Redevelopment Agency marks achievements; Council adopts mixed-use ordinance

The second reading of the Anderson's downtown mixed-use district was adopted unanimously by council members. The ordinance will become effective 30 days from the Feb. 2 meeting.

The city will install a "Welcome to Anderson" sign in front of Vittles restaurant to be seen by travelers exiting I-5 from North Street. The council approved to build the sign, and Joe Martinez and Ardith Taylor agreed to maintain the sign and surrounding landscaping. Anderson Rotary donated $2,654 for the cost of the sign.

The Anderson Redevelopment Agency convened and voted to remove the Oleander along Hwy. 273 in favor of a variety of foliage that would provide a view of East Center St. businesses and improvements.

The agency also reviewed the progress of the current five-year Implementation Plan of the Southwest Redevelopment Project Area Redevelopment Plan in which the agency outlined several goals to alleviate blight in the city.

The current five-year plan, which began in 2006, has achieved several goals, according to the agency. The agency listed:

• The completion of streetscape, parking and utility improvements to East Center, South and Freeman Streets

• Acquisition of land, demolition and development of land at South and East Center Streets.

• Installation of "Discover Downtown" signs at North and South Streets.

• Successful implemetnation of the popular "facade improvement" program.

• Curb, gutter and sidewalk projects along North Street in support of private development construction.

• Construction of the Teen Center plaza, as part of the larger Public Health/Teen Center project.

• Acquisition and rehabilitation of the old Anderson jail on Freeman Street.

The Redevelopment Agency also listed planned projects and projects in-progress:

• Sitework and improvemetns to Anderson Fire Station No. 1 on East Center Street.

• Completion of streetscape and related improvements to all of East Center Street.

• Plans, engineering and marketing of the vacant parcel on East Center Street.

• Development of the "Mixed Use" zoning code for downtown to facilitate investment.

• Financing assistance for Seasons at Regency Place apartments.

• Landscaping improvements along Highway 273.