The board explains its action

The official order in which a Walhalla regulatory board said no to a plan to create new homes for senior citizens is on file at City Hall. As signed by the board chairman, Frank Guldner, the order gives three reasons for denying a variance sought by architect Lori Sons to make a new use of the Short Street old brick building which, since 1899, has served as the composition room for the Keowee Courier, founded in 1849. Here are the three reasons. “1. The board concludes that the standards in Section 708.3 of the zoning ordinance which are applicable to the proposed special exception have not been met based on the following findings of fact: vehicle and pedestrian safety. 2. The board concludes that the proposed special exception will diminish value of adjacent property or property in the district based on the following findings of fact: adverse impact on historical value. 3. The board concludes that the proposed special exception will not be compatible with uses in the district based on the following findings of fact: best interest of public and community.” The order was filed yesterday, within a week of a hearing at which speakers appeared divided over the proposal.