http://heraldbulletin.com/politics/x218350471/Redevelopment-Commission-approves-funds-to-improve-rail-spur
Redevelopment Commission approves funds to improve rail spur
Officials consider addition to Edgewood development area
ANDERSON — The Anderson Redevelopment Commission this week approved spending up to $10,000 to improve a railroad spur that primarily serves Tru-Cut Inc. off South Madison Avenue.
The work will include the replacement of railroad ties and other rail items. The company, which makes wood veneer items, relies on the spur to ship and receive products.
But members of the commission and its attorney, Ann Marie Bauer, said this will be a one-time assist.
"They are responsible. . . . We are not under any obligation for this," Bauer said.
While he understands Bauer and the commission's concern, Interim Economic Development Director Greg Winkler said he was in favor of the expenditure, seeing it as an opportunity for possible business expansion.
In other action, the commission was asked to consider buying the former Kmart and Payless Supermarket site immediately adjacent to the former Edgewood Plaza shopping center site. The plaza was demolished last year, and the city wants to redevelop the property.
The Kmart property is owned by SouthStar Properties. It was recently appraised at $300,000, but the owner said he would offer it to the redevelopment commission for $250,000, Winkler said.
"I know you don't want to be a landlord," Winkler added, but he urged commission members to consider the idea because it would make the plaza property more marketable for redevelopment if the city controlled what would become a parcel of about 20 acres.
Winkler just loves to spend Other People's Money.
Anderson voters should have know they were getting a package deal when they decided to bring back Smith.
1. Why hasn't Tru Cut kept up repairs on their rail spur if it's THAT important to their business? Just more corporate welfare taken from the taxpayers - most of whom can't afford it.
2. The Edgewood Plaza didn't die off because there was too much business. How in the world does Winkler having the taxpayers pay for it and own it is going to bring that area back from the dead? Especially since Anderson is practically a ghost town now?
imo, Edgwood is a lost cause. I don't EVER see that town returning to a thriving business area.....like you said, it is all but a ghost town.