Aiken County Plans New Subdivision on Former Chicken Plant Site
Aiken County, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as plans for a new subdivision, Creighton Meadows, are underway on a site that was previously eyed for a chicken processing plant by House of Raeford. This shift from poultry to suburbia comes after the project faced some substantial roadblocks, but the future looks bright for local residents seeking new housing options.
What Happened to the Chicken Plant?
The initial plan to build a chicken plant hit a wall due to a couple of significant challenges. First, there just wasn’t enough sewer capacity to handle the extensive needs of the proposed facility. On top of that, local residents voiced their concerns about potential water and sewer rate increases and the general idea of having a processing plant nearby. Aiken City Manager, Stuart Bedenbaugh, noted that “there was concern about the water rate and sewer rate discounts that were being proposed, and some of the ancillary concerns regarding a chicken processing plant period.”
Introducing Creighton Meadows
So, what’s next for this prime piece of real estate? Well, as the chicken plant plans were shelved, development plans for Creighton Meadows took off! The new subdivision is set to feature 284 homes, thoughtfully divided into two phases. This development isn’t just about building houses; it also includes enticing amenities such as pickleball courts, a dog park, winding hiking trails, and a commitment to maintain 20% greenspace throughout the area.
Affordability is Key
When it comes to the price tag, homes in this new subdivision will start in the $250,000 range. This sweet spot is likely to attract many families and individuals looking for affordable housing in a growing community. Aiken County Council Vice-Chairman, Andrew Siders, expressed optimism about the new development, stating, “the zoning was in place for the subdivision, so they decided to move forward with that.”
Ensuring Safety and Compliance
As the plans progress, the development will need to adhere to the city’s landscaping rules, ensure proper buffer zones, and include two separate entrances with landscaped medians. A crucial traffic study will also be conducted to assess the impact of the new homes on nearby roads. Bedenbaugh added that, “Our on-call traffic engineer will review it and see if it complies. If the recommendations comply with our ordinance, then act accordingly.”
Community Connections
Another point of consideration for the new subdivision is its proximity to the Shaw Industries plant. Concerns about potential noise have been raised, but Siders pointed out a silver lining. “I think a lot of folks may end up working for Shaw… there’s some industry in that area and folks that work there sometimes want to live close, so that’ll work out for them, I believe.”
Next Steps for Aiken County
Currently, Creighton Meadows is still in the planning stages, and county leaders are looking forward to revisiting the proposal in the next couple of months. As residents await more updates, the shift from a chicken plant to a new housing community presents exciting opportunities for Aiken County. With sustainability, affordability, and community spirit at the forefront, it looks like this area is on the brink of a wonderful transformation!
