Anderson council adopts comprehensive plan on second reading after multi-year public process

The Anderson City Council unanimously approved a long-awaited comprehensive plan on second reading, concluding a multi-year process that included public forums, stakeholder meetings and two public hearings required by state law.

City staff described more than two years of work involving consultants, public meetings and online engagement. Maurice McKenzie, the city's development director, said the plan incorporates public input collected at forums, stakeholder meetings and an online project website and will serve as the city's guide for long-term land-use decisions.

Council members who spoke emphasized the public outreach process. Councilman Hartman, who said he missed the first presentation, asked staff to summarize outreach after hearing some residents say they were unaware of the process. McKenzie and other staff said the project included nearly 10 social platforms, a roadshow to civic clubs and draft documents posted online for public comment. Staff also said the plan is illustrative and will be translated into a new development code with detailed zoning standards such as signage and landscaping.

Council discussion addressed mobility, tree preservation and housing. Officials said the plan protects and expands bike and pedestrian connections and that the planning effort included regional input, especially on mobility and tree preservation. According to staff, an immediate post-adoption priority is preparation of a unified development code to implement the plan's vision and allow housing types the city identifies as appropriate.

The motion to adopt the plan on second reading was made by Councilman Hartman and seconded by Councilman Roberts; council members voted "aye" and the measure passed unanimously. Staff said the plan will be revisited periodically for refinements.