During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the proposed development of a new convenience store in Aiken, with significant concerns raised about the current state of the city's water and sewer infrastructure. One resident expressed frustration over recurring issues with brown water, urging officials to prioritize fixing existing problems before approving new developments that could exacerbate the situation.

The resident recounted personal experiences with brown water, emphasizing the need for caution in expanding the city's infrastructure without addressing these ongoing issues.

In contrast, Dean Newman, representing the property owners, advocated for the development, highlighting the positive impact of similar projects in the area. He praised Parker's convenience stores for their aesthetic improvements and contributions to local tax revenue, noting that the proposed site is one of the few viable locations for a gas station along an 8.5-mile stretch between downtown Aiken and New Ellington.

Newman pointed out that the current tax contributions from the properties in question are minimal, approximately $4,000, compared to over $50,000 from a nearby convenience store. He argued that the new development could significantly enhance the local tax base, providing much-needed funds for infrastructure improvements, including sewer capacity upgrades.

The meeting underscored the tension between community concerns over infrastructure and the potential economic benefits of new developments, leaving city officials with the challenging task of balancing these competing interests.