Grant approved to demolish former school building

The South Carolina Department of Commerce has announced that 21 South Carolina communities, including the city of Seneca, have been awarded Community Development Block Grant Funds. The awarded Block Grant Funds will provide Seneca $500,000 for the demolition of the old J.N. Kellett Elementary School. The population of the communities statewide receiving the grants represents around 43,000 residents. City Administrator Scott Moulder said that the city was excited that they were awarded the grant and that the city has been awaiting the outcome of the grant application for several months. Moulder said the grant money will be used to defray the city’s cost for the demolition and removal of the building. The property is destined for a green space for passive recreation opportunities as the city looks ahead to more permanent plans to redevelopment the property into a community facility.