Tranquil Granville balks at development.

In Granville, where residents cherish the quiet New England atmosphere, the intrusion of development from Columbus is an unhappy affair.

But as it has become clear that development is coming one way or another, the issue for the village of 4,500 has been one of controlling growth.

"With all the changes under way between here and Columbus," wrote Village Manager Doug Plunkett in a recent newspaper column, "the forces of development will likely continue to erode Granville's ability to determine its own future."

The issues of growth have recently exploded in Granville, after Columbus developer Mike Fox proposed developing 400 to 600 homes just outside the village. If Fox has his way, Granville won't control the development because he wants the property annexed to Newark. He believes Newark is better able to provide him with the water and sewer service he needs.

And that has Granville using all means possible to stop the annexation. It has filed suit to stop the Licking County commissioners from hearing the annexation proposal. The village has filed …