New Business, Events Highlight Growth in Belton

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

New businesses are signals of growth as the City of Belton moves into fall.

 "We have two exciting businesses that are very close to being here," said Belton Mayor Eleanor Dorn. One of them, a business already located in Anderson County, plans to relocate to Belton's city limits, bringing up to 100 jobs. The other is a Zaxby’s franchise, which has received corporate approval and is ready to break ground once a final logistical detail is resolved.

The new industrial facility, Eastern Engineered Wood Products, is now under construction, and the town is working to secure two other major projects.

The mayor also provided updates on a $16 million infrastructure grant that will allow the town to upgrade its water and sewer systems to accommodate new housing developments. While no new housing projects have broken ground yet, Dorn said the infrastructure improvements are key to preparing the town for future growth.

One of the keys to both serving current citizens and businesses is roads, and Dorn said finding funding for repair and maintenance is critical. Dorn expressed her support for a proposed penny sales tax in Anderson County, while noting that Belton's main roads are state-owned, making them the state's responsibility to repair. She pointed out that the condition of Main Street is so poor it is causing damage to the city’s fire truck.

"Our main roads are pretty bad," Dorn said. She acknowledged that many citizens do not understand the complex logistics of repaving roads, but that November’s referendum could make things better.

Belton has already been celebrating its history, including a recent event noting the 50th anniversary of the Belton Area Museum. These celebrations continue in October with the upcoming Heritage Days, an annual event that draws schoolchildren from across the area leading into the annual Standpipe Festival, which returns this year after being canceled in 2024 due to weather from Hurricane Helene. Dorn said the festival will feature its traditional elements, with a car show, craft vendors, and music throughout the day, headlined by the band Tailgate Homeboys. The day will conclude with a fireworks display.

Dorn updates events, business, housing, pickleball and more in this interview with the Anderson Observer.