Lexington, August 12, 2025
News Summary
Meritage Homes has submitted plans for a new residential subdivision in Lexington, consisting of 308 single-family homes across 191 acres near Barr Road. The development will feature various amenities including sidewalks, pickleball courts, and a multi-use trail. Although it adheres to local regulations and aims to meet housing demand, some residents have raised concerns over increased traffic. The Planning Commission is scheduled to vote on the proposal during a public meeting.
Lexington is set to encounter a significant change as developer Meritage Homes has submitted plans to develop a residential subdivision consisting of 308 single-family homes across approximately 191 acres near the 300 block of Barr Road. This proposed development lies just outside the town limits and aims to offer various amenities while adhering to Lexington’s planning regulations.
The subdivision is strategically located close to notable landmarks including the Barr Road Sports Complex, Lexington Presbyterian Church, and the Lexington school bus lot. Planned features for the community include sidewalks, dedicated pickleball courts, a clubhouse, fire pits, and a multi-use trail that will connect to the town’s future greenway system.
Jessica Lybrand, the Director of Planning and Building for Lexington, noted that the proposed development aligns with the town’s comprehensive land-use plan aimed at expanding suburban residential areas. The project has been found compliant with zoning and lot size requirements and will include over 70 acres deemed as open space, more than double the legal minimum. This development aims to help meet local housing demand while enhancing community amenities.
Despite the potential benefits, some residents living near the proposed site have raised concerns regarding the anticipated increase in traffic volume and the safety of local roads. Don Parker, the Facilities Manager for the nearby Lexington Presbyterian Church, pointed out existing congestion problems in the area, which may be exacerbated by the new homes. Town officials have assured that any future approval of the plan will necessitate a detailed analysis, including a traffic impact study and assessments for land disturbance permits.
The Lexington Planning Commission is set to cast a vote on this proposal during a public meeting on Wednesday at 8 a.m. at Town Hall. Approval for the subdivision is contingent upon the property’s annexation into the Town of Lexington, an issue that will be addressed during the upcoming town council work session in August. If approved, the new homes are expected to have an average size of 1,746 square feet and will feature additional amenities like a pool, clubhouse, and multiple seating areas around fire pits.
Entrances to the subdivision are planned from Barr Road and West Main Streets, with a rear emergency exit connecting to Wing Hill Drive, facilitating safe pedestrian and vehicle access. Furthermore, the subdivision will incorporate a 50-foot landscaped buffer along Barr Road to enhance visual aesthetics and provide some separation from the road. The roads within the development will be publicly maintained; however, some routes crossing existing pond dams may not qualify for maintenance by Lexington County.
This development project aims not only to provide much-needed housing but also to foster a sense of community within Lexington through its modern amenities and carefully considered planning and design elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Meritage Homes proposing in Lexington?
Meritage Homes has submitted plans for a residential subdivision featuring 308 single-family homes on approximately 191 acres near Barr Road.
2. What amenities will the subdivision include?
The development will include sidewalks, pickleball courts, a clubhouse, fire pits, a multi-use trail, and a pool.
3. When will the Planning Commission vote on this proposal?
The Planning Commission will vote during a public meeting scheduled for Wednesday at 8 a.m.
4. What are the concerns of local residents?
Some nearby residents have expressed concerns about increased traffic volume and road safety due to potential congestion issues.
5. What is required for the project to proceed?
Approval of the subdivision is contingent on the annexation of the property into the Town of Lexington, which is to be discussed at the town council’s work session in August.
Key Features of Proposed Development
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Homes | 308 single-family homes |
| Size of Development | 191 acres |
| Amenities | Clubhouse, pool, pickleball courts, fire pits, multi-use trail |
| Open Space | Over 70 acres (more than double legal minimum) |
| Average Home Size | 1,746 square feet |
| Meeting Date | Wednesday at 8 a.m. (Planning Commission Vote) |
| Traffic Studies | Required upon plan approval |
| Buffer Zone | 50-foot landscaped buffer along Barr Road |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Barr Residential Development Mixed Reaction
- The State: Neighborhood Concerns Over New Development
- WIS TV: New Midlands Housing Community for Autism
- Lexington County Sheriff: Drug Arrests in Midlands Apartment Complex
- ColaDaily: Lexington Community Backs New Grocery Store
- Wikipedia: Lexington, South Carolina
- Google Search: Lexington South Carolina housing development
- Google Scholar: Lexington development impact study
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington, South Carolina
- Google News: Lexington development news
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
