Gaston, S.C., October 17, 2025
News Summary
The proposed Enclave at Woodtrail development in Gaston, S.C. has sparked concerns over school capacity and infrastructure, as the Lexington School District reports no available classroom space for new students. Local officials are apprehensive about the rapid pace of development, with four other subdivisions already approved. The development plans to build 318 homes on over 200 acres, with nearly half designated for open space. The Planning Commission has voted against the project due to the alarming lack of school capacity to support incoming families.
Gaston, S.C. – Concerns about school capacity and infrastructure have been raised regarding the proposed Enclave at Woodtrail development, which aims to bring more than 300 homes to land south of Woodtrail Drive in Lexington County. The project is expected to comprise a 318-home subdivision situated on over 200 acres, with nearly half of the land designated for open space.
The development complies with all county standards for single-family housing, including lot size and green space requirements. However, local officials have voiced concerns over the rapid rate of development within the district, noting that four other subdivisions have already been approved.
Keith Frost, Lexington County Planning Commissioner, highlighted that the school district is currently under pressure from these recent approvals. A review from Lexington School District Four indicated there is no available classroom capacity to accommodate incoming students if the Enclave at Woodtrail is given the green light. Frost found the school district’s report alarming, as it was the first time he had seen “zeros across the board for additional capacity.”
In light of these findings, planning commissioners are looking to understand how the school district intends to manage the anticipated growth, including potential funding options such as a bond referendum. Consequently, the Planning Commission has voted against recommending the Enclave at Woodtrail due to these valid concerns about school capacity and infrastructure capabilities.
The Building Industry Association of Columbia has criticized the use of school capacity as a criterion for residential development, arguing that new neighborhoods can also attract teachers. Local resident John Todd expressed that he has no strong opposition to the project, provided that community relations remain positive.
If the Lexington County Council accepts the Planning Commission’s recommendation, it would represent the second subdivision denied this year due to school capacity issues. A separate proposed development in Gaston aims to construct 196 single-family homes on nearly 100 acres off Victor Road, situated southwest of the town. This project is part of three planned developments in the Gaston area, which follows previous housing approvals.
Local residents have expressed surprise and concern over the potential impact of additional housing developments on local resources and wildlife. Former superintendent of Lexington School District Four, Robert Maddox, has predicted significant deficits in school capacity should multiple subdivisions receive approval.
Additionally, a concurrency review process enacted by the county in 2023 mandates local agency input before developments can advance. However, this has not halted any subdivision proposals thus far. Recently, the Planning Commission authorized two other developments that are projected to add over 300 homes: Valley Crest and Terra Pines subdivisions. Valley Crest consists of 198 homes on 129 acres, while Terra Pines will feature 119 homes on 80 acres.
Valley Crest is located off Fish Hatchery Road and Casa Dell Road, and Terra Pines is positioned off Blackville Road and Highway 6. These two latest projects contribute to a total of four developments pitched or approved for the area this year as growth continues to expand outward from Lexington County. Residents have voiced fears about traffic congestion and the loss of the area’s rural character due to the ongoing development.
The Planning Commission’s favorable vote for the two additional developments now awaits final approval from the county council.
FAQ Section
What is the Enclave at Woodtrail development?
The Enclave at Woodtrail is a proposed 318-home subdivision set on more than 200 acres south of Woodtrail Drive in Lexington County, Gaston, S.C., with nearly half of the land aimed for open space.
What concerns have been raised regarding the project?
Local officials are concerned about the rapid pace of development, as there are four other subdivisions already approved in the district, and the school district lacks available classroom capacity to accommodate additional students.
What did the school district’s review indicate?
The review from Lexington School District Four indicated that there is no available classroom capacity to accommodate new students if the Enclave at Woodtrail is approved.
What other developments are being considered in the area?
Another proposed development aims to build 196 single-family homes off Victor Road, and two more subdivisions, Valley Crest and Terra Pines, are also moving forward, adding a total of over 300 homes to the area.
Key Features of Developments
| Development Name | Number of Homes | Land Area (acres) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enclave at Woodtrail | 318 | 200+ | Woodtrail Drive, Lexington County |
| Victor Road Project | 196 | 100 | Victor Road, Gaston |
| Valley Crest | 198 | 129 | Fish Hatchery Road and Casa Dell Road |
| Terra Pines | 119 | 80 | Blackville Road and Highway 6 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mission Lexington Expands and Relocates to Better Serve the Community
Mission Lexington Expands Operations to Aid More Families
Concerns Rise Over Enclave at Woodtrail Development in Gaston, SC
Additional Resources
- WISTV: 2 Developments Set to Bring Over 300 Homes
- The State: Local Development News
- Fox Carolina: Planning Commission Approves Major Development
- Gaston Gazette: Monthly Apartments for Rent
- Independent Mail: Anderson Subdivision News
- Wikipedia: Urban Development
- Google Search: Lexington County development
- Google Scholar: School Capacity Planning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Planning
- Google News: Lexington County infrastructure
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.
