in university town planning, where walkability and alternative transportation reduce traffic congestion and parking demands. The Clemson Area Transit system already provides zero-fare bus service with stops every 30 minutes, eventually increasing to every 15 minutes at peak times. “We also want to use that to enhance public safety in a lot of ways and multimodal transportation,” Blondeau adds. The safety improvements come at a crucial time, as the downtown area prepares to absorb thousands of new residents from developments like the controversial Hub Clemson project, which will add 1,300 beds and include 75 dedicated public parking spaces along with a 10,000-square-foot plaza facing Lake Hartwell. A THRIVING COMMERCIAL CORE Clemson’s commercial landscape presents an unusual problem for economic developers: there’s barely any room left. Despite the low rate, the city continues to welcome all businesses and remains committed to accommodating as many as possible. This success stems from Clemson’s tourism-based economy, which draws visitors year-round for athletic events, university activities, and regional attractions. The city leverages these visitors strategically, using major events to inject outside dollars into local businesses while enhancing quality of life for residents. “We’d like to do what we can to support our businesses by using quality of life events, like hosting major events that bring in outside visitors,” Blondeau explains. “These people come and spend money at our businesses and then they spend hospitality accommodations tax, which is reinvested into our community through quality-of-life projects.” The business mix varies by location. “When you have Downtown College Avenue, it’s particularly entrepreneurial, independently owned businesses,” Blondeau notes. “But if you get on Tiger Boulevard, you have your more franchise type businesses that you’ll find commonly in most communities.” Beyond downtown, Patrick Square represents the city’s other commercial hub.“That’s a master planned Photo Credit: Ken Scar 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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