Board affirms zoning administrator’s interpretation

A 137-year old house in Seneca was described last night as “majestic”, but those words weren’t enough to win an appeal of the zoning administrator’s decision.  The board of appeals voted 3-0 in support of the interpretation by zoning administrator Ed Halbig that 210 S. Townville Street doesn’t allow for a bed-and-breakfast in single-family, R-10 zoning.  The decision disappoints Austin, Texas resident and property owner Lori Sons  appealed to allow for a B-and-B that would also be a venue for birthday parties and small weddings.  The appeals’ board drew a distinction between a commercially-operated B-and-B and the activities nearby of non-profit civic and religious facilities.  Audience speakers were divided by Sons’ quest.  Neighbor Brad LeCroy thinks a B-and-B there would be in keeping with the vibrant feeling of recent years in the old Seneca neighborhood.  Former Seneca resident now of New Mexico, Martha Hawkins, said because of the lack of available venues inside Seneca her 1961 classmates of Seneca High School went to Lake Keowee yesterday for their reunion.  A fellow neighbor, however, Andy King, expressed worry for noise, traffic, and parking.  The 3-0 ruling leaves Sons’ one choice–an appeal to the circuit court of Common Pleas.