Salvation Army to expand elementary afterschool and summer programs

Matthew Christian, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

Jul. 27—Salvation Army Capt. April Tiller may soon not have to turn as many children away from the Salvation Army's after school and summer programs.

The Aiken Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously Tuesday evening to approve a variance request that will allow the Salvation Army to remodel an unused building at 632 Laurens St. N.W. into an elementary school classroom which will enable the Salvation Army to expand its after school and summer programs for elementary aged children.

Boys and Girls Club board member Clarke McCants IV submitted the request on behalf of the Salvation Army.

The city of Aiken zones the 1-acre property RS-10.

The zoning allows for single-family homes, group homes, city public projects and minor utilities.

The Board of Zoning Appeals can grant special exceptions to permit community services, like youth clubs, by special exception.

The building to be remodeled is currently structured to serve as four studio apartments but the building has not been used in several years.

McCants showed a drawing with the interior dividing walls and plumbing removed. Most of the space would serve as a classroom. And there would be three bathrooms — including one Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant bathroom — along with a sensory room for children with autism-spectrum disorders. Two of the entrances would also be removed and a wheelchair ramp would be added.

Tiller said the Salvation Army's youth programs include a teen program for up to 87 teenagers which takes place in another building on the property.

However, she added the elementary program currently takes place across Gayle Avenue in the Salvation Army's fellowship hall. She said the location and fire marshal regulations limit the number of children to 30.

"I have to tell a lot of parents I'm sorry we know you really want your kids in our program but we're already at our max," Tiller said. "Gutting this building — that's completely useless to me right now — I want to make it into a space where the kids can enjoy it."

A date for the renovation and expansions are not currently known.