Seneca settles with the Haynes, to buy building

One of the longest and contentious legal battles in contemporary Oconee County times ended last night with a vote by the Seneca City Council to settle with the Haynes’ family, owners of a large downtown building condemned years ago by the city. The vote settles court fines levied against the late Rev. Efford Haynes, family patriarch, and allows Seneca to purchase the building that wraps around part of a city block across from City Hall. The vote followed a short closed-door meeting. Afterward, City Administrator Scott Moulder said he can’t disclose how much the city is prepared to pay for the property. “It’s just an effort for us to continue to try to revitalize the downtown area,” Moulder said. Seneca has its radar set to acquire a second large downtown building. Mayor Pro-tem Ronnie O’Kelley predicted recently to 101.7/WGOG NEWS that his city will also acquire the former Kimbrell’s Department Store that adjoins the Haynes building.