Decision on group home expansion delayed 2nd time

An Oconee regulatory board, for a second time, delayed a decision on whether Whetstone Academy in Mountain Rest may expand its quarters to help troubled boys of middle school age. There is opposition from neighbors to the private school’s plans to increase its capacity to 32 students. Last night Gary Littlefield, member of the board of zoning appeals, said the board needs an opinion from the county attorney whether an order from 2011 granting Whetstone a variance to operate may be amended to limit the numbers of students. At issue before the board is whether to grant a variance. In other action, the board of appeals approved variances for two communication towers that will use the county’s broadband network.