AIKEN, S.C. () – On Tuesday, Aiken Mayor Teddy Milner met with residents at the University of South Carolina Aiken as part of a city-wide tour designed to collect community concerns and ideas.
Nearly 60 students and faculty came out. They shook hands, shared ideas, and jotted down concerns. This was the latest stop in her city-wide tour.
“Earlier this year, we held five sessions on different Sundays across the city,” Mayor Milner stated. “It was incredibly rewarding to witness how engaged people were about downtown or city issues.”
Faculty member and parent Bridget Cho shared her perspective on kids’ needs.
Cho expressed, “As the concerns of children are very dear to me, I would like to see more parks, green spaces, and sidewalks so kids can safely play and spend time outdoors.”
Some folks say emergency personnel need more chances to serve locally.
USCA student James Saxon said, “As an EMT, I want to serve Aiken, but the county currently doesn’t accept part-time students, although we really need more help. It would mean a lot to change that policy.”
One even suggested a new business.
Student Jackson Faircluthe commented, “I’d love a frozen yogurt shop in town. Although it’s not the mayor’s responsibility, she said she could encourage someone to open one, and if not, I’ll start one myself.”
International students highlighted the need for better transportation.
Student Sankika Bhate mentioned, “It would be fantastic if Aiken had public transport, helping students without cars to visit downtown and not feel confined to the university, especially during winter break.”
Jacob Ellis, who is running for Aiken City Council District 4, says hearing from students is key to shaping the city’s future. A 2013 graduate of USC Aiken, Ellis came to the mayor’s listening tour at the Student Activity Center to hear directly from college students.
“I’ve always felt that it was important to get the college kids perspective because they are the next generation of Aiken and we want them to stay here. So it’s just a good all around thing to see what’s on their minds,” he said.
He wants to see investors focus on underdeveloped parts of Aiken, to help make some of the suggestions happen.
“I feel like the north side and the east side of Aiken has untapped potential for growth.”
The session held Tuesday won’t be the last. Check the City’s social media for the next one.
