News Summary
The Aiken City Council has unanimously voted against Beazley Development’s proposal for a 188-unit townhome project near Wire Road. Concerns about zoning, traffic, and the impact on the local community led officials to deny the request. The planning commission had previously recommended rejection, emphasizing the need for development more in line with existing neighborhood characteristics. The council is now looking for alternative affordable housing options that align better with community needs.
Aiken – The Aiken City Council voted unanimously on June 9, 2023, to reject Beazley Development Company’s proposal for a 188-unit townhome project near Wire Road. The decision came after a thorough review of requests that included annexation, zoning changes, and concept plan approvals for the proposed development, known as Guilford.
The project was designed to be situated at the intersection of Wire Road and Gator Lane, on two properties: one owned by Beazley Development and the other under a purchase contract. The surrounding area features Crosland Park to the north and Aiken Intermediate and North Aiken Elementary schools to the west, with single-family homes located to the east and Wire Road to the south.
The Aiken County zoning classifications designate these properties as Rural Development, while Beazley Development sought to have them rezoned for Planned Residential use. The proposed concept plan detailed a layout of 188 townhome units distributed over 49 buildings. However, local planning officials expressed reservations regarding the appropriateness of such a development in the area.
The Aiken Planning Commission had previously recommended denying Beazley’s request with a 5-0 vote on May 13. Concerns included the potential mismatch of the townhome project with the character of the existing neighborhood. Planning Commissioner Sam Erb suggested that single-family homes on one- or two-acre lots would be better suited for the community. Similarly, Commissioner Peter Messina argued that the proposal was not deserving of Planned Residential zoning designation and raised the issue of needing a second entrance to adequately support traffic flow.
Traffic impacts were a significant factor in the council’s decision. Members discussed how the proposed development could exacerbate existing traffic challenges on Wire Road, particularly during peak school times. Councilwoman Gail Diggs raised objections about the proposal’s location due to the heavy traffic often observed on the two-lane road, especially when students are being picked up or dropped off. Local residents echoed these concerns, fearing increased traffic would negatively affect property values and safety. Reports indicated that many drivers often exceed the posted speed limits on Wire Road.
In light of the council’s decision, Mayor Pro Tempore Ed Girardeau advised Beazley Development to withdraw the current proposal and engage with the city’s planning department to devise a more suitable plan. The council expressed an interest in exploring alternative affordable housing projects for the city’s Northside, aiming to address community housing needs without compromising the area’s character and infrastructure.
The denial of the Guilford project illustrates the complexities involved in urban development and community planning, highlighting the importance of considering existing traffic conditions, neighborhood characteristics, and overarching local development goals. The council’s approach reflects a commitment to balancing the need for housing with maintaining the quality of life for Aiken residents.
As city officials continue to assess housing needs and development opportunities, the conversation surrounding future projects and community planning will remain crucial for fostering a sustainable and harmonious living environment in Aiken.
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HERE Resources
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Aiken Planning Commission Denies Guilford Townhome Project
Additional Resources
- Aiken Standard: Aiken City Council Rejects Wire Road Development
- WRDW: Aiken City Council Proposes New Downtown Mixed-Use Project
- WJBF: City of Aiken Community Development Block Grant Meeting
- Google Search: Aiken city council development
- Post and Courier: Aiken Planning Growth for Wire Road Townhomes
- Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
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