Josh Stephens applauded for his presentation

Josh Stephens grew up in Walhalla, works for Oconee County, but lives out of county.  And today he told an Oconee County audience exactly why he chooses to live in Clemson.  Young as he is, 27 years old, Stephens likes his small apartment for its affordability.  Most of all, he likes what a university town and setting have to offer him.  Judging by the applause afterward, audience members paid close attention to what Stephens told them.  He hit on a problem that worries county leaders:  how to offer the kinds of amenities and quality of life that will keep young people in the county and how to attract others.  Stephens said the advantages to living inside a city such as Clemson is that he can he walk to where he needs to go—such as a cup of coffee and to a grocery store.  County Councilman Paul Cain called Stephens’ presentation excellent, “I think it points out the holistic approach that we have to take to economic development,” he said.  Stephens reviewed the county’s updated comprehensive plan, including the result of a survey taken by 1,300 county residents.  The responses of those surveyed seemed to strike a balance between protecting natural resources and supporting government as it strives to attract development aimed at prosperity.