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Doors closed on changes
11/6/2009 12:31 AM

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A major downtown construction project has had the door slammed in its face by the City of Aiken Design Review Board. Condominiums being constructed on Park Avenue by Stevens Builders, well on their way to completion, have been put on hold because of the ruling this week.

At issue are doors. Buddy Stevens, contractor for the project, changed the type of exterior doors and doorways from those outlined in plans previously approved by the City. The doors were originally to be aluminum, but Stevens decided on mahogany doors instead and installed those. That was enough to draw the notice of DRB which denied the alteration mainly because Mr. Stevens did not come to the Board before making the change.

The person most vocal in opposing the change, Don Broderick, said he would likely have favored the change had Stevens come to DRB first.

If the doors meet the City's design standards and would otherwise have been approved, why put up a road block because of Mr. Stevens' oversight? That smacks of pettiness and a personal agenda rather than protecting the welfare of the community from builders who might try to use a bait and switch to put up a less desirable structure than the one that has been approved.

Rules are rules, and DRB's rules need to be adhered to by property owners and builders alike. The decision this week, however, was mean spirited and punitive Most consider using mahogany doors an improvement over metal ones.

The punishment of replacing the doors seems harsh. The change will be expensive for Mr. Stevens, yet Aiken may end up with a building less impressive than it is now.

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8 comment(s) on this story

to seeing the big picture : 11/10/2009

Thats what you get for believeing the government will take care of you.

J. PAINE

DISCIPLINED construction will SAVE AIKEN ! : 11/8/2009

I own Investment property in the City of Aiken, built in 2003. The City convinced me it would not turn into a crime area, property restrictions would be enforced, and my value would be protected. DRB is correct, we must enforce requirements no matter how seemingly minor. I love Aiken, lived here all my life, discipline keeps it wonderful and MY PROPERTY HAS GAINED GREATLY in value. BUILDERS come and go, but those that love Aiken always remain!

SEEING THE BIG PICTURE, thanks DRB !!

Door controversy : 11/8/2009

Apparently Mr. Stevens believes it is easier to beg forgiveness than to ask permission. Leaving aside the pettiness, personalities and bickering, Mr. Stevens did not follow the rules and he's been called on it. The DRB's ruling was appropriate. Mr. Stevens, next time, ask first.

David Charles

: 11/6/2009

Allen if we thought your opinion mattered then maybe you wouldn't have lost in a landslide for city council.

The Baron

Idiots of Aiken : 11/6/2009

Don Brodewick should be fired by the mayor and who ever appointed him to the board should resign. These non-elected boards are useless ,any builder that builds any thing in the City of Aiken should be given a medal. The crap you have to put up which just runs off businees and the city council and mayor are responsible for this dictitorial attitude. Reminds me of of our moronic congress.

Doors : 11/6/2009

Don Broderick is a fair minded individual. His actions were more likely a result of having few options available because of the rules and regulations. I suggest a system of reasonable fines on individuals who stray from the plans. Under no condition should a job be halted if the builder is willing to work to resolve the issue. Builders and developers work too many people and risk millions in hopes of a future profit. They are vital to the health of a community and are by far the greatest contributor to property tax revenue increases, local jobs and material purchases we have. A vibrant and growing community provides new jobs and opportunity for our young people. Most of the rural counties are desperate for any growth. Aiken has been truly fortunate.

Allen Brodie

DRB : 11/6/2009

Rules are rules and pettiness is pettiness. We the public knows 'em when we sees 'em. What we should do now is pass our opinions on to our elected officials with recommendations. If appropriately handled, our votes will follow.

: 11/5/2009

Don Broderick should be put in stocks and flogged in the middle of downtown. What a petty, childish, "man" who is trying to use a little power to make up for his inadequacies.

The Baron

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