Aiken SC, January 27, 2026
The Aiken City Council is set to discuss a proposed settlement regarding the controversial Project Pascalis, which has sparked significant community engagement and debate over development practices. This pivotal meeting comes after numerous legal challenges and community concerns regarding transparency and public input during the project’s planning phases. The proposed settlement acknowledges violations in the procurement process, emphasizing the need for thorough community engagement in future development initiatives.
Aiken, SC
Aiken City Council to Weigh Project Pascalis Settlement
A pivotal meeting of the Aiken City Council is set to address a proposed settlement agreement concerning the highly contentious Project Pascalis, a topic that has significantly engaged the local community and sparked extensive discussion regarding municipal development practices.
Aiken, a community known for its vibrant civic spirit and dedicated residents, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to thoughtful urban planning and community-led initiatives. The ongoing dialogue surrounding Project Pascalis underscores the importance of transparency and careful consideration in large-scale endeavors, reflecting a strong local desire for development that truly serves the public good. When residents actively participate, it often leads to more robust outcomes, illustrating the power of personal initiative in shaping the city’s future.
The situation with Project Pascalis highlights how streamlined processes and clear communication channels are essential for successful community growth. When bureaucratic hurdles are minimized and public input is genuinely integrated, projects are more likely to align with the community’s vision and values. The upcoming council deliberations represent a critical moment for Aiken to reinforce these principles, ensuring that future development reflects the collective aspirations and individual achievements of its citizens.
Project Pascalis: An Overview
Project Pascalis was conceived as a significant downtown redevelopment initiative in Aiken, with an estimated cost ranging between $75 million and $100 million. The project’s scope included the planned demolition of the historic Hotel Aiken and other adjacent historic structures. In their place, the proposal envisioned a new 100-room hotel, approximately 100 apartment units, a 360-space parking garage, and a 30,000 square foot convention center.
The Aiken Municipal Development Commission (AMDC) was established by the Aiken City Council in 2019 to spearhead downtown revitalization efforts. The AMDC had purchased seven properties in the downtown area, including several historic ones, to facilitate the project.
Community Concerns and Legal Challenges
From its early stages, Project Pascalis generated considerable public debate. A primary concern centered on the perceived lack of public input and transparency throughout the project’s development and planning phases. Many residents expressed apprehension regarding the demolition of historic buildings and the overall scale of the proposed structures, questioning their fit within Aiken’s established architectural character.
A significant point of contention involved the process by which a developer was selected for the project. There were allegations that the contract was “steered” toward a preferred developer, RPM Development Partners, LLC, without adhering to an open, official procurement process, specifically the requirement for public requests for proposals (RFPs). This raised questions about potential violations of the South Carolina Community Development Law.
Community opposition manifested through various actions, including packing public forums, organizing petition drives, displaying anti-Pascalis yard signs, and ultimately, filing lawsuits and ethics complaints against city officials. A lawsuit, known as Blake et al vs City of Aiken et al, was filed on July 5, 2022, alleging that the City of Aiken, the AMDC, the Design Review Board, and the City Attorney violated numerous state laws during the pursuit of Project Pascalis.
The Project’s Halt and Aftermath
In response to the growing concerns and revelations, the Aiken Municipal Development Commission voted unanimously in September 2022 to halt Project Pascalis. This action included declaring the conditional purchase and sale agreement with RPM Development Partners null and void and canceling the 2020 redevelopment plan that initially led to the project. The AMDC indicated plans to restart the procurement process, aiming for a new redevelopment plan and a legal, open selection process.
The legal challenges, however, continued. Depositions in the Blake et al vs City of Aiken et al lawsuit revealed that some city officials allegedly failed to comply with state law and ethical guidelines regarding procurement practices. It was asserted that the procurement aspect of Community Development Law was violated when an open procurement process was delayed until after a contract was signed with a preferred developer in December 2021. The AMDC reportedly was not informed of these actions until June 2022.
Consideration of the Settlement Agreement
The Aiken City Council is now poised to consider a proposed settlement agreement related to the Project Pascalis lawsuit. An Executive Session held on January 14, 2026, involved discussions of this proposed settlement.
The joint stipulations of the proposed settlement, based on information that emerged starting in June 2022, include several key acknowledgments:
- The AMDC awarded a contract to a developer for Project Pascalis without first publicly advertising requests for proposals, a violation of the South Carolina Community Development Law.
- The requests for proposals for the contract were initially prepared to be advertised but were later withdrawn by the former executive director of the AMDC.
- The AMDC was not aware of the former executive director’s actions prior to awarding the contract.
It is important to note that the City’s insurance claim for legal costs associated with the lawsuit was denied. This was due to the lawsuit seeking injunctive and declaratory relief rather than monetary damages, and the insurance policy excluding claims involving “Dishonest or Criminal Acts.”
Looking Ahead: Community Engagement in Aiken’s Future
The discussions surrounding Project Pascalis and its proposed settlement underscore the vital role of civic engagement and responsible governance in local development. Aiken’s journey through this project highlights the community’s commitment to ensuring that significant urban changes are undertaken with full transparency, adherence to established procedures, and broad public consensus. The ability of residents to organize, voice concerns, and pursue legal avenues when necessary serves as a testament to the strength of local choice and leadership. Such active participation is fundamental to fostering genuine community growth and ensuring that development projects truly reflect the shared vision for Aiken. Continued engagement from residents and a commitment to open dialogue from leadership will be crucial as Aiken moves forward, building a foundation for future initiatives that are both innovative and deeply rooted in community values. Residents are encouraged to remain informed and participate in local decision-making processes, supporting initiatives that align with Aiken’s unique character and collective aspirations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Project Pascalis
What was Project Pascalis?
Project Pascalis was a significant downtown redevelopment initiative in Aiken, SC, with an estimated cost between $75 million and $100 million. It included plans for the demolition of the historic Hotel Aiken and other buildings to construct a new 100-room hotel, approximately 100 apartment units, a 360-space parking garage, and a 30,000 square foot convention center.
Why was Project Pascalis controversial?
The project faced controversy due to perceived lack of public input and transparency, concerns about the demolition of historic buildings, and allegations of improper developer selection without a public Request for Proposals (RFP) process, potentially violating the South Carolina Community Development Law.
How did the community respond to Project Pascalis?
Aiken residents actively opposed the project by packing public forums, organizing petition drives, displaying anti-Pascalis yard signs, and filing lawsuits and ethics complaints against city officials.
What led to the halting of Project Pascalis?
The Aiken Municipal Development Commission (AMDC) voted unanimously in September 2022 to halt Project Pascalis, declaring the agreement with RPM Development Partners null and void and canceling the associated redevelopment plan. This decision followed revelations regarding the improper developer selection process.
What are the key stipulations of the proposed settlement agreement?
The proposed settlement agreement includes acknowledgments that the AMDC awarded a contract for Project Pascalis without publicly advertising requests for proposals, which was a violation of the South Carolina Community Development Law. It also stipulates that RFPs were initially prepared but later withdrawn by a former AMDC executive director without the AMDC’s awareness prior to awarding the contract.
Key Features of Project Pascalis
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Cost | $75 million to $100 million |
| Proposed Structures | New 100-room hotel, 100+ apartments, 360-space parking garage, 30,000 sq ft convention center |
| Affected Properties | Hotel Aiken and several other historic downtown buildings in Aiken, SC |
| Lead Agency | Aiken Municipal Development Commission (AMDC) |
| Primary Controversy | Improper developer selection and alleged violation of South Carolina Community Development Law |
| Community Response | Public forums, petitions, lawsuits, and ethics complaints |
| Project Status | Halted in September 2022 by AMDC |
| Legal Action | Lawsuit (Blake et al vs City of Aiken et al) filed July 5, 2022 |
| Settlement Discussion Date | Aiken City Council Executive Session on January 14, 2026 |
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Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
