New owners demolish former restaurant

    WAYNE—The former Branding Iron Restaurant in Wayne was demolished Tuesday, Nov. 15.
    Wayne Code Enforcement Officer Gill Harrop explained the property was purchased five months ago by Lin Hough, a contractor based-in Penn Yan, and Merle Whitehead, president of RealtyUSA.  He said the new owners plan to build residential structures on the property located at 987 Route 54.
    Hough said the 2.1 acre property has seven lots (four owned by him and three by Whitehead).  He explained the plan is to build six or seven custom homes.  Hough said the stick-built structures would be between 1,600 and 1,800 square feet in size and have two bedrooms and three bathrooms.  Hough said he and Whitehead want to create a complimentary area to the lakefront.
    He said the two are planning to build the first home next year.  He said his construction company, Hough Builders, will do the work when they have an opening in their schedule.  He explained they will start with just one house and see what the market is like next year.
    Harrop explained the property is no longer zoned as commercial because the restaurant closed.  He said the zoning reverted back to residential.