Lexington, South Carolina, August 16, 2025
News Summary
The Lexington County Council is evaluating the Avanti Townhomes development proposal, which plans to build 83 townhome units on 22 acres. Concerns have arisen about the impact on local schools, primarily Deerfield Elementary, that may struggle to accommodate the expected increase in students. The proposal is part of a concurrency review process that analyzes the impact of such developments on local infrastructure and services.
Lexington, South Carolina – The Lexington County Council is currently reviewing a proposal for the Avanti Townhomes development, which seeks to construct 83 townhome units on 22 acres of land located southwest of Lexington, near Longs Pond Road and Interstate 20. The development is being scrutinized due to concerns about its potential impact on local schools, particularly Deerfield Elementary School, which currently lacks the capacity to accommodate new students.
The Avanti Townhomes proposal is part of a concurrency review process adopted by the Lexington County Council last year. This approach evaluates how new developments affect public services, making Lexington County the only one in the state to utilize this comprehensive review methodology. As of now, no projects have been rejected under this system.
The proposed site is positioned near the Baneberry subdivision, and if the development proceeds, it is estimated that around 124 additional students would enroll in the nearby school district, based on projections that 75% of the 83 homes would house families with two children. To accommodate this expected influx of students, Deerfield Elementary School may need to install between one to three portable classrooms, which would incur costs ranging from $300,000 to $450,000, with an installation timeline of approximately one year.
The financial ramifications of the Avanti Townhomes development on the Lexington 1 school district are considerable. The district estimates that the total fiscal impact from the new homes could reach $584,080. Additionally, accommodating the new students would likely require hiring at least six new teachers and purchasing a new school bus, further straining the district’s resources. Currently, the Lexington 1 school district is wrapping up projects initiated from its 2018 bond referendum and has no immediate plans for new construction projects to meet this demand.
Moreover, the emergence of additional developments in the same attendance zone could necessitate future construction projects at both middle and high schools, amplifying the already significant concerns regarding school capacity and funding complications.
The upcoming council meeting on September 9 will also present another development with plans for 118 new townhomes at Walkers Trail alongside the Avanti proposal. A new proposal under review aims to mandate developments consisting of 150 or more homes to incorporate at least two entry points, a change from the current requirement of 200 homes. For those with 300 homes, three access points would be necessary, with an additional exit required for every 200 lots above 500 homes.
Supporters of this proposed regulation assert that the new access point requirements enhance public safety and provide emergency alternatives. On the other hand, critics of the measure caution that such regulations may lead to increased cut-through traffic on roads that are not designed for heavy use, negatively impacting the flow of traffic and community character. Concerns are also raised about the ability of certain neighborhoods to meet the proposed requirements due to inadequate road frontage.
As growth and expansion of developments continue in the area, local residents express mixed feelings regarding traffic congestion and the preservation of the community character. The pressure for new developments, spurred by rising demand for housing, raises critical questions regarding infrastructure and public service provisions in Lexington County.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Avanti Townhomes development proposal?
The Avanti Townhomes proposal seeks to build 83 townhome units on 22 acres near Longs Pond Road and Interstate 20 in Lexington County, South Carolina.
Why is the development being reviewed?
The Lexington County Council is reviewing the proposal due to concerns about its impact on local schools, particularly Deerfield Elementary School, which has no capacity for additional students.
What financial impact is anticipated for the Lexington 1 school district?
The estimated fiscal impact on the district is projected to be $584,080, necessitating potential hiring and resource allocations to accommodate new students.
What are the new access point requirements for developments in Lexington County?
The proposed requirements would necessitate at least two entry points for developments with 150 or more homes and three access points for those with 300 homes, aiming to enhance public safety.
When will the Lexington County Council discuss the Avanti proposal?
The council plans to review the Avanti proposal during their meeting scheduled for September 9.
Key Features of Avanti Townhomes Proposal
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Units | 83 Townhome Units |
| Site Area | 22 Acres |
| Location | Near Longs Pond Road & Interstate 20 |
| Impact on Schools | 124 Additional Students Expected |
| Financial Impact | $584,080 on Lexington 1 School District |
| Portable Classrooms Required | 1-3 Classrooms, Costing $300,000 – $450,000 |
| Next Council Meeting | September 9 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington County Set to Vote on New Townhome Development
Additional Resources
- The State: Lexington County Proposal
- MSN: Townhomes Proposal
- WLTX: New Subdivision in Platt Springs Rd
- Lexington Herald-Leader: Kentuck County News
- WISTV: Development in Lexington County
- Wikipedia: Lexington, South Carolina
- Google Search: Lexington County developments
- Google Scholar: Lexington South Carolina developments
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington South Carolina
- Google News: Lexington County new home developments
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.
