City planning for Powderhouse extension road

The City of Aiken is moving ahead with plans for a Powderhouse extension road.

Aiken City Council members unanimously approved the purchase of property located at 2340 Whiskey Road on Monday that will allow the new roadway to be built. The property is owned by Shirley Dyer and will cost the City $850,000.

According to City Manager Roger LeDuc, a committee composed of Council members for the City and the County, as well as several residents, has worked to find the best possible route for the extension for the past two years.

The committee has come up with a preliminary route which runs from East Gate Drive and connects Whiskey Road to Powderhouse and Old Powderhouse Road.

LeDuc said the route could change, depending on where the City is able to acquire property and the developers' needs. The project will not begin for another three to five years, as the City has to acquire several miles of property before construction starts, he said.

The new route will provide another alternative for access to the Aiken Mall from areas such as Couchton, Montmorenci and those traveling along East Gate Drive.

"We need to find alternate ways for people to get to the mall area other than going up and down Whiskey Road," he said.

City Councilman Dick Dewar stressed that forward planning is needed before the City builds the road.

"If that road is not developed properly, that could be disastrous for our traffic situation here in Aiken even if we have a new road," he said.

Aiken City Council members also approved the final reading of a proposal that will allow the City to save taxpayers more than a quarter-of-a-million dollars.

Council members unanimously approved the City's request to refinance its water and sewer bond, which will save the City approximately $259,250.50. The City has decided to go with First Citizens Bank to purchase the debt. The City will begin receiving bids from local banks at noon on Monday. First Citizens offered the City the lowest interest rate at 2.98 percent.

In other action, Aiken City Council members:

* Approved the second reading of an ordinance accepting the audited financial statements form fiscal year 2008-09

* Approved the first reading of an ordinance to annex property at 103 Thomas St.

* Approved the first reading of an ordinance to annex property at 138 Lynwood Drive

* Approved a resolution accepting the Corners Deed of Dedication

Contact April Bailey at abailey@aikenstandard.com.