BACKGROUND

The proposals of developers, new businesses, and real estate speculators have been favored over the welfare of long-time residents and local businesses, and the quiet enjoyment of their lives in Aiken. Examples of this have been the failed Project Pascalis, the proposed large grocery and other stores on Silver Bluff, and the proposed Parker’s convenience store and car wash on Whiskey Road. In the downtown, there is a rapid trend toward uprooting and displacing small businesses and replacing them with government contractors, corporate giants, and national chains. Rapidly rising rents and taxes are forcing the closure and displacement of our small businesses in favor of higher-dollar tenants.

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How can City leadership best support our small business owners, who feel they are being pushed out of the downtown by rapidly rising rents? 

KATHRYN WADE: The City can stop buying real estate downtown.  The city’s purchase of downtown properties at prices way above market value are directly impacting our downtown merchants.  The city’s actions are also having a trickle down effect. Speculative developers  who may be hoping to cash in on the city’s largesse are buying up other properties.  All of this can and is having a negative impact on our downtown area by driving up rents and lowering availability.  Let’s allow the real estate agents to handle real estate and let’s bring the City back to performing its true duties of running a city.  

TEDDY MILNER: As a small business owner who rents a building downtown, I also feel the squeeze of rising rents. However, as a conservative Republican, I believe the city government has a very limited role, if any, in controlling free market capitalism. At the same time, we are already seeing tenants fleeing downtown due to rising rents and other issues. As a way to keep tenants downtown, I support the cities 50/50 public/private Façade Improvement Program, which aims to improve the appearance of downtown commercial buildings.

What is your position on the contributions made by small businesses to a thriving downtown vs. the contributions of international corporations, national chains, and other higher-dollar tenants?

KATHRYN WADE: Locally-owned businesses play a central role in maintaining a healthy city.  Their owners raise their families here and spend their money in our community.  Small business ownership is the pathway to wealth building for generations to come.  They allow for great creativity, ingenuity and provide for a unique community atmosphere.  Something that no other city can replicate.  

Big box stores have their place but let’s face it, they are just looking for the next place they can make money.  Money, which they take out of our community.  While they hire local people, they have no real ties or loyalty to our city.  Our city must prioritize helping small businesses to start, grow and thrive.  

TEDDY MILNER: As the owner and operator of a small business, I understand the sacrifices made by my fellow business owners, and I appreciate their critical contributions to Aiken’s economic vitality. I believe that our reputation as a charming city — one of the best small cities in the south! — is best served by maintaining downtown as a hub for independent small businesses. The best way to accomplish that is to have a “living,” Comprehensive Zoning Plan that accommodates a variety of projects without having to make special exceptions.

What would you do to protect the interests of owners of residential and business properties which are threatened by inappropriate, and often non- conforming construction proposals? 

KATHRYN WADE: We need to look at our zoning policies.  Are they uniform? People buy property with the general expectation that they are protected through zoning policies of the city.  When we do “Spot zoning” changes without adherence to a set policy we jeopardize property values.  Zoning cannot be whimsical and favoring certain individuals over others.  

I think permitting is important to this process as well.  Having a strong permitting policy that is known to property buyers will make a difference.  

TEDDY MILNER: A Mayor has no individual super-power to dictate the City policy, but I would strongly urge that City Council and staff consider only those applications/proposals that conform to the requirements of our Comprehensive Zoning Plan. A good Comprehensive Zoning Plan should be broad enough to include a mechanism for considering the many instances for which the City currently makes special exceptions (concept plan applications). 

Would you favor reducing the financial impediments on our small businesses that are so enjoyed by visitors and residents alike?

 KATHRYN WADE: Yes  I think there are incentives and opportunities for the city to take proactive steps to assisting our small businesses.  We have façade grants that are never used.  Could some of the hospitality tax money be returned somehow to our businesses for reinvesting in upgrades and resources? We can do better as a city to help and not hinder our local businesses.  

TEDDY MILNER: I favor, convening a roundtable forum for City Council, staff, and small business owners to better understand the financial burdens on small businesses and identify avenues for relief.

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Mayoral Forum Intro
The candidates respond on the issues:
Public Participation in Government
Responsible Development
Infrastructure
Financial Responsibility
Housing and Homelessness