Aiken council rejects Dykes Road rezoning for Arbor Ridge after hours of public comment

The Aiken City Council declined on first reading to rezone about 4.1 acres on Dykes Road from Office (O) to Transitional Tiny Home (TTH), a move that would have allowed a proposed 39-unit transitional housing community called Arbor Ridge.

Planning staff described the project as a phased, 39-unit development with single- and double-occupancy tiny homes, a 30-by-45-foot community building, and a concept plan that included at least 39 parking spaces and significant open space. The Planning Commission recommended approval 5–2 with conditions requiring landscape buffers, required building separations, setback corrections and a revised concept plan and signed agreement within 90 days.

Supporters at the council meeting emphasized the human and social-service rationale for Arbor Ridge. Kevin Pethek, an attorney who said his firm is providing pro bono legal services to the applicant, told the council: "The best news of all is that this project is not being funded with your city tax dollars" and described the project as transitional housing intended to move residents to stable housing within one to two years with wraparound services. Several residents with lived experience, including one who said a transitional program had produced an 85% success rate, offered personal testimony in favor of giving the project a chance.

Opponents pressed practical concerns about location, safety and long-term management. Neighbors raised questions about sidewalks, school bus stops and pedestrian safety on Dykes Road; several homeowners argued the development would depress property values and concentrate criminal or behavioral risks near long-established residential lots. Pat Logie, a long-time resident near the proposed site, said she was "strongly opposed" and questioned whether 4 acres could sustain the density and management the plan requires.

Council members expressed uncertainty about operational capacity, long-term funding and the experience of the proposed management group (Aiken Transition Management, ATM). Multiple council members asked for a clearer, documented plan showing sustained funding, clinical and case-management partnerships, and contracts guaranteeing 24/7 security and maintenance. Planning staff noted the rezoning also requires approval by the city’s legislative delegation as part of a property transaction process.

After extended public comment and council discussion, the mayor announced the result: "3 in favor and 4 opposed," meaning the ordinance did not pass on first reading and will not advance as drafted. The council did not record member-level votes in the public portion of the transcript; the tally was announced at the meeting.

Because the vote failed at first reading, the Arbor Ridge rezoning will not proceed to final approval without further action by the applicant or a future council decision. Developers and proponents in the meeting urged refinement of the plan and suggested addressing the management and funding questions before returning to council; opponents urged the council to seek alternative locations or larger-scale solutions.

The Planning Commission’s conditions, the stated requirement that a revised concept plan and signed conditions be submitted within 90 days if approved, and the note that the legislative delegation’s approval would be required for the property transaction were all part of the staff presentation and remain relevant to any future iteration of the proposal.