Construction is scheduled to begin within 6-8 weeks on the new subdivision adjacent to Summer Lakes with house construction to begin in about a year.
Plans for “Abella Gate” were disclosed at last night’s City of Aiken’s Planning Commission meeting where the developer, Atlantic Coast Properties, sought approval for access to city water for the project.
Originally planned as Phase II of Summer Lakes, “Abella Gate,” will have no connection to Summer Lakes. It will be a separate gated community with its entrance off Wire Road. In its filings with the Planning Commission, Atlantic Coast states that connecting the two subdivisions is impractical because of the two existing ponds.
Mike Holsonback, representing Atlantic Coast before the Planning Commission, stated that “Abella Gate” will be “equal to or better than Summer Lakes.” He added that Atlantic Coast plans to build some ‘spec’ houses and that local builders will be invited to build both ‘spec’ and custom homes.
Documents submitted by Atlantic Coast to the Planning Commission state that “Abella Gate” will be divided into three sections: 38 Patio home lots, 64 Manor home lots and 77 Estate home lots. Patio homes will be 1,600 sq. ft. to 2,300 sq. ft. The Manor homes will be 2,300 sq. ft. to 3,300 sq. ft. The Estate homes will be a minimum of 3,300 sq. ft.
The new development will encompass 179 individual residential lots ranging from 0.5 acres to 1.5 acres. The site totals 239 acres of rolling terrain. Plans call for 57 acres (24%) of the subdivision remain as common area for homeowners use. The common areas will include a 40’ buffer with walking trails around the perimeter of the development, four large and two small ponds, and several ‘green spaces’ or parks.
“We need to support this development because it will be a major asset for North Aiken County,” said Donna Taylor, a Meybohm Realtor/Broker and resident of Summer Lakes. She was the only citizen to address the Commission Members concerning this project. She urged the Planning Commission to review these and other development plans in a way that encourages retail shops and restaurants nodes that were included in the Northside Comprehensive Development Plan that was created last year. Taylor was a member of that City Task Force.
City Planner Edwin Evans wholeheartedly endorsed the “Abella Gate” project saying, “They have done a really good job with the lay-out and design. It’s one of the best we’ve ever seen.”
Planning Chairman Bill Reynolds added his praise, “It’s an excellent looking project.”
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the Aiken City Council grant the application for city water, but not before adding one significant condition – they voted to require Atlantic Coast to build the subdivision according to the ‘proposed’ plan that was submitted, thereby eliminating significant changes in the project down the road. The recommendation to goes before the City Council April 28th.
Plans for “Abella Gate” were disclosed at last night’s City of Aiken’s Planning Commission meeting where the developer, Atlantic Coast Properties, sought approval for access to city water for the project.
Originally planned as Phase II of Summer Lakes, “Abella Gate,” will have no connection to Summer Lakes. It will be a separate gated community with its entrance off Wire Road. In its filings with the Planning Commission, Atlantic Coast states that connecting the two subdivisions is impractical because of the two existing ponds.
Mike Holsonback, representing Atlantic Coast before the Planning Commission, stated that “Abella Gate” will be “equal to or better than Summer Lakes.” He added that Atlantic Coast plans to build some ‘spec’ houses and that local builders will be invited to build both ‘spec’ and custom homes.
Documents submitted by Atlantic Coast to the Planning Commission state that “Abella Gate” will be divided into three sections: 38 Patio home lots, 64 Manor home lots and 77 Estate home lots. Patio homes will be 1,600 sq. ft. to 2,300 sq. ft. The Manor homes will be 2,300 sq. ft. to 3,300 sq. ft. The Estate homes will be a minimum of 3,300 sq. ft.
The new development will encompass 179 individual residential lots ranging from 0.5 acres to 1.5 acres. The site totals 239 acres of rolling terrain. Plans call for 57 acres (24%) of the subdivision remain as common area for homeowners use. The common areas will include a 40’ buffer with walking trails around the perimeter of the development, four large and two small ponds, and several ‘green spaces’ or parks.
“We need to support this development because it will be a major asset for North Aiken County,” said Donna Taylor, a Meybohm Realtor/Broker and resident of Summer Lakes. She was the only citizen to address the Commission Members concerning this project. She urged the Planning Commission to review these and other development plans in a way that encourages retail shops and restaurants nodes that were included in the Northside Comprehensive Development Plan that was created last year. Taylor was a member of that City Task Force.
City Planner Edwin Evans wholeheartedly endorsed the “Abella Gate” project saying, “They have done a really good job with the lay-out and design. It’s one of the best we’ve ever seen.”
Planning Chairman Bill Reynolds added his praise, “It’s an excellent looking project.”
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the Aiken City Council grant the application for city water, but not before adding one significant condition – they voted to require Atlantic Coast to build the subdivision according to the ‘proposed’ plan that was submitted, thereby eliminating significant changes in the project down the road. The recommendation to goes before the City Council April 28th.
