I have followed with skeptical amusement recent editorial salvos launched at the Aiken community regarding how wonderful the proposed SRNL will be for the downtown area and indeed the surrounding areas. Financial issues are always the focus of these op-eds and, in the process, either deliberately omit or disregard public sentiment, and miss the point of the opposition altogether.

What has been made clear by public input, if it were being regarded, is that the proposed building is too large, doesn’t fit the downtown in aesthetic (one acquaintance likened a rendering to an alien spaceship gone astray), will be off limits to the public (why?), dismisses multiple other available properties that could be utilized, would destroy several historic buildings (thereby ignoring a national trend of restoration, renovation, and preservation), and would necessitate the destruction of a number of trees both for the SRNL and associated parking garage which no one wants. 

With the recent fiasco around the tree-cutting at the Farmers Market, one would think the city would be averse to making this type of “mistake” again, but given the anemic non-apology offered to the community about that issue, it does not appear so. And in the middle of this, Hotel Aiken sits, another victim of the cities relentless pursuit of more inappropriate development, gas stations, car washes, and housing with no infrastructure to support it. It is a sad current reality that the city appears mired in repeating its same failed actions and expecting different results, which some might call the definition of insanity. 

Since the current leadership appears determined to continue to ignore those who elected them, the upcoming election provides the perfect opportunity to take back this beloved city, and to be involved in the process of healing it. There are candidates who are clearly defining their willingness to ally with the citizens to help move Aiken forward with the grace and dignity, she deserves, and it appears they have personal involvement, knowledge, willingness, and commitment to do so. You have a choice, the same tired rhetoric, lack of transparency, and ongoing “mistakes” that damage not just the land but the public trust, or a much needed breath of fresh air and fresh sets of eyes to move forward? 

Go for it, Aiken! She deserves the best that you can give her. 

Missy Durban
July 15, 2023