Aiken City Council supports adaptive reuse of historic properties

The Aiken City Council may make it easier to redevelop historic properties like Hotel Aiken and the old Aiken County Hospital. In their upcoming meeting on March 24, the council will discuss a new ordinance. This would allow a special tax assessment for 20 years for rehabilitated historic sites. Currently, Aiken offers a 10-year assessment, while Aiken County provides a 20-year option, which is the maximum allowed by state law. City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh explained that the special tax assessment allows property owners to pay taxes based on the property's value before any renovations. This could incentivize the rehabilitation of important local buildings, including the Nurses’ Quarters and C.C. Johnson Drug Store. The council is also set to consider a budget amendment that includes a grant to assist homeowners affected by Tropical Storm Helene. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on the third floor of the Municipal Building, located at 111 Chesterfield St. SW. A worksession about the Safe Streets Action Plan will occur earlier at 5:30 p.m. in a different room on the same floor.