West Pelzer Honored for "Innovative Government"

Observer Reports

The Update’s Front Porch has a new award.

West Pelzer was recently awarded the Municipal Association of South Carolina Achievement Award for superior and innovative efforts in local government.

West Pelzer Mayor Blake Sanders said the town received the award based on the “reinvigorating our once vacant business district into a vibrant collection of locally owned businesses.”

As the town implements the plan’s recommendations, it has obtained more than $75,000 in grant funds for such things as the expansion of Chapman Park and the creation of a free co-working space for residents. The plan hopes to guide the town in use of its allocated American Rescue Plan funds, including such projects as passive parks, new downtown public spaces, landscaping and on-street parking.

At the presentation, West Pelzer was praised by the organization, which stated: "The Town of West Pelzer aimed to reverse the decline of its downtown Frankville Business District and transform it into a vibrant commercial space that could serve its growing population. Through an intensive research and development process, it created a new Rural Renewal Master Plan that seeks to reinvigorate commerce, reinvent existing spaces and encourage intentional growth. Using consultants, the town embarked on a wide-ranging, inclusive project to draft the plan.”

Since 1987, the Municipal Association’s program has provided local government officials and employees the opportunity to receive deserved recognition. The program also provides a forum for sharing the best public service ideas in South Carolina.

West Pelzer Town Administrator Paula Payton, Councilman Thomas Scarfo, Mayor ProTem Jim Riddle and Mayor Blake Sanders received the award at the Municipal Association of South Carolina.