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Council approves housing concept plans and rezonings to advance workforce and affordable rental projects
Summary
Council approved a second-reading amendment to the Sunday Avenue concept plan to require workforce housing at 40%–80% AMI, confirmed Greg Highway rezoning for rental housing at or below 60% AMI, and accepted related crosswalk and design conditions after applicant commitments.
On June 22 the Aiken City Council approved multiple land-use items intended to advance workforce and affordable rental housing in the city.
Council conducted a second-reading public hearing for a 16.21-acre concept plan at Sunday Avenue NE and Jake Place NE owned by William Clyburn's estate. Staff and the planning commission noted an amendment to state the project will provide "high-quality workforce homes for individuals and families earning 40% to 80% of the average median income," and the applicant initially requested removal of a condition requiring a high-visibility sidewalk/crosswalk at Kershaw Street. Jen Wilkinson, appearing for the applicant, explained tax-credit financing limits and said it is not feasible for the developer to fund off-site sidewalk ADA upgrades beyond the property without city assistance. After discussion, the applicant agreed to install the crosswalk as described in condition four, and council proceeded with second reading.
Separately, council reaffirmed approval of a rezoning for approximately 10 acres at Greg Highway and Loki Drive to planned residential for rental housing funded under the South Carolina rental development program for households at or below 60% AMI. Council favored concept plan B (two lower-stature buildings) to reduce visual impact, consistent with planning commission recommendations.
Council also handled related annexations and concept-plan approvals and heard a forwarded email from an adjacent property owner asking for fewer buildings. Staff said those comments were provided after the agenda packet was published but had been forwarded to council.
Next steps include satisfying conditions of approval, civil review for public improvements and execution of required agreements within the 180-day submittal window noted by planning staff.
