Growth spurt requiring change, Walhalla officials believe

Oconee’s second largest municipality is no longer a sleepy, quiet town.  At least, new developments suggest that is the case.  Brandon Burton, interim city administrator, says, of late, there’s enough new development for the city to begin to consider ending its arrangement with Oconee County in which the county permits new construction.  According to Burton, Walhalla is missing out on the potential of $50 thousand worth of revenue from construction permits that have been issued for new homes and renovation work on downtown commercial buildings.   Councilwoman Sara Melendez says there needs to be discussion on whether to increase from five to seven the number of city planning commission members.  Melendez is a former planning commissioner.  Last night she pointed out the importance of the planning commission, which acts as an advisory group to the mayor and council on zoning matters, along with its role developing the city’s comprehensive plans.  She also referred to the importance of establishing greater inclusion among the citizenry in the affairs of the local government.