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Council hears concerns over traffic, separation waivers for 131-lot planned residential proposal on Edgefield Highway
Summary
At first reading, council reviewed a concept plan to annex 38.9 acres on Edgefield Highway for a 131-lot planned residential development; Planning Commission recommended conditions including traffic mitigation and a 6-foot fence, while residents raised safety and left-turn concerns at the SC‑19 curve.
A 131-lot planned residential project proposed for about 38.9 acres on Edgefield Highway, Williams Lane and Union Church Lane drew close scrutiny from the Aiken City Council and nearby residents at first reading Thursday.
City planning staff described a concept plan that envisions single-family lots (sizes from about 5,875 to 8,375 square feet), a proposed density of about 3.37 lots per acre, and roughly seven acres of common open space. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended annexation, planned residential zoning and approval of the concept plan subject to nine conditions: monument sign limits, traffic-calming features, a required traffic study reviewed by SCDOT and the city traffic consultant, a six-foot perimeter fence along a western boundary, and a condition that the open-space minimum be met if the wet pond does not qualify as an amenity, among others.
Kurt Hanna, representing the development team, told the council the developer is amenable to traffic mitigations required by SCDOT and to installing a fence, but requested flexibility about turn-lane requirements because SCDOT must approve spacing and other safety conditions. "If the DOT requires it, we'll do it," the representative said during the public discussion.
Neighbors, represented by Greta Robinson and others, urged careful attention to left-turn safety along South Carolina 19 (Edgefield Highway), describing the curve, speed of traffic and limited sight lines. Robinson said residents worry about children walking to bus stops and about lighting and parking issues on adjacent county roads.
Planning staff said the required traffic study will inform SCDOT and the city about needed turn lanes, signalization or speed changes; staff noted that Highway 19 is a state road and that SCDOT will make final determinations on spacing and lane additions. The Planning Commission included a recommended condition that separate left- and right-turn lanes be installed at the proposed egress if approved by SCDOT.
Council discussion emphasized safety: members asked staff to ensure SCDOT coordination and to require traffic mitigation measures that the traffic study and SCDOT recommend. The item was taken on first reading; additional conditions and technical revisions will be considered on later readings when staff returns with the traffic study and any required plan modifications.
Provenance: Staff presentation and public comment occurred at the planning and public hearing segments; Planning Commission recommendations and nine conditions were read into the record at first reading.
