News Summary

Aiken City Council and Taj Aiken owner Alok Kumar Akse engage in discussions regarding the future of the Taj Aiken building and the neighboring C.C. Johnson Building. The city is actively seeking developers for revitalization plans, addressing community concerns while considering the significance of local businesses. The council aims to enhance the area, ensuring transparency and community involvement in the redevelopment process, while keeping the public informed on the progress.

Aiken City Council and Taj Aiken Owner Discuss Future Amid Development Plans

Aiken is buzzing with excitement as discussions unfold around the future of the beloved Taj Aiken, located at 213 Richland Ave. E. Owner Alok Kumar Akse made headlines after addressing the Aiken City Council on April 14, where he proposed purchasing the Taj Aiken building along with the neighboring C.C. Johnson Building. This move has sparked interest among residents and city officials alike, given the city’s active search for developers to revitalize properties in the 200-block of Richland Avenue.

Community Concerns Take Center Stage

The conversation didn’t stop there. On April 28, council members Ed Girardeau and Kay Brohl took the opportunity to delve deeper into the future of Taj Aiken, responding to public concerns from knowledgeable residents such as Kelly Cornelius and Lisa Smith. It has become quite clear that the community is paying attention to these important developments.

A City Seeking Progress

The city is on a mission to enhance the area, with city officials actively seeking a developer for the properties. In discussions, council members noted that they do anticipate seeing Taj Aiken incorporated into any future plans, which only further ignites curiosity among locals about the potential for change.

For now, Taj Aiken operates on a month-to-month lease with the city, as Akse was not able to negotiate a five-year lease like many other businesses in the vicinity. Each month, he continues paying rent, and the city has even set aside funds to help with the business’s potential relocation, should a developer require the space for fresh projects.

Regulatory Moves and Unfolding Plans

According to Girardeau, the city had advertised for developers for these properties where Taj Aiken sits, and while Akse was welcome to submit a bid, he opted not to do so. This has opened the door for further discussions on how to best move forward with revitalization efforts. It is important to note, council members emphasized, that just because they may not respond in certain meetings, it shouldn’t be taken as disagreement but rather a signal that more discussions are taking place behind the scenes.

Community Recognition

During the April 14 meeting, Councilwoman Gail Diggs took a moment to commend Akse for his community service efforts, showcasing the positive impact he has on the community despite the ongoing business negotiations.

Plenty of Proposals on the Table

In a move showcasing the city’s commitment to revitalization, Aiken City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh confirmed that they have already received six proposals for Hotel Aiken and five other downtown properties. The deadline for these submissions was on December 23, and the upcoming stages include an evaluating group made up of city officials, marketing representatives, and industry experts who will further discuss and finalize agreements. The goal here is clear: to create a modern hospitality space that attracts visitors, increases job opportunities, and enhances the overall appeal of downtown Aiken.

Transforming the Landscape

Hotel Aiken, which has remained vacant for several years, is at the heart of the city’s plans. The aim is to expedite the selection of a developer to minimize maintenance costs and transition these properties into profitable enterprises that can benefit the community. It’s no small task, considering the Aiken Municipal Development Commission invested $9.6 million back in 2021 to acquire these properties, signaling that revitalizing them is a top priority.

Community Involvement is Key

Residents are also showing keen interest in the revitalization of Hotel Aiken and other properties nearby. The city council assures that they will keep the public in the loop throughout the redevelopment process, proving that community involvement is essential in turning these plans into a reality. With excitement in the air and commitment from the city, Aiken’s future looks promising!

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Aiken City Council and Taj Aiken Owner Discuss Future Development