Laberge Group was retained to assist the Village of Granville in setting its vision for the future by developing a Comprehensive Plan. Working with a committee of eleven individuals from a cross section of the business community, fraternal and religious organizations, senior citizens, students, homeowners, and cultural attractions, Laberge Group conducted a thorough inventory and analysis of existing conditions within the Village. The Plan inventoried local history, demographic features, natural, municipal, community, cultural, educational, and transportation resources, existing land use, existing zoning, and pubic opinions.

To ensure effective community outreach and participation, Laberge Group facilitated many opportunities for public participation including monthly committee meetings, SWOT analysis, visioning workshops, community survey and stakeholder meetings. Working with community leaders, business interests and residents, the team identified community strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

After identifying the important issues, a number of goals were developed, including:

•  Preservation, protection and enhancement of historic resources and environmentally significant water bodies.

•  Provision of recreational opportunities for all Village residents.

•  Provision of a balanced mix of housing opportunities.

•  Promotion of Main Street as the vibrant heart of the Village of Granville .

•  Protection and enhancement of the visual character and design quality of the Village.

•  Development of Main Street Revitalization Program.

The comprehensive planning process resulted in an action-oriented plan adopted by the Village Board and immediately implemented in the form of the revision of the existing zoning ordinance, and the development of a $400,000 micro-enterprise revolving loan program to support downtown businesses and a $200,000 Environmental Protection Fund Grant for conversion of former railroad beds into a multi-use trail.

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