house. The community is located on Old Sycamore Lane in Granville.

Village Manager Steve Pyles resigned his position in April, and Kim Keethler Ball became the new owner of Readers Garden Book Store.

May

Granville Township Trustees announced plans to break ground for a new fire station at 1833 Lancaster Road, estimated to cost approximately $6 million.

Actress and Denison University grad Jennifer Garner delivered the 2019 commencement address at her alma mater, telling students, You are responsible for your own happiness, so attack it!

Lt. Suzie Dawson announced she was retiring from the Granville Police force to accept a position as an Ohio Senate Sergeant at Arms.

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June

Granville Council approved emergency funds for dental repair of a K-9 officers teeth, as well as allocating money to contribute to the repair and partial replacement of a bulging Old Colony Burying Ground Cemetery wall in danger of collapse. That work was completed in July.

The Granville Kiwanis announced that the years annual July 4 festival would be built around a moon landing theme.

July

Denison unveiled its nearly completed Michael D. Eisner Center for the performing arts. The 108,000, structure is the first Denison building to front the villages main thoroughfare, as pointed out by DU President Adam Weinberg.

Longtime Granville Village Clerk of Council Mollie Prasher announced she was leaving Granville for a similar post in Reynoldsburg.

The Granville Library announced that in answer to public requests, it would begin to offer Sunday hours.

August

The Village of Granville held an open house for its newly completed service department headquarters at 1552 Columbus Road. The old service complex on Lancaster Road was to be razed shortly after to clear the way for a new Granville Township Fire Department.

Granville Boosters held a special community event to reveal the intended name of its new stadium The Walter J. Hodges Stadium in honor of a 1951 GHS graduate, as well as to announce its funding goals.

After a number of Licking County-area candidates petitions were rejected by the Licking County Board of Elections, including those of incumbent Granville Township Trustee Dan Van Ness and his intended challenger, it was announced the seat would be decided by write-in vote.

September

Dan Finkelman resigned his post as Granville Council member during the Sept. 4 meeting. He had earlier made clear his intent not to seek re-election in the looming November races.

Ann Lowder also announced she would be retiring from her position as executive director of The Robbins Hunter Museum.

Granville Schools scored nearly straight-As on the annual state report card, the only district in Licking County to receive an overall A-grade.

October

The Village of Granville seated a new council member by appointment, selecting Laura Mickelson to fill the seat earlier vacated by Dan Finkelman. The Village also hired Herb Koehler to become the communitys new village manager.

The United Church of Granville marked its 200th year.

Bryn Du Mansion welcomed its first artist in residence, Poet Jennifer Hambrick, who was provided living space in the newly restored former laundry house located at the rear of the mansion.

Union Township and Hebron official voted to form a fire district, despite opposition from Union residents served under contract by the Granville Township Fire Department. Those opposing the new fire districts formation soon announced an effort to try and move a portion of Union into Granville Township.

November

Granville Schools began demolition of its high school stadium to prep the site for construction of a new complex expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2020-21 school year.

Granville Council saluted longtime member Jackie OKeefe, who began serving in 2003 and chose not to seek office again in the fall 2019 elections.

December

Granville Council approved a tax incentive or TIF agreement aimed at simulating development in the area of Weaver Drive and River Road on Dec. 4.

On Dec. 7, The Granville Area Chamber of Commerces annual Christmas Candlelight Walking Tourblessed with warmer weather and sunny skies once more filled the downtown with shoppers and sightseers.

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New Granville construction, tax incentive agreements among top stories of 2019 - The Newark Advocate