There will be no "ghost hunting" allowed in the Groveport Cemetery.
A paranormal researcher, who is also a Groveport resident, had sought permission to bring some electronic equipment into the cemetery in order to conduct paranormal research. The researcher indicated generations of his family are buried in the cemetery and the research would be done respectfully.
However, at Groveport Village Council’s Oct. 14 meeting, council members and Mayor Lance Westcamp denied the request.
Councilman Shawn Cleary, who is also a member of the village’s cemetery committee, was the most vocal in his disagreement stating, "I just don’t think it’s right. We’re not going to allow a game show atmosphere in the cemetery that could draw outside crowds. This is sacred ground and must be respected."
Cleary, who once served as a reserve Groveport police officer, recalled a different situation a few years ago when, while on patrol, he spotted people in the cemetery with cameras trying to take "ghost pictures."
"I told them, ‘Not here you’re not,’" said Cleary.
Downtown development update
Councilwoman Donna Drury asked for an update on the proposed downtown redevelopment at the northeast corner of Front and Main streets.
"Pizzuti is still marketing it through Continental," said Economic Development Director Jeff Green. "They still have a great deal of interest in the project. Obviously times are tough right now."
Pizzuti Solutions is the company working to develop the site to be known as the Groveport Town Center. In August, Green said development costs for a 6,000 square foot building, that would be Phase I of the entire development, were discussed and that a "prospective restaurant tenant" had "expressed some interest in 3,500 square feet of restaurant space, along with a large space for an outdoor patio/dining area."
Plans for the northeast corner of Main and Front streets call for a potential retail/office development that includes: two, 19th century style two story brick buildings with varied storefronts, one 200 feet long and the other 100 feet long; parking in the rear in the former Ohio and Erie Canal bed, as well as some spaces on Main Street, that would accommodate 146 vehicles; and a public space at the west end of the development at Main and Front streets.
Relay for Life
Sue Pairan from the American Cancer Society (ASC) told council that, in the past five years, the village of Groveport’s Relay for Life has raised $124,618 for the ASC.
Council approved holding the 2009 Relay for Life in Groveport Park on June 26-27. For information on the event, contact Pairan at 1-888-227-6446, ext. 3211 or e-mail sue.pairan@cancer.org.
Other Groveport news
•Westcamp stated he plans to announce the name of Groveport’s new village administrator at council’s Oct. 20 meeting.
•Cleary stated a memorial stone marker will be placed in the Groveport Cemetery soon to recognize the unmarked graves of those who were cholera victims in the 19th century.
•Golf Director Tom Walker said the recent girls high school sectional golf tournament held at The Links at Groveport went well and that the course is slated to be used for the 2009 district tournament.
