AIKEN, S.C. As part of a citywide tour to collect community concerns and ideas, Aiken Mayor Teddy Milner spoke with residents at the University of South Carolina Aiken on Tuesday.
Almost 60 staff members and students showed up. They exchanged ideas, shook hands, and noted worries. This was her most recent citywide tour stop.
“We had five different Sundays throughout the city at the beginning of the year,” Mayor Milner remarked. “And seeing people come out who were truly concerned about issues that have downtown or in the city was the most wonderful, rewarding experience for me.”
Bridget Cho, a parent and faculty member, offered her thoughts on the needs of children.
“I have a strong personal connection to the issues facing the kids in our neighborhood. So that kids can just get out more and, you know, play outside securely, I’d want to see more parks, green areas, and walkways,” Cho added.
Emergency personnel need additional opportunities to serve locally, according to some people.
James Saxon, a USCA student, stated, “I’m an EMT and I really want to serve my community Aiken, but I can’t because our county does not accept part-time students right now. We could really use the help.” “So, I think it would be crucial if we could permit that.”
One even proposed starting a new company.
Jackson Faircluthe, a student, stated, “I hope we have a frozen yogurt place. I know that’s really not up to the mayor, but she said that she could ask around and try to encourage people to open one.” “And I’ll open one if that doesn’t work.”
The need for improved transportation was brought to light by international students.
Sankika Bhate, a student, added, “I also wanted to mention that it would be great if Aiken had some public transport so that students who don’t have cars or friends who have cars can like move around and visit downtown and just not be stuck in university all day or like winter break.”
According to Jacob Ellis, a candidate for Aiken community Council District 4, student input is essential to determining the future of the community. Ellis, a USC Aiken alumnus from 2013, attended the mayor’s listening tour at the Student Activity Center to hear firsthand accounts from college students.
Since college students are Aiken’s future and we want them to remain here, I’ve always thought it was critical to hear their point of view. Therefore, it’s a good idea to know what they’re thinking about overall,” he said.
In order to help implement some of the recommendations, he hopes that investors will concentrate on Aiken’s underdeveloped areas.
“I believe that Aiken’s east and north sides have unrealized growth potential.”
Tuesday’s session won’t be the final one. For the next one, visit the City’s social media accounts.
