Deal struck for new school property

Three Wells Highway properties, four property owners add up to a deal to build the replacement Seneca Middle School. The county trustees last night agreed to spend $1.7 million for 43.82 acres that front the Wells Highway across from the Cross Creek Country Club entrance. The individuals from whom the district will buy the properties were not identified by name, but officials say it’s not the property that the trustees originally envisioned a year ago. There was no immediate word last night if $1.7 million is the most ever paid for property for a new Oconee school. According to sketches, the properties are bi-sected by Lancaster Drive and that road will likely be closed as that’s the approximate spot for the main building. The district projects the new school will be ready for the 2023-24 school year.