Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Commission approves 11‑unit Riverside Village preliminary plat; residents raise density and parking concerns
Loading...
Summary
The commission approved PP25-03, a preliminary plat for 11 townhomes (0.69 acres) in Hammonds Ferry Phase B; nearby residents raised concerns about density, parking, and whether new development fees will offset service costs.
The North Augusta Planning Commission voted to approve PP25-03, a major subdivision preliminary plat proposing 11 townhomes on a 0.69-acre parcel in Riverside Village (Phase B of Hammonds Ferry). Staff recommended approval with the condition that outstanding comments be addressed to the satisfaction of city staff.
Staff told the commission the plan is consistent with the Hammonds Ferry planned-development ordinance and had been approved by the Hammonds Ferry architectural review process. "This is 11 townhomes...It is currently being used as lay down yard for the apartments that's being constructed in the area," planning staff said, noting the submission included required review comments that must be resolved prior to final sign-off.
Several nearby residents spoke during public comment, urging the commission to reconsider density and on-site parking. "The population density in Hammonds Ferry in that area ... Businesses have actually closed up and relocated because between the construction and the parking lots and the hotel and the residents, you can't really enjoy," said Michelle Wilson (1901 Burns Road). Architect and resident Rick Acree (1903 Burns Road) asked whether developers would shoulder infrastructure costs or if existing taxpayers would absorb them.
Planning staff told the commission that the city adopted an impact-fee ordinance effective Nov. 1 that requires new development to pay impact fees, which staff said will help offset service costs related to growth.
During the hearing the applicant's local engineer, Lance Cheely (pinch-hitting for the absent applicant), said the townhomes are fee-simple units designed for owner occupancy, that parking is designed to be on-site, and that the proposal aligns with the previously approved master plan for the parcel. A motion to approve the preliminary plat was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote.
Next steps: Outstanding staff comments must be addressed to the satisfaction of city staff before final approval.
