Administrator: Anderson County Economy is Booming
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The news is mostly good for Anderson County.
The county is busy updating and upgrading recreation activities going into Spring, according to Administrator Rusty Burns.
Dolly Cooper Park recently opened a new playground, is planning pickleball courts, and getting ready for the annual Rhythm on the River event, which is expected to attract 15,000 visitors.
Mr. View Park, one of the quietest parks and the county’s only access to Lake Russell, is getting an upgrade. Plans for an accessible merry-go-round at KidVenture and exploration of other recreations around the county, including in Pendleton.
Keeping the county beautiful and cleaning up litter is also a priority, with the Great Anderson County Cleanup kickoff set for tomorrow at the facility at 1428 Pearman Dairy Road.
It’s also paving season, and in addition to C-Funds from Anderson County Transportation Committee, the county is looking ahead to a November referendum which asks voters for a penny sales tax to fully fund road and bridge repair and maintenance, something the county has never had. The move would be in place for seven years, unless voters agree to renew it.
The old Equinox Mill site is in line to receive assistance, and if it moves ahead, a groundbreaking could happen in the next couple of months. Housing, small businesses and green space is planned for the site after the cleanup.
“We know a lot of good things are coming to Anderson,” said Burns.
Burns said he wants to continue to make sure that good things are in the work for all citizens. A recent meeting of all groups that serve the homeless in the county work toward affordable housing for those in need.
Meanwhile, Burns said the economy in Anderson County is booming, and in addition to industrial recruitment, supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs is one of council’s top goals. He also said Whataburger, which plans to open this summer in Anderson, is already looking at a Pendleton location soon.
The county is also continuing to cooperate with the City of Anderson, and is a major sponsor of the upcoming International Network of Michelin Cities event hosted here April 15-19. Burns said Michelin kicked off the international investment in the county, thanks to the efforts of the late Pete Stathakis, which now includes 51 companies representing more than 20 nations, the most in the state.
Burns talked about these and other topics in this interview with the Anderson Observer.