PETITION: We the undersigned registered voters of the City of Aiken oppose a project of the City of Aiken and the Aiken Municipal Development Commission entitled Project Pascalis because it threatens the historic character of our beautiful Aiken and our quality of life. Pursuant to Section 5-17-10 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina, we propose the following ordinances to the Aiken City Council: 

1. AN ORDINANCE TO PROHIBIT THE CLOSING OF ANY PART OF NEWBERRY STREET AND TO PROHIBIT ANY INTRUSION IN NEWBERRY STREET PARKWAYS. Explanation: Newberry  Street and its parkways are an integral part of the historic Aiken street grid system and should not be closed or altered for any reason but especially not to benefit a private developer. This ordinance will also repeal the proposed transfer of a portion of Newberry Street to a private developer. 

2. AN ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE THE CITY OF AIKEN AND ITS COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS TO FOLLOW THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CITY'S OLD AIKEN MASTER PLANAND THE OLD AIKEN DESIGN GUIDELINES. Explanation: The City adopted the Old Aiken Master Plan and the Old Aiken Guidelines which limit building heights in the Overlay District to three stories and protect the historic character of Downtown Aiken. The City and its Boards and Commissions must be required to follow its own rules. 

3. AN ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE THE CITY OF AIKEN TO TAKE ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO GRANT LANDMARK STATUS TO THE JOHNSON PHARMACY, THE HOTEL AIKEN, and the HISTORIC 19th CENTURY ORIGINAL STREET GRID OF THE CITY. Explanation: These buildings and the original Aiken street grid are very significant to the history of Aiken and should  receive the highest protection of the City's historic preservation ordinances. 

4. AN ORDINANCE TO ABOLISH THE AIKEN MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (AMDC) AND TRANSFER ITS REAL PROPERTY AND ANY OTHER ASSETS TO THE CITY OF AIKEN:  Explanation: The plans proposed by the AMDC have been contrary to the rules and ordinances of the City of Aiken and to the best interests of the citizens. Decisions about the future development of our City should be made by City Council members accountable to the public rather than unelected bureaucrats.