Aiken, South Carolina, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The Aiken County Planning Commission has voted to deny the preliminary plat for the proposed Hawthorne at Trolley Run Station neighborhood. The vote of 4-2 halted the plans for 102 residential lots in the Keagen Boulevard area. Key concerns were raised regarding insufficient documentation and road connectivity assurances. Despite arguments from the applicant’s attorney, the commission remained skeptical. The denial follows public input and signifies ongoing challenges in local development amid community growth needs.
Aiken, South Carolina
The Aiken County Planning Commission voted on August 21, 2025, to deny the preliminary plat for the proposed Hawthorne at Trolley Run Station neighborhood. The decision came with a vote of 4-2, with one member abstaining. This outcome halted the plans for developing 102 residential lots located on two tax parcels in the Keagen Boulevard area.
The commission’s majority included Vice Chairman Liz Stewart, along with members Lee Bodie, Grace Vance, and Rex Nordeen. A dissenting vote came from Commissioners Lester Smalls and Andrew Marine, while James Hudgins abstained from the voting process.
The proposal had been submitted by Sage Mill Residential Ltd., which hoped to develop the neighborhood with an eye toward future community growth. However, Commissioner Lee Bodie indicated that the primary reason for the denial was insufficient documentation from the applicant. The Planning Commission had sought more information to address queries related to the project’s design and compliance with Aiken County regulations.
A key issue raised during the meeting was a County Code requirement concerning the maximum length of dead-end streets intended for permanent closure. According to the regulation, such streets are limited to a maximum length of 2,500 feet. Concerns were voiced about the feasibility of future road connections, which tied into the overall design and planning of the proposed neighborhood. The commissioners expressed doubts regarding the assurances that the planned roadways would interconnect with future developments beyond the current construction area.
Attorney Ellis Lesemann, representing Sage Mill Residential, argued that the proposed plan met legal requirements and included provisions for future road connections. Nonetheless, Aiken County’s Chief Development Officer, Joel Duke, highlighted the lack of concrete documentation from the applicant that would guarantee these connections, further solidifying the commission’s decision to deny the project.
The approval process for the Hawthorne at Trolley Run Station proposal began late last year, which included a public hearing that allowed residents to weigh in on the project. However, the concerns raised during the current meeting proved insurmountable for the Planning Commission, prompting the denial.
In a separate matter during the same meeting, the commission unanimously approved a proposal for a 255-foot-tall telecommunications tower on Luke Bridge Road, submitted by Verizon Wireless, though with certain contingencies attached.
Planning Commission Chairman Jason Palmer did not participate in voting on any issues at this meeting, as his vote was not needed to break a tie.
Future Implications
The denial of the Hawthorne at Trolley Run Station proposal marks a significant moment in Aiken County’s planning process. As the community continues to grow, balancing development with regulations and resident concerns will remain a critical focus for county planners.
Key Features of the Meeting
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Meeting | August 21, 2025 |
| Project Name | Hawthorne at Trolley Run Station |
| Vote Result | 4-2 Denial, 1 Abstention |
| Number of Lots Proposed | 102 |
| Applicant | Sage Mill Residential Ltd. |
| Key Concerns Raised | Insufficient documentation, road connection guarantees, dead-end street length |
| Other Actions | Approval of telecommunications tower proposal |
FAQ
Why was the preliminary plat for Hawthorne at Trolley Run Station denied?
The preliminary plat was denied due to insufficient documentation from the applicant, which failed to address specific concerns such as future road connections and compliance with County Code restrictions on dead-end street lengths.
How many total lots were proposed in the development?
The proposed development included a total of 102 residential lots.
What alternative proposal was approved during the same meeting?
During the same meeting, the commission unanimously approved a separate proposal for constructing a 255-foot-tall telecommunications tower on Luke Bridge Road by Verizon Wireless, subject to certain contingencies.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Aiken County Planning Commission Denies Hawthorne at Trolley Run Station
- Post and Courier: Aiken County Subdivision Bedford Landing
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- Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Future of Aiken County and Its Comprehensive Plan Discussed
- Google Search: Aiken County Planning Commission
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