Mayor Schaefer plans for prosperity

A slowing national economy has greeted the City of Anderson after years of economic growth, but "despite the economic challenges, your city has pressed onward, funded projects that stimulate the local economy, and taken advantage of opportunities to plan for future prosperity," City of Anderson Mayor Butch Schaefer said at the State of the City Luncheon Sept. 24.

Now in its eleventh year, the annual luncheon was presented by Anderson Chamber of Commerce and held at the Gaia Hotel and Spa. Shaefer took the opportunity to highlight the city's past year successes and upcoming goals as displays of news clippings and photographs were projected behind him.

Among the 300 in attendance at the luncheon were city council members from Anderson, Redding, and Shasta Lake City, two county supervisors, a superior court judge and numerous South County business owners.

In a presentation entitled, "Planning for Prosperity," Schaefer first touted the revamped downtown area, which was improved steadily over five years at the cost of over $3 million from the City of Anderson's Redevelopment Agency.

"Downtown Anderson is once again poised for growth," Schaefer said. "Infrastructure is in place and the new mixed use zoning encourages flexible development, investment in older buildings, and creation of a unique downtown district. People are starting to talk about downtown once again and business investment has begun anew."

Not only improving the landscaping and drainage along East Center Street, the agency arranged for the removal of oleander bushes to provide open visibility from Highway 273 to the improved area. The agency also partnered with Anderson Fire Protection District to renovate the old fire station on East Center Street into a museum, which now holds two antique engines.

Schaefer also spotlighted private development away from the redeveloped downtown, crediting the confidence that local business people have in Anderson's future. The newly built Rite Aid, which is scheduled to open Oct. 8, topped his list. He also mentioned the new Vittles restaurant, the construction of Woodside Grill at the Gaia Hotel and Spa, the remodeling of Best Western and Baymont hotels, and the relocation of Integrity Heating and Air to North Hirsch Court.

Other new developments in Anderson this year include Eric Dunton's 11-acre industrial subdivision on East Street and the near completion of the long-awaited booster pump project to improve water pressure to Pleasant Hills and Vineyards subdivisions. Water should be flowing in 30 days, Schaefer said, adding contractors are back to work on 12 homes.

After a year without new housing developments, Schaefer said that the city has seen some expansion in this area, with eight new homes under construction in the Silvergate and Homewood subdivisions. Eight more homes are in planning stages, he said.

Schaefer credited the work of the Anderson Police Department for providing a safe environment for city growth.

In coming months, a new patrol officer, the 18th officer in the APD, will be hired by the city through a Department of Justice COPS Hiring Recovery grant, Schaefer added.

"As the city grows and we increase the size of our police force, the Police Department building on North Street will become inadequate to meet the needs of the community," Schaefer said. "Planning ahead for that day, the City purchased the building formerly home to City Grill.... The City will hold on to this site until funding can be identified to construct a new Police Department building."

Schaefer also reminded the audience of the Anderson River Park's Gaia Amphitheatre $230,000 renovation, which included a new stage, seating area and lighting fixtures. The new amphitheater was ready for this year's Mosquito Serenade as well as the Anderson Union High School's Centennial Celebration.

Amid the slow economy, the city has taken advantage of low construction bids to complete many public works projects, Shaefer said. Projects completed included a $1.3 million project improving North Street, and numerous sidewalk and curb improvements to Bruce, Franklin and Mill Streets and also on Emily Drive.

Planned projects include a bike path from South Street to Anderson Marketplace, sewer repairs to Cobblestone Loop neighborhood, and additional North Street improvements.

Schaefer briefly mentioned the city's proposal for Anderson to host the new location of the Shasta County Courthouse. If moved to Anderson, the courthouse will bring "tremendous economic benefits to the community," Shaefer said.