For now, no change at the Courier

An architect’s plan to convert parts of Walhalla’s historic Keowee Courier into homes for senior citizens failed to win approval during a city regulatory board’s meeting last night at City Hall. After a public hearing, the board of zoning appeals voted to deny the variance sought by project promoter Lori Sons. A handful of speakers last night expressed degrees of support for the project. Yet the board’s vote was 3-0. At first, Chairman Francis Guldner said he thought all that was heard and presented required more thinking and he preferred to vote at a later time. But he was overruled by his two colleagues, Nancy Morgan and Caroline Hoadley, who said they were ready to vote. None of the board gave specific reasons for their vote, but Chairman Guldner asked for time to allow the members to document them on a required form.