Downtown Development Commission Brief Summary For Applicant Consideration Of Appointment
Applications to serve on the Downtown Development Commission are due March 31, 2008.
The City of Anderson is accepting applications for consideration of appointments to the Downtown Development Commission (DDC). The Downtown Development Commission's mission is to work to encourage economic revitalization within a framework of historic preservation, community involvement and activities, a strong identity and tourism.
The DDC is a nine-member board of directors appointed by the Anderson City Council to serve as advocates and advisors to the City Council on issues related to economic growth and sense of place in downtown Anderson. The DDC is not a regulating or approving body. The DDC serves at the pleasure of and in concert with the City Council to assist in implementing Council's defined goals.
The DDC has a defined scope of work:
The City of Anderson Council members will appoint nine DDC members based on applications submitted. One individual from, or representing each of the following groups will be appointed:
The term of service for each DDC member shall be 3 years. The initial term of service of each member of the first Commission shall be determined among themselves so that the terms of services of approximately 1/3 of the total number of Commissioners shall terminate each year for the first 3 years. Commissioners may be reappointed and may serve two consecutive terms. To ensure a mutual convenient meeting time for the members of the DDC and a meeting time which does not conflict with other City of Anderson Council, Board and Commission meetings the suggested meeting date will be the second Thursday of each month at 5:45 pm.
Community Movie Program
The City and CGI Communications, Inc. have entered into a partnership to showcase the Anderson community by adding video messages to the City's web site. The six one-minute streaming video segments include a welcome, arts & entertainment, city services, quality of life, and recreation & things to do. View the completed videos.
Fish Sculpture at Welcome Center
You never know what might be going on at a South Carolina Welcome Center. For instance, would you like to have your picture made with a 6 foot fish? If so, stop by the Fair Play Welcome Center as it is the only SC welcome center hosting a huge fish statue from Anderson's Hooked on Arts II Art campaign.
In partnership with the Anderson Arts Center, the City of Anderson celebrates the return of our "Largemouth Bass" along with many more new freshwater friends. With this encore presentation, the first series of fish have been restored to withstand outdoor weathering, and a "new catch" of 30 fish has been created by an amazing pool of artists. These colorful, six foot fishes add a particularly welcome dimension to downtown and other walkable spaces and introduce a bit of whimsy and pride in our public spaces. Be sure to check out the 27-inch versions (trophy fish) on display together at the Arts Center Warehouse.
The public display of these artworks is sure to be another hit with local residents and a delight to visitors as well. Thanks to the Anderson Arts Center and the many artists and community volunteers for coordinating this partnership and artistic achievement accessible to all. Enjoy Anderson's own fish out of water.get hooked on the arts 2!
Current Buzz
Current Buzz will air on Charter Cable channel 14, also known as ECTV.
Current Buzz debuted in 2007 as the City of Anderson's video series aimed at communicating with our residents, businesses, and visitors. The goal is to inform citizens about major projects, share timely information about construction, events, and issues, and introduce the public to the City Council and the city employees. The City launched its new song "Electric City" and the first of the video series last week. The song contains original lyrics and music written by Zeke Sayer and Jon Bryant and produced in conjunction with Dead Horse Productions.
Anderson City Council identified the priority need for an initiative to communicate regularly with citizens, residents, and visitors. A sustained communications program can inform and entertain, promote economic growth, enhance the positive quality of life, and encourage participation and accountability.
Like cities across the state, Anderson is at the core of county's economic engine with the infrastructure and preparation necessary to support and assist growth, sustain competitiveness, and provide quality services and amenities. Illustrating this message is the goal of the city's new communications program which includes the use of a variety of media. "The fast pace of our daily lives and the use of technology requires that the city disseminate information in ways that reach our audience. That means internet and cable and network television as well as traditional print media," said Dennis McKee, Mayor Pro Tem and chief advocate of the communications program.
The video series is an on-going effort. Suggestions for future topics may be e-mailed to currentbuzz@cityofandersonsc.com.
Traveling Trophy
The City of Anderson and AAA celebrated the return of an important piece of early automobile history April 27 during a special ceremony at Anderson's City Hall. The object – arriving earlier in the week under a police escort from AAA headquarters in Heathrow, Fla. – is a beautiful and ornate silver punchbowl presented to AAA by the city in 1911. The trophy became one of several fabulous, perpetual prizes offered to participants in the famous Glidden Automobile Reliability Tours sponsored by AAA from 1904 to 1913, and has been in AAA's possession ever since.
Safety Award
The City of Anderson has won an SC Municipal Insurance Trust Occupational Safety award for the 2nd straight year. The City received 2nd place this year in the category representing 151 or more employees. This great accomplishment is an indicator of the City's focus on safety and the welfare of its employees. It also represents significant financial savings to the City. For 2008, the City realized a premium savings of $71,000.
The emphasis on safety is due in part to:
Downtown Streetscape
Chandler Construction is working steadily on nearly $3 million of streetscape improvements. These improvements include West Earle Street, North Main Street (between Earle and Tribble Streets), Federal and Sharpe Streets, West Whitner (between Main and Murray) and East Benson Street. This project began in November 2006 with an anticipated 28 month duration. Constructing a typical, simple block of streetscape is a 6-8 week process. Pardon our progress as we make downtown improvements for all to enjoy.
Parking Deck Construction
Demolition was completed in December 2007, site clearance in January, and groundbreaking in February, 2008. Construction is underway for the parking deck which is slated to contain between 230-250 spaces. Other facts about the deck include:
Thanks to School District 5 and Anderson County for their support and participation.
Code enforcement
Addressing the maintenance of existing buildings to ensure that structures are safe and sanitary for use and occupancy should be a priority for all of us. Thanks to all who have shared your improvement plans and schedules with the Building Department.