Board of Architectural Review in Walhalla’s future?

The cities of Seneca, Clemson, and Pickens have boards of architectural review.  Last night Walhalla city council entertained the idea that a board of architectural review could enhance the city’s efforts re-vitalize, yet keep a hold on some of its historic homes and buildings.  They were given ideas by Jennifer Vissage, a staff member of “A-COG”, the region’s government service agency.  Vissage said there’s no requirement that a city form a board of architectural review.  Its current planning commission and board of zoning appeals can handle some of the duties of a “BOAR.”  But if a city wanted one, Vissage said, it could help the city with its downtown design overlay district.  In first reading last night, the council extended the overlay on both East and West Main Street.