The city Planning Commission, the planning committee for city council and a steering committee formed to formulate that plan, met again Monday night and discussed the city’s strengths, weaknesses and potential opportunities.
The effort is a joint venture between the city, the Pickens Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business Association “and a little bit of everyone” according to chamber director Mike Parrott who is heading up the project.
Among the strengths discussed were the natural beauty, history, variety of people, safety and the fact that Pickens is the county seat.
Weaknesses discussed included lack of signage in town, poor long-term planning, the need for a truck route, lack of economic development, as well as the need for parking spaces, restaurants and places for those visiting to stay.
The Planning Commission also approved the new vision and mission statements for the city, created by the steering committee.
The mission statement is: “to provide a strong sense of community, improve the quality of life and enhance economic development for its citizens, while preserving the city’s historical past and a small town atmosphere.”
The vision statement is: “to preserve and enrich the character, heritage and quality of life which makes Pickens a unique town, while making Pickens a vibrant community with a strong business center.”
The group will meet again at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 25 at city hall, and organizers encourage the public to attend and participate in discussions about the city’s future.






