Lexington County, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Lexington County is reviewing four proposed housing developments that could bring nearly 400 new homes to the area. These projects, focused in Irmo, Gaston, and Pelion, aim to accommodate the region’s growing population. Scheduled for planning commission review on September 18, the developments will undergo a concurrency review to assess impact on community services. If approved, the projects are expected to significantly impact local school districts and infrastructure. Developers are keen to address the surging demand for housing in the community.
Lexington County is considering four new housing developments that may lead to the addition of nearly 400 new homes in the area. The proposals are scheduled to be reviewed by the county’s planning commission on September 18, and they include projects in multiple locations, primarily catering to the growing population in the region.
If the developments are approved, they will comprise:
- 15 single-family homes and 10 townhomes in the Irmo area
- More than 300 homes just outside of Gaston
- 34 single-family homes just outside Pelion
The current subdivision proposals are subject to a concurrency review process involving local agencies, including school districts and emergency services. This process provides an opportunity for feedback on how the new housing will impact community services. The county implemented this review system in June 2023, aiming to better manage growth and development.
Lexington County’s population has seen significant growth since 1980, more than doubling with an increase of over 170,000 residents. This surge in population calls for new housing solutions to accommodate the influx of families and individuals.
Each development must receive approval from the county council after being recommended by the planning commission to move forward. The proposed subdivision outside Gaston would add 318 new homes distributed across 204 acres along Woodtrail Drive. This project will require the construction of three new entrances and roads to facilitate access.
Of the land designated for the Gaston subdivision, approximately 95 acres have been held in a family trust since December 2022, while RYR Holdings, LLC purchased the remaining 109 acres for $300,000 in November 2024. Tier Homes, LLC, based in Elgin, is the developer for this project.
This particular subdivision falls under the Lexington 4 school district, which anticipates a $2 million impact on its operating costs due to the influx of new families. It also estimates needing to hire 40 new teachers to accommodate the expected increase in students. If approved, the Gaston project will be part of four developments planned within the same school district, potentially adding over 1,000 new homes.
In Irmo, one proposed development aims to build 15 single-family homes on seven acres along Rocky Point Drive. A second project in the area plans to create ten townhomes on 2.5 acres adjacent to Saint Andrews Road. Sanford Enterprises, located in Rock Hill, is the developer for the Rocky Point subdivision.
The land for the townhomes, known as Rutledge Place Townes, was acquired for $13,000 at a tax sale in 2014 by Rhonda and Randall Halacka, although a specific developer for this project has not been identified. Both developments in Irmo will fall under the Lexington-Richland 5 school district, which currently believes there will be no significant impact on operational costs as a result of these projects.
Another proposed subdivision near Pelion plans to construct 34 single-family homes on 11.5 acres, with Sanford Enterprises also leading this project. The land for this Pelion project was purchased for $208,500 by ScNc Land Co. in May 2025. The Lexington 1 school district estimates this development could slightly exceed $100,000 in operational costs.
Overall, the concurrency review process allows local agencies to evaluate the impact of proposed developments on their services. So far, this review has not delayed any projects, indicating a positive outlook for the future of housing in Lexington County.
FAQ
What new housing developments are being considered in Lexington County?
Lexington County is considering four new housing projects that could add nearly 400 homes, including areas in Irmo, Gaston, and Pelion.
When will the housing development proposals be reviewed?
The proposals are scheduled for review by the planning commission on September 18.
What does the concurrency review process involve?
The concurrency review process allows local agencies, like school districts and emergency services, to assess the impact of proposed developments on their operations.
Chart of Key Features
| Project Location | Homes Proposed | Developer | Impact on School District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irmo | 25 (15 single-family, 10 townhomes) | Sanford Enterprises | Negligible impact |
| Gaston | 318 | Tier Homes, LLC | $2 million impact, need for 40 new teachers |
| Pelion | 34 | Sanford Enterprises | Over $100,000 impact |
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Gaston Development
- Gaston Gazette: Affordable Housing Development
- Business North Carolina: Textile Mill Redevelopment
- YieldPro: Gaston at North End
- The State: Local News
- Wikipedia: Housing Development
- Google Search: Housing Development News
- Google Scholar: Housing Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing Development
- Google News: Housing Development
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.
