Developers and neighbors reach compromise

Earlier acrimony was put aside, and City Hall action last night clears a regulatory hurdle to allow for 12 new Walhalla homes. The city planning commission’s 4-0 vote calls for general residential zoning for two and a half acres on Tyre B. Mauldin Street. That’s where developers want to build their Chestnut home development. The vote goes in the form of a recommendation to the city council, likely at its October meeting. Last night’s vote was cast after developer Sam Head announced he has committed in writing that Chestnut will be a development of no more than 12 homes, whereas Season’s Builders previously envisioned twice the number. That number, along with other make-up of the project, worried members of the public. About 25 people sat or stood for last night’s hearing, and most who spoke confined their remarks to questions about what the homes will look like. The homes will be small—between 1,200 and 1,500 square feet space, single-story, two bedrooms. “I can promise you they are going to look good,” was the upfront statement made by Head. Some of the earlier more strident opponents of the project in recent weeks expressed relief after Head met with S. Broad Street homeowner Keith Pace to work toward a compromise, and planning commissioner Rosemary Bailes said she was impressed. Bailes said she’s encouraged that, in a small town, neighbors can work together toward something for the public good. The city’s comprehensive plan has identified new housing as one of Walhalla’s greatest needs. But one Walhallan, Henry Brown, questioned whether change from residential-15 zoned property is desirable and he further questioned whether the proposed home development blends with the comprehensive plan.