Aiken Faces Development Challenges as Design Review Board Grapples with Approval Processes

Aiken’s Development Dilemma: A Call for Change from the Design Review Board

Aiken, a charming city known for its historical roots and vibrant community, is facing some mounting challenges in the realm of development approvals. Recent discussions at a meeting of the Aiken Design Review Board (DRB) highlighted concerns from local developers about the board’s lengthy and, at times, confusing approval processes. This situation has left developers feeling frustrated and, in some cases, vowing to take their business elsewhere.

Developers Voice Concerns

During a December 5 meeting, Curt Hanna, a commercial real estate agent, filled the room with a candid confession about the board’s operations. He disclosed that two developers have pledged to steer clear of Aiken forever, while another developer who recently acquired property in the city expressed regrets about his decision due to the drawn-out approval timeline. “That is embarrassing for me,” Hanna mentioned, clearly disheartened by the situation. His words echoed the sentiments of many who had previously experienced hurdles with the board.

Frustrating Delays and Complications

The frustrations aren’t limited to just developers. Well-known figures, such as new NBC lead golf analyst Kevin Kisner and his wife Brittany, have found themselves waiting since late June for their application to partially demolish the Hitchcock Stables to be considered. Additionally, an Augusta couple faced a setback in November when the board voted 3-3 against their plans to convert a vacant church on Whiskey Road into a cozy home.

And it doesn’t stop there! One property owner on South Boundary Street is prepared to make her fourth appearance at the board’s next session in hopes of finally getting approval for a simple fence. Not to forget the subdivision project that was turned down outright near the Farmer’s Market. The inconsistency and complexity of the approval process are leading many in the development community to question Aiken’s commitment to welcoming new projects.

Procedural Hurdles & Suggestions for Improvement

Hanna did not hold back when addressing what seems to be the DRB’s most significant conundrum—its procedures. With a few strong words, he stated, “The procedures that the DRB is operating by are the most ineffective I have ever seen, and it is absolutely detrimental to this community.” Developers are not just throwing money into these projects but investing in extensive architectural drawings, only to be met with a slow approval process.

One potential solution discussed at the meeting was the idea of “fast-tracking” applications to speed up the approval process. However, that plan’s feasibility remains uncertain as they consider how to handle requests like the Kisners’ without appropriate designation adjustments—something that could stretch beyond February 2025.

Conflicts and Concerns Raised

During the meeting, former Aiken Planning Commissioner Jason Rabun brought to light additional issues. According to him, the chairwoman of the board, Faith Hawks, found herself in a peculiar position when she sought to change the designation of properties, only to cast a vote in her favor as a board member. Board attorney Laura Jordan stated that there was no conflict of interest. Yet, Rabun’s concerns sparked conversations about transparency and fairness within the board’s operations.

Tara Bostwick, who is involved in selling Hitchcock Stables to the Kisners, voiced her frustrations about the lack of communication from the DRB regarding the designation changes. She noted that historical information included in the application may have been inaccurate, leading to further complications. Meanwhile, Luis Rinaldini pointed out the tension between developers and homeowners, suggesting that both perspectives should be embraced rather than set at odds.

Acknowledgment of Need for Change

Despite the challenges, it seems that there is a flicker of hope. Board members McDonald Law and Barbara Morgan acknowledged during a worksession that improvements to the board’s procedures were absolutely necessary. Morgan specifically emphasized that the re-designation application was poorly timed and left many feeling uneasy and frustrated within the community.

As Aiken continues to grow and attract new residents and businesses, it’s clear that the Design Review Board has a crucial role to play. Streamlining processes and fostering communication between all parties involved will be vital if Aiken aims to maintain its appeal as a destination for new development projects. Perhaps it’s time for a strategic overhaul before more developers decide Aiken is not worth the hassle.