UP|Anderson http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/forums.html Sat, 10 May 2008 15:19:25 -0500 30 UP|Anderson http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/forums.html Downtown Anderson Sat, 03 May 2008 10:56:31 -0500 Spartan Downtown Anderson Fri, 02 May 2008 22:31:12 -0500 GvilleSC Downtown Anderson Fri, 02 May 2008 18:49:04 -0500 interestedexpat Audi/VW moving rumor
QUOTE (Spartan @ May 1 2008, 10:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yikes, New Detroit? Alabama can have that. I still maintain that we, as a state, can do better than that. Gville, leading us along with the R&D end of things, and I would much rather continue focusing on that area.



The foreign model plants are not unionized, which was the downfall of Detroit.]]> Thu, 01 May 2008 15:35:29 -0500 vicupstate Audi/VW moving rumor Thu, 01 May 2008 11:51:35 -0500 Spartan Audi/VW moving rumor
QUOTE (vicupstate @ Apr 30 2008, 09:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It also sounds as if Alabama has already established itself as the new Detroit.

Yes, it has. I simply hope that it doesn't meet the same fate as Detroit.]]> Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:00:34 -0500 krazeeboi Audi/VW moving rumor Political considerations involved with VW site location

Interesting take on the VW situation. It would seem that by locating in Anderson, they could have influenced THREE states, GA NC and SC.

It also sounds as if Alabama has already established itself as the new Detroit.

I wonder if the TN sites would be close enough to impact BMW suppliers or ICAR in some way.]]> Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:19:47 -0500 vicupstate Audi/VW moving rumor Sat, 26 Apr 2008 09:32:23 -0500 Spartan Audi/VW moving rumor
There was also speculation about Audi/VW possibly being turned off by local Anderson County politics.

I'm curious if anyone has thoughts about these as possible reasons. The discussion on Urban Planet seemed to focus on the possibility that BMW might have blocked the move. Is it possible this was about lack of incentives at the state level?

Just curious.]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:46:35 -0500 interestedexpat Audi/VW moving rumor not meant to be. sad.gif]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:05:22 -0500 krazeeboi <![CDATA[Belk's Site]]>
It sounds like a good, quality project. Perhaps not as large as we would have liked, but I think the economics of downtown Anderson has to be validated first, then you'll see more stuff moving in.]]> Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:10:23 -0500 Spartan <![CDATA[Belk's Site]]>
So three floors.

First floor - restaurant, banquet facility, bar
Second and third floor - hotel
75 underground parking spaces
and something about dumping out into a small retail lane behind. (Not sure I understood this part)

There is a rendering with a little more detail on the AIM website. Article here.

I still think they should have gone for 4 or 5 floors, but this is better than I thought initially. And I'm glad they are being cautious. The developer says that hotels aren't "jumping" at the chance to get into downtown Anderson. But he is already pitching the idea and is convinced its viable. I think that's a measured judgment and not just a local guy blowing smoke. I sense that David Agnew of Civic Square in Charleston (who is a native of Anderson) actually has the civic well being at heart and is NOT simply trying to cash in. I don't think he's doing this for the cash.

Looks like a win-win. They are talking about trying to get construction started in 2009 and finished in 2010.]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:51:34 -0500 interestedexpat <![CDATA[Belk's Site]]> Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:05:53 -0500 erm1981 <![CDATA[Belk's Site]]> It is good the developer wants retail, lodging, and food on the site. Fifty rooms on one level for a vertical hotel works out in Las Vegas, but is considered cramped spaces here. Why not go for 80-100 rooms on 4-5 floors? Hopefully someone will be inspired to take this challenge and be more realistic with Anderson. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:22:51 -0500 BoDragon <![CDATA[Belk's Site]]> Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:30:22 -0500 Spartan <![CDATA[Belk's Site]]>
• First floor: A Restaurant, Retail Shops, A Meeting Room, A Bar.
• Second floor: 50 Room Hotel.
• Third floor: A Hotel Bar.
• Basement: 75 Parking Spaces.

No condos as it is thought the market is full with two big projects (Calhoun and Chiquola) in the past year. I am a little disappointed that we didn't do four or five floors. I would have liked a 50 room hotel on two floors, and stretch the first floor retail to two floors. It would have been taller and skinnier and that would have allowed for a little greenspace.

I guess the good news is that they appear to be very realistic in what Anderson's downtown can take at the moment. Nothing worse than new construction that flounders because no one wants to pay rent.]]> Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:32:33 -0500 interestedexpat Anderson Updates
Story here.]]> Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:25:42 -0500 interestedexpat Anderson Updates Ethanol Company to invest $10 Million to build near Belton.

Not many jobs with this one, but the article says it will create a pretty good amount of tax revenue for District 1 and that it coudl open up this area to more development. I'm not sure I see how that will happen, but here's dreaming. That part of Anderson County sure could use some high quality jobs.]]> Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:17:33 -0500 interestedexpat Downtown Anderson
The comment was made in an article talking about how all the City Council candidates see downtown as a key piece of Anderson's future. It was great to see the passion. It was a little scary to see what some of them thought a good idea looked like. huh.gif

Downtown Anderson continues to develope into a nice small city downtown. I hope the city will stay after it despite the current economic climate.]]> Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:02:11 -0500 interestedexpat Audi/VW moving rumor Kentucky has thrown its hat in the ring to try and land the plant. They do acknowledge SC's front-runner status though.]]> Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:32:52 -0500 krazeeboi Audi/VW moving rumor Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:55:49 -0500 krazeeboi Audi/VW moving rumor
QUOTE (krazeeboi @ Mar 23 2008, 02:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If I read it correctly, the part about small business was about the philosophy of throwing incentives at big manufacturers, while only providing meager support to small businesses. That's the angle Sanford would be coming from (which is a valid point) as it would relate to a veto.

I gotcha.

I understand incentives for large retailers vs smaller ones. It's not fair. But when a large manufacturer can bring several THOUSAND new jobs and a large monetary investment versus MAYBE a hundred workers for a small manufacturer, I still don't understand how you can really compare the impact of the two. And in the nature of automobiles, you're not going to have 'small manufacturers' making cars, though I guess you must maintain the same ideas with all industries...]]> Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:12:34 -0500 GvilleSC Audi/VW moving rumor Sun, 23 Mar 2008 14:25:46 -0500 krazeeboi Audi/VW moving rumor Sat, 22 Mar 2008 22:27:22 -0500 GvilleSC Audi/VW moving rumor editorial from Southern Business and Development online about why Anderson may not land this development. Pertinent quote:

QUOTE
Will BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer let VW into his own backyard? It's our opinion that would be highly unlikely. Will Gov. Sanford pony up an incentive package for VW that will likely be close to $300 million after publicly saying last year, "Does it make sense to eliminate essentially all taxes for large corporations and not do the same for small businesses?" That, in our opinion, would be highly unlikely, too.

The Sanford veto, the state can get around. But you can't underestimate BMW's presence in the Upstate, and of course they don't want any competition.]]> Sat, 22 Mar 2008 21:12:45 -0500 krazeeboi Anderson Mill redevelopment It does sound like the neighborhood will need to be improved as well. And quite frankly it very likely means that downtown will need to progress a little further so that living in close proximity to it is viewed as an asset. Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:43:24 -0500 Spartan Anderson Mill redevelopment
The surrounding neighborhood though really is pretty unattractive. On one side is manufacturing. Across the street is a big trailor park and a thrift shop. Since Anderson doesn't really have morning traffic, you'd need to give middle class people a pretty good reason to move into renovated lofts in that location. Being close to downtown won't be enough.]]> Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:00:35 -0500 interestedexpat Anderson University
QUOTE (ab1137 @ Mar 19 2008, 01:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If what I was told is true the Univeristies intent is to move its athletic fields and facilities to the fairgrounds, allowing them to add classrooms and dormitories to the main part of campus.

Although, I can see the reasoning for relocating athletic fields, I would much prefer housing on the fairgrounds site. The way the campus is set up now with the athletic fields right at the center is really charming.]]> Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:52:40 -0500 interestedexpat Anderson Mill redevelopment Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:35:53 -0500 Spartan Anderson Mill redevelopment
QUOTE (BoDragon @ Mar 17 2008, 10:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If the reproved mill is residentially used, it should be considered for affordable housing. This will give some residents to upgrade into nice homes, and others improved or demolished to mkae way for newer homes.


While I like the intent of this idea I just don't see that area turning around if the mill were to be developed as "affordable housing". For whatever reason Anderson seems to have difficulty rejuvinating low income areas when campared to other places I have lived. I don't know if it is a lack of pride, community involvement, or something else but Anderson really struggles in this area. I see too many homes, that have been remodeled in poor neighborhoods, remain the only well taken care of home and ultimately the home owner moves out or puts up tall fences and security signs. It's sad to see some of the beautiful homes from the 1800's go into dis-repair because of the crack dealers and gangs on the west and south sides.

(rant over)]]> Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:07:02 -0500 ab1137 Anderson University
QUOTE (BoDragon @ Mar 17 2008, 10:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anderson University has another site where it can expand its academic and athletic offerings.


If what I was told is true the Univeristies intent is to move its athletic fields and facilities to the fairgrounds, allowing them to add classrooms and dormitories to the main part of campus.

I guess no one else has heard anything yet?..?..?]]> Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:54:47 -0500 ab1137 Anderson Mill redevelopment
Reproving the mill is the first step. The exterior walls remain. Everything else on this inside was mostly destroyed. A builder would reinforce the exterior walls with durable support and use new build on the inside.

If the reproved mill is residentially used, it should be considered for affordable housing. This will give some residents to upgrade into nice homes, and others improved or demolished to mkae way for newer homes.]]> Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:32:44 -0500 BoDragon Anderson University
The Anderson County Fair can relocate to the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Complex. This gives hosted events more space, modernized facilities, and better accessiblity from well traveled busy routes (i.e. Clemson Boulevard).]]> Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:22:53 -0500 BoDragon Anderson Mill redevelopment
QUOTE (ab1137 @ Mar 15 2008, 09:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
From the AIM article found Here


You really have to wonder how salvageable that building is and if that area could sustain some type of Mill-to-Condo conversion. Regardless, I hope some type of urban renewal comes out of this.

I saw that article too. I'm rooting for them. The owner clearly things it is salvageable. I suspect that it is physically doable. Is it financially doable is another matter? That's a pretty dodgy neighborhood right now. Although it is right on the edge of downtown and if rehabed nicely and in an urban style could be seen as inclusive of downtown. I just don't know if there would be demand for Condos like that in Anderson. I would love to think it. I just don't know if it is realistic.

I'm curious what others think...]]> Sat, 15 Mar 2008 19:03:16 -0500 interestedexpat Anderson County administrative office project Available Here

News that Phase I of the will begin this summer.....Available Here


I'm looking forward to seeing the south side of the city making a turn for the better after this project is completed along with the city's offices relocating on the south end of main street. River Street is in dire need of growth and some "house keeping". I think this will be a great start!]]> Sat, 15 Mar 2008 10:40:36 -0500 ab1137 Anderson University
I think this transaction would be great for that area of the city. If you look at how the housing across from the college has been cleaned up and turned around, one could assume the same would happen further down the Boulevard. Now, lets see if this rumor is true!]]> Sat, 15 Mar 2008 09:59:48 -0500 ab1137 Anderson Mill redevelopment Here


You really have to wonder how salvageable that building is and if that area could sustain some type of Mill-to-Condo conversion. Regardless, I hope some type of urban renewal comes out of this.]]> Sat, 15 Mar 2008 09:44:19 -0500 ab1137 DHEC conducts meeting about proposed Powdersville landfill
QUOTE (Radfordj7 @ Mar 12 2008, 07:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It would be more of a recycling center. My basic goal is to recycle 75% of the C&D materials that come accross the scale. I currently run one recyling facility, and have exceeded this criteria. The loads will go directly on a concrete pad, and will then be separated. No debris will hit the dirt until it has been separated. Any M.S.W. will be tranferred out and the rest will be reprocessed. Did you know that our property has been riddled with household illegal dumping? Maybe a Recycling center would stop people from hiding their trash in my woods.


Household dumping is a problem across the south, particularly in rural areas. I have never understood why people are opposed to using dumps. Its not like it costs them anything.]]> Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:30:54 -0500 Spartan DHEC conducts meeting about proposed Powdersville landfill
Radford Jenkins
864-233-0100]]> Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:12:54 -0500 Radfordj7 DHEC conducts meeting about proposed Powdersville landfill I run it in Simpsonville. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:21:03 -0500 Radfordj7 DHEC conducts meeting about proposed Powdersville landfill Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:48:56 -0500 erm1981 DHEC conducts meeting about proposed Powdersville landfill Wed, 12 Mar 2008 07:30:15 -0500 Radfordj7 DHEC conducts meeting about proposed Powdersville landfill
QUOTE (erm1981 @ Mar 11 2008, 07:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A recycling center does sound better than a landfill though.

Now the 25,000 dollar question is...

Would it really be more of a recycle center?
Or would it really be more of a landfill?

Good luck to both of you. I hope a mutually beneficial solution can be brokered.

And, Robert, Welcome to Urban Planet. smile.gif We hope you'll stick around and contribute to other discussions as well.]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:24:21 -0500 interestedexpat <![CDATA[Kohl's center on Clemson Boulevard]]>
QUOTE (Spartan @ Mar 11 2008, 08:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As a society, we should not be subsidizing crappy auto-oriented big box development. It may be 450 jobs, but its 98% low wage service jobs. This type of store would have come anyway if it was worth the money- and I expect that it was, they just found out that they coudl get discounts to do it.

As a state, we should change this philosophy. Most cities/counties CHARGE IMPACT FEES to developments, and Anderson County (and South Carolina) provides discounts.

Ironically - Anderson County was discussing impact fees last year. The discussion was targeted more at residential development though. I can't remember what came of the discussions.

This is one of the few times in recent memory where I can say I agreed with the County on something rather than the city. However, even as I agreed with the County, I didn't like their reasoning.]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:20:02 -0500 interestedexpat <![CDATA[Kohl's center on Clemson Boulevard]]>
As a state, we should change this philosophy. Most cities/counties CHARGE IMPACT FEES to developments, and Anderson County (and South Carolina) provides discounts.]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:55:49 -0500 Spartan <![CDATA[Kohl's center on Clemson Boulevard]]> I think only bigger and better things will come of it though. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:09:48 -0500 erm1981 DHEC conducts meeting about proposed Powdersville landfill I know your just trying to do your job just like everyone else does, but I do want to express myself and my concerns for the project. I will be at the meeting to express my concerns along with everyone else. I do hope that the best approach is acheived for this project. Personally I really dont want it there but we will just have to see how it goes. A recycling center does sound better than a landfill though. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:08:29 -0500 erm1981 DHEC conducts meeting about proposed Powdersville landfill Yes, I am Robert Jenkins (not evil). Look, here is the deal. We looked at several different peices of land in Anderson, and the county pointed us in that direction. I am sending everyone a packet with letters from the planning commision and the county administrator that prove this point. The packet will also contain a list of every thing that will be acceptable in the landfill. Please feel free to comment once you have reviewed the entire packet. There was no illegal dumping. It was a load of concrete with wire in it that we plan to recycle into driveway. We are already certified to open a recycling center so we could do that tommorrow if we wanted. The point is, that we are trying to do this the best and cleanest way possible and make sure as much material as possible gets recycled. Really I appreciate your concern. It give me a platform to explain myself. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:11:13 -0500 Radfordj7 <![CDATA[Kohl's center on Clemson Boulevard]]>
QUOTE (Spartan @ Mar 8 2008, 11:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Why incentives to big box retail?

That - IMHO - was the legitimate complain from the County Council. The reasoning was that this was such a big investment (I think I read it's the largest retail investment in Anderson history) with so many jobs (450+) that it was unique.

On the other hand, It sure seems unfair to existing retail establishments who paid full price for their utility hookups. It also sets a very dangerous precedent. Finally - the bix box retail on Clemson Blvd does't really need encouragement. It's thriving.

I would have liked to see incentives for making it into a more urban style center.

Just my opinion.]]> Sun, 09 Mar 2008 19:43:21 -0500 interestedexpat <![CDATA[Kohl's center on Clemson Boulevard]]> Why incentives to big box retail? Sat, 08 Mar 2008 22:32:10 -0600 Spartan