2 days ago
City of Anderson residents ask council to use hospitality fund for trail systems
ANDERSON, S.C. (WSPA) – Anderson city residents said they hope to see a portion of the hospitality fund dedicated specifically to connectivity. While council members agree it's important, they explained there are many more factors that have to be considered before that can be done.
City council explained the hospitality fund goes towards capital projects that enhance the overall quality of life, support tourism and expand recreational opportunities.
Councilman Greg Steele said he's received countless questions about dedicating a specific portion of the fund to connect communities to parks, trails and businesses.
'I don't necessarily think it can't be done,' Steele said. 'I think what people are asking for is a very specific blanket answer to an issue that has multiple dimensions to it.'
The 2025-2026 proposed budget shows the hospitality fund will support multiple projects including paving Main Street, a Church Street Pedestrian Plaza, design costs for a trail from the recreation center to downtown and the Caters Lake Park upgrade.
Residents said they wish to see more.
Michael Gardner, an Anderson City Resident said, 'We're pleased with the connection to the rec center, but not satisfied.'
While Steele agreed connectivity is vital, he said its important it done in a sustainable way where the city can maintain other projects.
'Repaving Main Street is going to give a huge uplift for people who want to come downtown and want to visit those main street businesses, so to me, we have to balance,' Steele explained. 'We certainly want to prioritize trails, parks, and greenway, but we also have to balance that with other projects that our cities have that will allow our citizens to enjoy everything.'
Residents said they hope the City of Anderson can do what Greenville has done with the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
However, Steele said it's important to remember the City of Greenville didn't solely rely on their hospitality fund, rather a variety of funding sources.
'This Swamp Rabbit Trail was mentioned, but they have used that same strategy in creating that it's called the Prisma health swamp rabbit Trail in part because they received a grant from Prisma health to help make that happen,' said Steele.
Steele further said, 'I believe that our city does have a commitment to trails a commitment to connectivity, and funding that we need to be creative and look at it holistically. What are all the sources we can move forward and what is the right project for the right time to help us create a system that will benefit our residents and visitors to our city for years to come.'
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