Gaston, S.C., August 21, 2025
News Summary
A proposal to build 196 single-family homes on nearly 100 acres off Victor Road in Gaston, S.C. has raised concerns among local residents about potential impacts on their rural community. The development, which comes after two recent housing approvals, could significantly increase traffic, alter local wildlife habitats, and strain educational resources in the area. Residents are worried about maintaining their community’s character amidst growing demands for housing.
Gaston, S.C. – A proposal to build 196 single-family homes on nearly 100 acres off Victor Road is under consideration, raising concerns among local residents about the potential impacts on their rural community. The area, which currently has a population of approximately 1,600 residents, is already seeing a wave of development as this project is the third proposed subdivision following two recent housing approvals that could collectively bring hundreds of new homes.
The development plan includes not only the homes but also the construction of a new public road, aiming to accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic and residents. While this development promises to provide more housing options, local residents have expressed profound surprise and concern, noting a lack of communication about the project from developers.
Residents like Trasonda, who moved to Gaston in search of a quieter lifestyle away from the bustling city, fear that the addition of so many homes could lead to increased commercial development, altering the essence of their community. Concerns over the impact on local wildlife are also prevalent, with fears about habitat loss and the potential for increased encounters between wildlife and residents.
Local resident Barbara Bailey highlighted that recent tree clearing for development projects has already negatively impacted local bird populations and resulted in heightened rodent activity, signaling ecological changes that worry many community members.
This development will have implications for local education as well. The Lexington School District Four, which currently serves about 3,500 students, may face significant challenges accommodating new students. As it stands, the district has space for around 925 students, and if all proposed subdivisions are approved, the district could face a deficit of 11 students at the elementary level, and 111 students at both the middle and high school levels. The former superintendent has indicated that new schools may need to be built at a cost of roughly $2 million each to handle the influx of students.
In response to these concerns, Lexington County enacted a concurrency review process in 2023, which requires local agency input before moving forward with any development proposals. So far, however, no subdivision proposals have been halted due to this review process. The county planning commission is expected to review the subdivision proposal on Thursday morning, after which it will be forwarded to the county council for further consideration.
This development proposal exemplifies the tension between the demand for housing in growing areas like Gaston and the desire of residents to maintain the rural character of their community. The potential changes in local infrastructure and the environment are understandably causing significant concern among longtime residents.
FAQ
What is the proposed development in Gaston, S.C.?
The proposal includes building 196 single-family homes on almost 100 acres off Victor Road.
How many residents currently live in the area?
Approximately 1,600 residents currently live in Gaston, S.C.
What are residents concerned about regarding the proposal?
Residents have raised concerns about increased traffic, impacts on local wildlife, potential habitat loss, and the strain on local schools.
What impact will the new homes have on local schools?
If all proposed subdivisions are approved, Lexington School District Four may face a significant increase in student enrollment, creating a potential deficit of students in the local schools.
What is the concurrency review process?
The concurrency review process requires input from local agencies before approval of any new development, aimed at balancing growth with necessary infrastructure improvements.
Key Features of the Proposed Development
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Homes | 196 single-family homes |
| Acreage | Almost 100 acres |
| Current Population | Approximately 1,600 residents |
| Impact on Schools | Potential deficit of 11 elementary students and 111 middle/high school students |
| Cost to Build New Schools | Estimated $2 million each |
| Concurrency Review | Requires local agency input before development approval |
| Planning Commission Review | Scheduled for Thursday morning |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Council Limits New Subdivisions to Four Homes per Acre
Lexington County’s Transformation into a Suburban Hub
Debate Grows over Proposed Lexington Subdivision
Lexington Reviews Proposal for 308-Home Subdivision
Columbia City Council Delays Short-Term Rental Regulations
Historic Textile Mill Transformed into Affordable Apartments
Gaston Area to Possibly Welcome 317 New Homes
Columbia, SC Set for Major Development Projects
Bessemer City Introduces New Housing at Lofts at Osage Mill
Lexington County Moves to Address Traffic Congestion
Additional Resources
- WLTX: Gaston Development Proposal
- The State: Local News Article
- Brinsfield Funeral: Lew Chavis Obituary
- Legacy: Phillip Lambert Obituary
- Legacy: Robert Cooper Obituary
- Wikipedia: Urban Sprawl
- Google Search: Development in Gaston SC
- Google Scholar: Gaston SC Housing Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
- Google News: Gaston SC Development
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
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