Anderson Mayor's Update Summer 2024

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The new City of Anderson $84.7 million budget includes the $13.75 Linley Park Project, which not only expands and improves the park but corrects stormwater issues and restores Whitner Creek. This project is made possible by the city’s hospitality tax, which began in 2001 with a collection of $50,000, and is now close to $50 million annually.

Some of this funding, which will include bonds, will also be used to upgrade Cater’s Lake Park.

Main Street paving is also in the budget, and utility upgrades and repairs will also be part of the $1.5 million effort, which could begin before the end of the year.

Six new firefighters will also be hired to meet the needs of growth, and new stations are in the future plans according to Mayor Terence Roberts. New firetrucks are also needed, but due to supply chain issues, the order time is 50 months.

The planned mixed development/housing on the Chemtex property as well as the property and the planned 80-unit housing farther South on Murray Avenue at Franklin, new trails plans, and other quality of life improvements are also in the works in the city.

The new real ice rink that will be in Carolina Wren Park for the annual Holiday Ice rink is also expected to be a real draw during the holidays, Roberts said.

Roberts discussed these and other downtown development plans for the city in this Summer update with the Anderson Observer.