Aiken Set to Transform Former Chicken Plant Site into New Subdivision
Aiken, South Carolina, is witnessing a significant change as plans to construct a chicken processing plant have been scrapped in favor of a new residential development. The 86.95-acre property, situated next to the Shaw Industries plant north of the city, will now be transformed into a subdivision called Creighton Meadows.
Background on the Property
The property was initially acquired by H&A Development LLC, a company partly owned by developer John Henderson, for $915,000 on September 28, 2022. In March of this year, House of Raeford, a notable chicken processing company, announced intentions to develop the site into a processing facility. However, their plans encountered significant hurdles that ultimately derailed the project.
Challenges Faced by House of Raeford
House of Raeford’s project was expected to bring a $185 million investment to Aiken County along with the promise of 900 new jobs with starting wages at around $18 per hour. Despite these potential benefits, the company faced two major challenges.
First, the Horse Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant has already allocated all its available sewer capacity to other projects. The county’s reluctance to allocate additional capacity to House of Raeford’s plant further complicated matters. Secondly, local residents expressed strong opposition to the idea of the plant being built near their homes, leading to significant community pushback.
Decision to Move Ahead with Residential Development
Recognizing the challenges ahead and after discussions with city officials, John Henderson chose to pivot back to his original plans for a subdivision. On August 26, during an Aiken City Council meeting, Henderson presented his proposal for Creighton Meadows.
“We backed off of the residential really to no financial benefit of our own just to accommodate what we thought might be better for the overall community,” Henderson explained. His decision reflects a commitment to create a project that aligns more closely with community interests and needs.
Details of Creighton Meadows
The approved plan for Creighton Meadows includes a total of 284 homes, which will be constructed in two phases. The first phase is set to host 199 homes, while the remaining 85 homes will be built in the second phase. The homes on quarter-acre lots in the second phase are expected to be priced above $300,000, while smaller lots in the first phase will range from $200,000 to $300,000.
Water and Sewer Services Approved
The Aiken City Council unanimously approved providing water and sewer services to the new subdivision, recognizing its location within the city’s service district. However, some concerns were raised during the meeting. Councilwoman Gail Diggs wanted to ensure potential homeowners are aware of the proximity to the Shaw plant, to which Councilwoman Kay Brohl reassured that future buyers would indeed be informed before making a purchase.
Future of Aiken’s Development Landscape
The shift from a commercial facility to residential development marks a significant change in the landscape of Aiken. Local leaders are optimistic that the new subdivision will meet the housing needs of the community while maintaining the quality of life that residents expect in the area.
This transition is not just about the properties themselves—it reflects the ongoing dialogue between developers, local government, and residents about what the future of Aiken should look like.
Conclusion
As the groundwork for Creighton Meadows begins, the community will be keenly watching to see how this new development unfolds. It may bring not only new residents but also a renewed sense of investment and growth in the region.
