County Updates: Economic Development, Equinox, Kid Venture
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The final United States Census numbers put Anderson County at more than 212,000 citizens, and growth in the county since the first of the year suggests even that number might be light.
The growth also increases the need for the county support services, including law enforcement, road maintenance, the animal shelter and in other areas, said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns.
Burns also said economic growth is helping, with new jobs paying above living wages. Recently the county added an Italian company and is negotiating with a company from Finland, who would join the 51 companies from 19 countries already doing business in Anderson (the most international investment in the state.)
After a long wait, equipment for water and sewer expansion at I-85 Exit 14 will open up more economic development opportunities, said Burns.
“We know there is a pent-up demand, with businesses already ready to locate there,” said Burns. “Business development in that area is going to blow up.”
Closer to downtown Anderson, Burns is optimistic that the Equinox mill revitalization project, which will bring new housing and retail development to downtown Anderson, could begin work in the near future. The cooperative effort with the City of Anderson at Chemtex is also potentially closer to reality as well.
“We’re doing everything we can to make those a success,” said Burns. “Everything in that area will benefit from these projects.”
Repairs at the historic courthouse, which could take another six months, are also under way. The 126-year-old structure was suffering from regular structural maintenance, with rotten timbers, crumbling and loose bricks, a damaged and aging roof and poor gutters. All of those are being addressed in the $7 million renovation/repair.
The bricks will also be repointed as part of the project, and the new courthouse should look better and be in solid structural shape for decades to come.
On Thursday opening bids for the next phase of Kid Venture will kick off expansion of the facility which has been one of the county’s most popular spots for families since opening.
While Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns said that expansion of the park would never been totally done, due to the growing population, the additions planned would be welcome.
Another new park for the kids will also entertain bids this week. The long-planned playground at the Anderson Regional Airport, is set to be an air travel themed facility where kids can play and watch planes take off and land.
Burns talked about these projects, and more in this interview with the Anderson Observer.