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Aiken City Council is taking proactive steps to ensure public safety amid rapid growth, but are our fire services ready for the challenge?

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Aiken City Council reviews public safety growth and fire service changes
Council discusses public safety improvements and analysis of fire district growth since 2016
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March 25, 2025 at 7:05 PM
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Aiken City Council has approved the FY2026–27 budget without raising the millage rate, but utility and stormwater fees will see changes impacting local households.

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Aiken City Council adopts FY2026–27 budget, keeps millage at 60 mills and approves utility fee changes
On June 8 the Aiken City Council adopted the FY2026–27 budget with no millage increase (60 mills), approved water/sewer rate adjustments (an 8% average utility increase), and amended the stormwater fee (to $11.10); council said most households will see modest monthly changes.
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June 9, 2026 at 10:52 AM
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The Aiken Design Review Board has given the green light for Friendship Baptist Church to relocate its historic parsonage, paving the way for a new 12,000 sq. ft. multipurpose facility—sparking a passionate debate on preservation versus progress.

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Design Review Board approves Friendship Baptist parsonage relocation to allow 12,000 sq. ft. multipurpose building
After extended public comment, the board approved CERH26-058 permitting Friendship Baptist Church to relocate its circa-1920 parsonage roughly 500 feet within the same block and build a nearly 12,000-square-foot multipurpose facility on the original footprint; preservation advocates urged alternatives and documentation.
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September 3, 2026 at 6:08 AM
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The Aiken Design Review Board has given the green light to a revamped hotel project, incorporating traditional design elements to preserve the downtown character—what changes were made to appease the board and community?

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DRB approves amended hotel addition after deal to paint brick, square balconies and flatten entrance bump‑out
The Aiken Design Review Board approved amendments to a proposed boutique hotel and restaurant project after applicants agreed to more traditional balconies, painting the new brick/stucco facade a unified Manchester tan, and pushing a porte‑cochere element flush to the facade to address board and public concerns.
citizenportal.ai
August 7, 2026 at 1:27 AM
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Local leaders are rallying for a hospitality-tax increase to boost tourism and enhance parks, claiming it could attract thousands of visitors and transform Aiken's economy.

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Youth-sports and conservation groups back hospitality-tax increase to fund parks and greenways
Aiken Football Club, Aiken Land Conservancy and other speakers told council that hospitality-tax revenue would support recreation, tournaments and greenways that draw visitors and boost local economic activity.
citizenportal.ai
July 30, 2026 at 10:42 AM
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Aiken residents are divided over a proposed 1% increase in the hospitality tax, sparking heated debates about funding parks and a new parking garage versus the burden on local businesses.

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Residents and downtown businesses split over proposed 1% hospitality tax increase
At a July 27 special meeting, more than a dozen residents, business owners and nonprofit leaders testified in favor of and against raising Aiken's local hospitality tax by 1 percentage point (toward the 2% state cap), citing needs for parks, a proposed parking garage and concerns about burdening seniors and restaurants.
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July 30, 2026 at 10:41 AM
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The Aiken City Council just voted to extend Oliver Hospitality Group's option to purchase property for the Hotel Aiken redevelopment, ensuring the project stays on track despite public concerns!

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Council extends Oliver Hospitality Group's purchase option for Hotel Aiken redevelopment
On second reading the council unanimously approved an extension of Oliver Hospitality Group's option to purchase property related to the Hotel Aiken redevelopment, extending the option to Oct. 12 with an additional 60-day extension possible; public questions focused on why the option lapsed and tenant/parking issues.
citizenportal.ai
July 30, 2026 at 10:43 AM
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Aiken City Council made significant strides at their latest meeting, unanimously approving annexations, rezoning, and exciting new economic development projects.

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Votes at a glance: Aiken council approves annexations, rezoning and ordinance readings
At its July 13 meeting the Aiken City Council unanimously approved a consent agenda (two annexations and a stormwater code amendment), rezoned property on Rudy Mason Parkway to general business, approved annexation and concept plan for 877 Dougherty Road, and advanced several first readings including an economic incentive and property-transfer measures.
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July 17, 2026 at 2:03 PM
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Aiken City Council has taken a significant step forward by approving the first reading of a $1.8 million residential development project aimed at boosting affordable housing in the area.

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Council advances first reading of incentives for Homesite LLC Kershaw Street project
Council approved first reading of an ordinance to authorize economic-development incentives for Homesite LLC’s Kershaw Street residential project; staff said investment could be up to $1.8 million and the incentive would not exceed $20,000.
citizenportal.ai
July 17, 2026 at 2:04 PM
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Aiken City Council has taken a significant step by unanimously approving the transfer of over 2,600 acres of Shaws Creek Reserve to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, ensuring long-term public access while reducing management costs.

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Aiken council backs first reading to transfer Shaws Creek Reserve to state forestry agency
The Aiken City Council unanimously approved first reading to transfer roughly 2,658 acres of Shaws Creek Reserve to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, retaining a conservation easement and aiming to secure public access, reduce city management costs and support a greenway connection.
citizenportal.ai
July 17, 2026 at 2:02 PM
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A bold new chapter for downtown Aiken is on the horizon as the Design Review Board greenlights a transformative redevelopment plan for the historic Hotel Aiken, blending preservation with modern needs.

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Design review board approves Hotel Aiken revitalization package and associated demolitions to enable downtown parking garage
The DRB unanimously approved a multi-faceted package to restore the Hotel Aiken, construct a three-story mixed-use building, demolish noncontributing structures (including Wernicke Cleaners and a motel), and build a new parking garage with street-level retail, after presentations and public comment about preservation vs. feasibility and contamination.
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July 10, 2026 at 6:54 PM
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Aiken City Council is paving the way for affordable housing by approving plans that cater to families earning 40% to 80% of the average median income!

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Council approves housing concept plans and rezonings to advance workforce and affordable rental projects
Council approved a second-reading amendment to the Sunday Avenue concept plan to require workforce housing at 40%–80% AMI, confirmed Greg Highway rezoning for rental housing at or below 60% AMI, and accepted related crosswalk and design conditions after applicant commitments.
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June 26, 2026 at 3:22 PM
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Aiken City Council has just approved a $59 million housing project, marking a significant step towards enhancing residential investment in the area!

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Council approves economic incentives for $59M Parker Aiken housing project, 5–1 vote
On second reading June 22, Aiken City Council approved economic development incentives for the Parker Aiken LLC residential project (approximate $59 million investment). Incentives were capped and the ordinance passed 5–1 with Councilman Messina opposing.
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June 26, 2026 at 3:21 PM
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Aiken City Council is taking big steps with a proposed 2% hospitality tax to boost parks, tourism, and downtown infrastructure—are you ready for the changes ahead?

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Aiken council advances first reading of 2% hospitality tax and OKs $220,000 tourism marketing contract
In a unanimous first-reading vote June 22, the Aiken City Council advanced an ordinance to add a 2% local hospitality tax (an additional 1%) and approved a one-year, $220,000 contract with Advance Travel and Tourism to expand Visit Aiken marketing. Council scheduled a public hearing for July 27 and asked staff for clearer public plans linking revenues to parks, tournaments and downtown infrastructure.
citizenportal.ai
June 26, 2026 at 5:06 AM
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Aiken's new Tom Young Center for Research and Innovation, built with $20 million in state funding, is set to transform downtown with its innovative space and game-changing potential for local businesses.

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Tom Young Center in Aiken financed with $20 million appropriation, city says facility under budget
Aiken City Manager Stuart Beenbo said the Tom Young Center for Research and Innovation was built with state funding from the plutonium settlement fund, that $20 million was appropriated for the building, and that the project is under budget; he named USC Aiken, Aiken Corporation and Savannah River National Laboratory as expected occupants.
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June 16, 2026 at 6:17 AM
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The Aiken City Planning Commission is making big moves by unanimously forwarding multiple annexation and rezoning requests to the city council, paving the way for exciting new developments!

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Aiken City Planning Commission forwards multiple annexation and rezoning requests to city council
The commission voted unanimously to forward several annexation and rezoning applications — including requests tied to right-of-way acquisition for Bluebird Lane and a concept plan with six conditions — to the Aiken City Council for final action; a separate text amendment was tabled for discussion with the Design Review Board.
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June 10, 2026 at 1:02 PM
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Aiken City Council just approved plans for a new 168-unit workforce housing project, promising more affordable living options for residents!

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Council approves first reading of amended concept plan for 168-unit workforce housing on Sunday Avenue
On first reading the council approved an amended concept plan for a 16.21-acre planned residential site at Sunday Avenue NE and Jake Place proposing 168 workforce housing units; council asked staff to add income-band language and an exhibit describing AMI percentages before second reading.
citizenportal.ai
June 9, 2026 at 11:33 AM
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Aiken residents are demanding answers from city leaders about a proposed Salvation Army resource center, warning that their voices won't be ignored any longer.

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Aiken residents and advocates press council over proposed Salvation Army resource center; city says location undecided
Multiple residents, service providers and advocates addressed the Aiken City Council on June 8 over a proposed Salvation Army centralized resource center, urging better communication, describing urgent needs among households facing homelessness, and asking for transparency about site selection; the city reiterated that no parcel has been confirmed.
citizenportal.ai
June 9, 2026 at 10:51 AM
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Aiken City Council just took significant steps toward shaping the FY2026–27 budget, including a proposed 8% increase in water and sewer rates and a steadfast 60-mill tax rate since 2021.

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Council takes first readings on 60‑mill tax rate, utility rate increases and FY2026–27 budget
Council took first readings to set the millage at 60 mills, consider an 8% water and sewer rate increase, adjust the stormwater fee, and approve first reading of the FY2026–27 budget (staff said the budget balances at the proposed rate and includes a 4% employee pay package).
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May 12, 2026 at 8:03 PM
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Aiken City Council's latest move to sell surplus property could spark a vital reinvestment in Han Village, but local leaders are urging for urgent solutions to the homelessness crisis.

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Council approves Aiken Housing Authority surplus‑property sale resolution as residents press homelessness concerns
The council approved a resolution allowing the Aiken Housing Authority to sell surplus property and use proceeds to reinvest in Han Village; public commenters and nonprofit leaders urged long‑term housing solutions and highlighted local program progress.
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May 12, 2026 at 7:55 PM
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Aiken City Council just approved the annexation of 7.08 acres for the new Tribute Parkway, but residents are raising alarms over ongoing flooding issues in the area.

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Council approves annexation of 7.08 acres for Tribute Parkway after engineers’ stormwater briefing
After a technical presentation from Benish Engineering, the Aiken City Council passed second reading to annex 7.08 acres for Tribute Parkway right‑of‑way and emphasized detention ponds sized to maintain pre‑construction runoff; residents raised flooding concerns during public comment.
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May 12, 2026 at 7:40 PM
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Aiken City Council just made significant moves to enhance water and sewer infrastructure, including a capacity reallocation and a new partnership with USGS for groundwater studies!

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Council approves multiple water and sewer steps: capacity reallocation, USGS study and Beach Island boundary transfer
Council acknowledged a negotiated reallocation of sewer capacity between two private tracts, approved a joint funding agreement with USGS to update groundwater modeling, and authorized a transfer of a small potable-water area from Beach Island Water District to the city to loop mains and improve reliability.
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April 16, 2026 at 7:01 AM
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Aiken City Council just took a major step towards revitalizing the Pine Crest area with a new sewer project aimed at boosting infrastructure and housing for low-income families!

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Council approves first reading for amended HUD loan to fund Pine Crest sewer work
Council advanced an ordinance to accept an amended HUD loan agreement reallocating prior 2022 loan funds to the Pine Crest Sewer Project (2025), a project staff said meets HUD LMI requirements and includes upgrades near the old Pine Crest school and Farmers Market corridor.
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April 16, 2026 at 6:03 AM
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Aiken City Council is taking a bold step towards revitalization by certifying a historic textile mill site, paving the way for a $40 million investment and state tax credits!

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Aiken council approves first reading to certify Richland Avenue site for textile revitalization credits
Council took first reading to certify a Richland Avenue property as a textile mill site under South Carolina law, a designation that could enable state income tax credits for a project estimated at about $40 million; the measure passed first reading unanimously.
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April 16, 2026 at 5:55 AM
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Aiken is set to enhance pedestrian safety with an $800,000 federal grant that will fund vital improvements like high-visibility crosswalks and countdown signals.

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Aiken accepts $800,000 federal Safe Streets grant, will add pedestrian safety demonstrations
Council accepted an $800,000 USDOT/FHWA Safe Streets and Roads for All demonstration grant with a $200,000 local match; proposed demonstration projects include high-visibility crosswalks, pedestrian countdown signals and corridor improvements on Whiskey Road, York Street NE and Lawrence Street NW.
citizenportal.ai
April 16, 2026 at 5:53 AM