Walhalla hotel deal likely

Developers John Powell and Jim Carswell appear to be on their way to a final agreement with Oconee County, to allow them to convert the dilapidating former courthouse into a five-story, 55-room hotel and retail center. County Administrator Scott Moulder told a council committee yesterday that roof repairs and whether Short Street is made one-way are the two major issues remaining. Councilmen Paul Corbeil and Wayne McCall, meeting as the council’s real estate, facilities and land management committee, agreed to recommend the project to the full council. The issue of adequate parking, according to Moulder, is being addressed by the developers who’ve met with Walhalla city officials.