Supervisors appoint Watts to fill vacant board seat
Granville officials hear residents’ concerns
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LEWISTOWN -- Granville Township supervisors appointed Charlie Watts to fill a vacant seat Monday morning before hearing residents' concerns about firearm restrictions, bag searches and public access at an Oct. 1 zoning hearing.
Pete Weaver, who chaired the supervisors at the start of the meeting, said a judge had advised the township to collect resumes from candidates interested in filling the vacancy. Weaver and Supervisor Terry Stewart reviewed applications from Watts, Cameran Taylor, Mark Hill and Donald Partsch.
Weaver said he interviewed three of the four candidates, asking each the same questions. He did not interview Watts because they had previously served together.
Weaver nominated Watts to fill the vacant term, and Stewart seconded the motion. The appointment drew expressions of disappointment from some audience members.
After Watts was sworn in, the board reorganized. Stewart nominated Watts as chairman, with Weaver seconding. Watts then nominated Weaver as vice chairman, and Stewart seconded.
During public comment, residents questioned how officials handled security and attendance at the zoning hearing.
Partsch, Corri Hockenberry, Nate Fisher and Tisha Swanger were among those who raised concerns. Residents also cited approximately 40 signatures supporting their objections.
Hockenberry said residents were told firearms were prohibited inside the building and some attendees were asked to open their bags for inspection.
"This is a violation of our Second Amendment right," Hockenberry said.
Granville Township Police Chief Chad Brehman said he had discussed security with Mary Herto, who expressed concerns about weapons being carried into the hearing.
Brehman said he asked residents not to bring firearms or bags inside, but no one was denied access.
"The few that did bring bags in, I politely asked to look through them and they consented," Brehman said. "This is not a violation of anyone's rights."
Residents disputed that explanation and called for accountability.
Weaver, who attended the zoning hearing, acknowledged that officials should have addressed the security concerns beforehand. He said firearm restrictions would be posted before future zoning hearings.
Watts said the supervisors and zoning board have separate responsibilities.
"We don't control the zoning board. All we can do is make things right going forward," Watts said.
Residents also questioned why the hearing was not moved to a larger venue despite advance notice of a substantial turnout. They said the limited space prevented some attendees from following the proceedings.
"The window blinds were even closed," Hockenberry said.
Residents further questioned why private security personnel accompanying the data center developers and their attorneys were armed while members of the public were asked not to bring firearms inside.
Brehman said he reviewed the security personnel's paperwork and verified their credentials, including Act 235 certification.