Aiken City Council approves East Aiken hotel and townhome plan

Oct. 11—A plan to build a hotel and 48 townhomes east of downtown Aiken received final approval from the Aiken City Council Monday evening.

The Aiken City Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance rezoning a property located between Richland Avenue, Beaufort Street, the Gaston Livery Stable and Park Avenue.

The ordinance also approves a concept plan that calls for the property to be split into three parts. First, a four story, 125-room hotel and a 149-space parking lot would be built on the northeast corner of the property near the Gaston Livery Stable.

Second, the concept plans call for the construction of townhomes in an L-shaped portion of the property stretching from Beaufort Street behind the hotel to the property's border with an existing home that fronts Park Avenue. And third, the northwestern corner of the property would be developed into a retail or mixed-use development which will have to be approved later.

Councilman Ed Girardeau made the motion to approve the ordinance.

Councilwoman Gail Diggs seconded his motion.

Seventeen people spoke before the council voted to approve the ordinance.

Seven people said they supported the development.

Martha Lockhart said she supported the development because it improves the long-neglected eastern part of the city.

Ann Dicks said she liked the idea of having a hotel closer to her house when her family visits.

And Tara Bostwick said the hotel is needed to serve the Aiken Steeplechase track located further east.

Six people said they were opposed to the development.

Gail McLain said she was concerned about the density of the project and the traffic that would be added to the area.

Lisa Smith said she didn't feel the project would fit with the unique charm of the city.

And Linda Keener said she was concerned the new hotel would cause problems as the city looks to do something with the Hotel Aiken.

Two people, Historic Aiken Foundation President Linda Johnson and former City Councilman Reggie Ebner (he's also involved with the Gaston Livery Stable), had comments that were neither pro nor anti but to advocate for historic preservation and the livery stable.

The remaining two people were developer Karl McMillan and Tilden Hilderbrand, the civil engineer on the project.

At the request of City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh, Girardeau moved to amend his motion to include a condition that the developer preserve the arboretum trees located in the Beaufort Street right of way.

Diggs seconded his motion to amend.

Councilwoman Lessie Price and Diggs said the project represented something residents of the north, east and west sides of the city have long wanted to see: growth.

"Things are finally taking off," Diggs said.

Girardeau added there were a "million miles to go on the project."

He added the Aiken Design Review Board must approve the design of the hotel and townhomes before the project can begin.

The council also unanimously voted to approve the motion to amend.

The council also voted to approve the second and final readings of ordinances authorizing two other east Aiken development projects Monday night.

The council approved an ordinance annexing and zoning the former Carolina Fresh Farms properties located at 1103 and 1123 Banks Mill Road.

The property would be zoned general business.

It is unknown what development is planned for the properties.

Planning Director Marya Moultrie told the Aiken Planning Commission a developer does not have to submit a concept plan for City Council approval if the property is zoned General Business.

The council also approved annexing and zoning a property on East Pine Log Road diagonally across from Citizens Park.

Realtor Curt Hanna told the council Sept. 25 plans were to establish an HVAC distribution store and a fabrication shop on the property. He added the property is adjacent to a horse trailer dealership that is a large client of the fabrication shop.