An effective partnership focused on positive symbiotic relationships can serve as both a launching point and powerful ally for progress.
Nearly six months have passed since the City of Aiken, Aiken County and the Aiken County Public School District agreed to a mutually-beneficial sale of properties, including the acquisition of 5.5 acres of District property near Eustis Park by the City of Aiken, and the sale of a 16-acre lot and the former Teledyne Building to the District on the part of Aiken County.
The acquisition of the former Teledyne property granted the District some much-needed space for expansion, as the square footage of the building has allowed for the centralized relocation of several departments and approximately 100 employees. The property is also conveniently and centrally located near Interstate 20, allowing for fuel conservation and other cost savings.
“In a short matter of months this property has proven to be a sound investment for us. It has allowed us to consolidate service and production assets under a single roof and in a more strategic location,” commented Dr. Shawn Foster, the District’s Chief Officer of Operations and Student Services. “We certainly want to express our sincere appreciation for the tremendous effort undertaken on the part of our partners with the city and county in helping to make this transition a possibility.”
Aiken County Board of Education Chairperson Rosemary English said the partnership clearly illustrates an enhanced spirit of cooperation in Aiken County.
“Working with everyone associated with the City of Aiken and Aiken County has been a wonderful experience and (the Eustis park project) is something that was very much needed in our community,” English commented. “We are all in this together, and we are all working for the same thing. I am just proud to have been a part of this effort.”
The sale also allowed City of Aiken planners the long-sought-after elbow room needed to fully realize the city’s vision for Eustis Park, as the additional acreage moved the city’s total property holdings in that area to 14.5 acres.
“This is an important project for our community and it’s really been a testament to the collaborative effort of everyone involved,” stated City of Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon. “I know city council appreciates everyone’s help and we look forward to working together again in the future for the betterment of the citizens we represent. It’s a win for everyone.”
For the county, the sale of the Teledyne property marked the movement of a uniquely designed building that could have been difficult to match with a buyer on the open market.
“We are just glad to be a part of this great collaboration for the citizens of Aiken County,” commented Aiken County Council Chairman Ronnie Young. “At the end of the day, we all represent the same people and it’s just good for all three entities to show everyone what can be done when you do work together.”
“We’ve waited a long time for this to happen, more than 10 years,” Aiken City Council member Lessie Price told The Aiken Standard at the time of the purchase. “And we cannot thank you enough, both Dr. Alford and Dr. Foster, to make sure that park area is a showcase, not just for the City of Aiken but for everyone who comes to visit the area.”
Property closings were completed for both transactions by July 1.
Link to District Press Release: