May 15, 2006

Heath Springs leaders to develop strategic plan for town

By Johnathan C. Ryan - Staff Writer

HEATH SPRINGS - See Lancaster's Frank Keel is pleased with Heath Springs' apparent enthusiasm over what a free charrette and plans for growth might do for the town's downtown area.

A charrette is a detailed booklet for leaders to use in planning.

Keel and Beppie LeGrand, manager of the state Main Street Program, visited with civic leaders and residents April 26 to hear their thoughts on marketing and economic-development efforts for the town.

Their ideas will help to create the basis for a charrette. The Main Street Program will be responsible for putting the booklet together.

Keel said input from Heath Springs leaders varied, but the common thread connecting it was enthusiasm.

"They need a good strategic plan - a roadmap going forward," Keel said.

Keel believes Heath Springs' charrette will have design and economic revitalization components, much like the city of Lancaster's charrette, completed in 2003.

But unlike Lancaster's, which cost $22,000 to produce, the Main Street Program will produce Heath Springs' for free. It will do that same for Kershaw, Keel said.

"We have this agreement through the S.C. Main Street program, through the dues we (See Lancaster) pay, to get it done for free, for a town the size of Heath Springs," he said.

The city of Lancaster's charrette guides See Lancaster and city officials on what steps should be taken to preserve the city's historical character while attracting new economic development during times of rapid sprawl.

Having a charrette is a logical starting point in vying for public money for various projects, Keel said.

"When looking for grants, the grantors typically want to see a master plan," he said.

Keel also plans on doing a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis for Heath Springs this summer.

Heath Springs Mayor Ann Taylor said she is looking for fresh ideas on ways to stimulate economic growth. Maybe the town's planned industrial park could help bring just that, she said.

"One of our greatest needs is a first-time homeowner housing development," she said.

Taylor hopes young couples with small children will populate the town and bring new ideas, while maintaining the town's caring atmosphere.

"They (the young) would add so much," she said.

She said more service businesses might follow, helping fill up a downtown area looking for more commerce.

Taylor said she appreciates the city of Lancaster sharing its marketing group and resources with Heath Springs.

Keel hopes to meet with Kershaw officials and residents soon to gather their input on future marketing and economic development initiatives.