Aiken Planning Commission Approves New Subdivision, Residents Voice Concerns

Exciting Developments Unfolding in Aiken!

If you’re in and around Aiken, South Carolina, you might want to sink your teeth into this fresh scoop of news! The Planning Commission has given a green light for a new subdivision, and while the decision has sparked some discussions, it’s set to reshape the area’s landscape.

New Subdivision Approved

On September 19, the Aiken County Planning Commission held a meeting at the Aiken County Government Center where they took a significant vote. They approved the preliminary plans for a new residential development called Cooper Place, which will sit on a sprawling 114-acre plot northeast of Aiken, right off Wire Road.

The subdivision will feature a whopping 157 lots, and it’s being developed by South Georgia Homes LLC. So if you’re looking for a new neighborhood, keep your eyes peeled for updates on this project!

Community Concerns Raised

While many are excited about the new subdivision, it hasn’t come without some concern from local residents. During the public hearing prior to the vote, several community members voiced their apprehensions. The main worries centered around the potential increase in traffic along Wire Road and the impact on local wildlife habit.

Planning Commission member Dennis Gmerek made an interesting point during the meeting. He reassured attendees that while the commission plays a crucial role in examining subdivision plans, it’s ultimately the County Council that sets the regulations. Gmerek emphasized, “Sometimes I believe the public thinks we have more power than we actually do.”

Moving Forward with Contingencies

The commission’s approval came with contingencies, meaning that rough edges still need a bit of smoothing out. The staff from the County Planning and Development Department identified a few issues in the application that need to be addressed. Gmerek’s motion for approval mentioned that these concerns must be resolved within a time frame of 60 days.

Joel Duke, the county’s chief development officer—who wears many hats as the assistant county administrator and director of Planning and Development—voiced the need for timelines and made sure those rules were clear.

A Little History

This site for Cooper Place has a bit of a backstory, too. Aiken County land records show that AWB Real Estate snagged this prime location for $1.135 million from JSMG Development back in July. So, it seems like there’s been some serious investment in this neighborhood, and that can only mean growth for Aiken!

What Else is Happening in Aiken?

In other news around Aiken, be sure to mark your calendars for September 25, when the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center celebrates its grand reopening. After undergoing nearly nine months of renovations, the recreation center will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony and offer tours of its new features starting at 5:30 p.m.

And there’s more—the local government is also seeing some changes! The Burnettown Town Council is back to full strength with a recent election bringing in Chris Williams after he received 31 votes against Maxine Jefferson’s 21 votes. It’s great to see community engagement at work!

With such vibrant activity, Aiken is definitely keeping its residents on their toes. Whether you’re looking for new homes, planning recreation activities, or following local governance, there’s a lot going on. Stay tuned for more updates as we watch how these developments unfold!