AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – Aiken City Council voted 6-1 Monday to approve the final reading of an ordinance allowing Oliver Hospitality Group to redevelop the historic Hotel Aiken.
Downtown business owners and the historical society showed support for the project during the meeting. Peter Messina cast the lone vote against the ordinance, saying he was worried about the wording of the ordinance.
“I was really not expecting a 6-1 vote, but was very pleased for that,” said Sam Erb, a property owner. “It means that, you know, everybody has done their homework, you know, and it’s time, the community’s ready. I know the council was ready. So it’s just ready to, we’ve got to move forward.”
Restoration plans for century-old building
City planning director says development would be the most restrictive residential zoning available.
Oliver Hospitality Group plans to restore the more than 100-year-old Hotel Aiken, which has been closed for years after falling into disrepair…