Judge Spahr Says No!

Today Judge Jon Spahr ruled on Denison's motion: "DENIED." Denison had asked Judge Spahr for a partial modification of his decision that caused Denison to suspend all construction at Cleveland Hall.

On March 10, after a lengthy exchange of briefs, Judge Spahr ruled that the Granville Village Council had erred and that Denison did not have a valid construction permit for the Cleveland Hall restoration and additions. In response, on March 25, Denison asked for a partial modification of that ruling that would permit continued work on the interior of the old building. Denison also asked to continue construction of two of the three modern additions.

The three Granville residents who are Appellants in the case agreed with Denison's motion concerning interior construction, but argued against continued work on the additions. The Appellants wrote they "...continue to desire that Cleveland Hall be preserved and renovated, and have no objection to continued work on the interior of the original building or any work necessary for safety and security of the site. Appellants do not wish to see Denison University suffer unnecessary costs and delays."

According to their memorandum, "Appellants do not support the granting of permission to work toward the completion of any of the three contemporary additions."

In his decision, Judge Spahr wrote "Insofar as appellees request the Court to modify the judgment to allow Denison to proceed with construction according to the architectural plans for which Denison no longer has a valid permit, the motion is DENIED."

Click here to view Judge Spahr's decision.

See previous stories on the Cleveland Hall Issue: