Crowds, Construction, and County Changes Shape County’s Fall Outlook
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The last days of summer brought record crowds and new debates about growth, infrastructure, and community priorities in Anderson County, where local leaders are preparing for major shifts that could define the region’s next decade.
Labor Day weekend saw one of the largest turnouts in Celebrate Anderson’s history as more than 12,000 people gathered at the Civic Center to hear “Kool & the Gang” perform. Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns said such success could shape future bookings.
“We’re already looking at options,” Burns said. “And yes, we’ll follow a similar type of entertainment next year.”
The festival showcased what many viewed as Anderson’s most diverse audience yet, drawing families with young children as well as older residents — a sign of the county’s changing demographics as its population swells.
Just miles from the celebratory crowds, construction crews are working ahead of schedule on the new $83 million detention center. The sprawling facility is slated to replace the county’s decades-old jail, which was built in the 1950s and originally rated for 240 inmates but often houses nearly double that figure.
“We’re in violation of every standard known for incarcerating people,” said Burns. “More than 450 people are inside a facility built for half that.”
Contrasting with the overcrowded and outdated jail — where Burns said “people are literally housed in closets” — the new center will include space for church groups, literacy classes, and psychiatric care. The county has already hired and begun training its first corrections staff in anticipation of opening by the end of next year.
At the county council level, the most significant development this fall is a moratorium on new large-scale housing projects, any proposed development of more than four housing units. Officials say the pause will allow time to implement stronger growth regulations amid rising concerns over rapid development.
The county has hired CodeWright, a nationally known planning firm, to update Anderson’s ordinances, which Burns said currently contradict themselves and lack clarity.
Meanwhile, several areas in the southern part of the county are preparing to vote on whether to enact zoning for the first time.
“Right now, we have land-use rules. But zoning tells you more clearly what’s agricultural, what’s industrial, what requires setbacks or landscaping,” said Burns. “Communities are asking for that kind of control.”
Anderson leaders also point to momentum in economic development. Local company Vertiv recently hired graduates of Anderson University’s first engineering program, keeping young professionals in the county. New industries continue to cycle through the county’s Landing Pad business incubator, though space is already full. And while progress at the Equinox site has stalled, Burns highlighted ongoing redevelopment at former mill properties in Pelzer and Honea Path.
“There are very exciting announcements we hope to close out by the end of the year,” he said, without offering details.
Perhaps the most consequential decision for residents will come at the ballot box in less than six weeks. Voters will decide on a one-cent sales tax referendum dedicated to repairing roads and bridges, many of which local fire trucks and school buses currently cannot cross.
If passed, it would mark the first time Anderson County has a dedicated revenue stream for its 1,554 miles of road. If defeated, Burns said, “council will have to go back to the drawing board. Nobody’s coming to save us.”
The referendum follows a deep study of every mile of county roads and a recent report naming South Carolina’s highways the deadliest in the country.
Other county departments are facing challenges as well. The PAWS animal shelter is brimming with cats and dogs, straining local resources despite strong community donations. Nationwide shortages of animal shelter capacity have compounded the problem.
On the courthouse square, residents will notice scaffolding coming down from the historic courthouse in time for Christmas, when officials hope to unveil renovations alongside what is expected to be the county’s tallest ever holiday tree — more than 55 feet.
“You’ve got to have goals,” Burns said with a laugh.
