Anderson plans for posterity

SNEAK PREVIEW: Anderson Mayor Butch Schaefer goes over his speech with Anderson Police Chief Dale Webb before speaking at the State of the City Luncheon.

Effects from a slowing national economy have ebbed into the City of Anderson following years of successful economic growth, yet "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 successes and describe upcoming goals as displays of news clippings and photographs were projected on a screen 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 during the past five years at a cost of more than $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 housing two antique fire engines.

Schaefer also spotlighted private construction 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.

Other 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.

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

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

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.

Amid the slower 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 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.

After 11 years of Chamber luncheons and 11 years with Scott Morgan as city manager, Schaefer concluded his speech saying he was thrilled to have Dana Shigley step in as the new city manager Sept. 1.