By Michael J. Billoni

Senior Contributing Writer

Most of the Grand Island residents, responding to a contest asking for suggestions on what the new owners of the Knights of Columbus building at 1841 Whitehaven Road and the nearly nine acres of land behind it, said they would like to see the property developed into a destination where they could go and do something, and/or a spot to bring the community together.

The top vote-getters were:

√ A town pool/splash pad or an indoor ice-skating rink.

√ A youth center with outdoor/indoor venues for sports and music performances.

√ A fitness center with a full gym and indoor walking track.

√ A senior center and/or a community center.

√ A fresh food, fruit and vegetable market or another supermarket.

√ A bakery and/or coffee house.

√ A microbrewery and/or a pub.

Other voters suggested:

√ Keeping it a banquet hall or a bar.

√ A community theater for live performances and movies.

√ A drive-in and/or movie theater.

√ An outdoor farmers market and/or a flea market.

√ A new home for the Grand Island Moose Lodge.

√ Similar to Stiglmeier Park, with trails through the woods all the way to Sidway Elementary School

√ A small zoo or a petting zoo.

The responses impressed property owner Jim Panepinto, of Pinto Construction Services, who said, “As a lifelong Grand Island resident, my partner and I will take into consideration the feedback from the town residents and town leadership on the best use of this building and surrounding property.”

•Residents who voted in the contest were eligible to claim one of three donated prizes. Winners will be announced next week.

 

√ See also >> SOLD: Grand Island Knights of Columbus hall has new owners

√ See also >> Knights of Columbus, St. Stephen's announce plan for new site