A historic Palmyra property that once operated as a popular restaurant is being redeveloped for a different purpose, with plans to convert portions of the former Garlock House into short-term accommodations while preserving its existing residential apartments.
The property at 401 E. Main St. was the subject of a proposal submitted by Lynnette and Charles Ciurca, who sought to convert the building’s former restaurant space into a short-term rental.
According to Wayne County Planning Board minutes from Oct. 22, 2025, the couple appeared before county officials to discuss the project’s proposed use and the zoning changes needed to move forward.
The building, formerly home to the Garlock House restaurant, sits in the village’s C1 commercial zoning district. At the time of the county review, short-term rentals were not permitted under the property’s existing zoning classification.
The Ciurcas proposed converting the former restaurant area on the first floor into accommodations for short-term guests, including rentals through Airbnb.
The second floor contains two existing apartments, which the couple said they intended to maintain as long-term residential units.
The proposal required a use variance from the village because the planned rental operation did not fit the permitted uses for the commercial district.
During the county review, officials discussed whether the proposal was consistent with surrounding property uses and whether sufficient justification had been provided for the requested variance.
County planning staff indicated that a hardship declaration had not been submitted to support the proposed change.
The County Planning Board ultimately voted 10-1 in favor of a motion recommending denial of the use variance, while acknowledging that the village’s zoning process would determine the property’s permitted use.
At the time, the Ciurcas said approval of the short-term rental use was a condition of their planned purchase.
The redevelopment represents a potential new chapter for a prominent Main Street property that has served several purposes over its history.
Its former restaurant configuration presents opportunities for reuse, but converting commercial space into visitor accommodations also requires compliance with local zoning and applicable building regulations.
The original county review documents establish the project’s proposed direction and initial zoning challenge. They do not establish whether the village subsequently approved the variance or what final operating conditions may apply to the property.
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