Lexington County, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Lexington County is reviewing the proposed Avanti Townhomes development, consisting of 83 townhome units on a 22-acre site. Concerns have been raised regarding the impact on local schools, specifically the Lexington 1 school district, which anticipates an increase of around 124 new students. As the council meeting approaches, the fiscal and infrastructural implications are under scrutiny to address community needs amid ongoing development.
Lexington County Faces Scrutiny Over Avanti Townhomes Development
Lexington County is currently reviewing a proposed development of 83 townhome units called Avanti Townhomes. The plans outline the construction of almost 100 homes across a 22-acre site located southwest of Lexington, near Longs Pond Road and the Baneberry subdivision. This project is slated to be discussed within the upcoming Lexington County Council meeting on September 9, as council members evaluate its implications for the community.
As part of a recent push to manage growth effectively, the county has tightened its development standards following the implementation of a concurrency review process last year. This process mandates that local agencies, including school districts, assess new developments for their potential impact on public services, including education.
Concerns Raised by Local Schools
The Lexington 1 school district has raised significant concerns regarding the proposed Avanti Townhomes. The district noted that Deerfield Elementary, the closest school, currently lacks capacity to accommodate any new students without modifications. To manage the anticipated increase in student population—estimated to be around 124 new students—the school district may need to purchase portable classrooms at a cost ranging from $300,000 to $450,000.
Further analysis provided by the school district indicates that the fiscal impact of the new homes could amount to $584,080. This influx would also likely require the hiring of at least six new teachers and the acquisition of an additional bus for the expanding student body.
Current Capacity and Limitations
The Lexington 1 school district is currently managing projects financed by a 2018 bond referendum and does not have immediate plans to construct additional school facilities. As such, accommodating the influx of students from the new housing development poses a challenge for the district.
Review Process and Public Opinion
Lexington County’s concurrency review process—unique in South Carolina—holistically assesses potential growth and its impact on public services, though no development proposals have yet been rejected under this process. A public hearing regarding the Avanti Townhomes development brought forward several community concerns, notably the necessity for multiple access points for large developments. Current regulations require two access points for projects that include 150 homes or more, aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities. Some residents argue that this stipulation is crucial, while others express worries about increased traffic on existing roadways that are inadequately designed to handle additional volume.
Impact of Additional Developments
This proposed development is not the only project on the table. Other planned developments, such as one for 196 single-family homes near Gaston, also ignites concerns over potential burdens on local schools. The Lexington 4 school district, for instance, anticipates the need for new educational facilities costing approximately $2 million each if these developments proceed without careful consideration of their impact on public services.
Conclusion
As the Lexington County Council prepares to discuss Avanti Townhomes, residents and local officials alike remain concerned about the implications of new housing projects. The balance between development and community needs will be crucial in the discussions ahead.
FAQ
What is the Avanti Townhomes development?
The Avanti Townhomes development is a proposal for 83 townhome units on a 22-acre site in Lexington County, near Longs Pond Road and Baneberry subdivision.
How will the development impact local schools?
The Lexington 1 school district forecasts an increase of approximately 124 new students, which could require additional classrooms, teachers, and resources to manage.
What is the concurrency review process?
The concurrency review process is a system introduced in Lexington County that assesses new developments based on their potential effects on public services, including schools and infrastructure.
What are the concerns of local residents?
Residents have expressed concerns about public safety and traffic volume, specifically regarding the adequacy of existing roadways and the need for multiple access points for major developments.
Are there other developments planned in the area?
Yes, there is another planned development for 196 single-family homes near Gaston, which could pose additional challenges for local school districts.
Key Features of the Avanti Townhomes Development
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Units | 83 Townhome Units |
| Area Size | 22 Acres |
| Location | Near Longs Pond Road and Baneberry subdivision |
| Estimated New Students | Approx. 124 |
| Required Investment for Classrooms | $300,000 to $450,000 |
| Fiscal Impact on Schools | $584,080 |
| Public Concerns | Traffic and public safety |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Police Enhance School Zone Safety
Lexington County Council Reviews Avanti Townhomes Proposal
Lexington County Set to Vote on New Townhome Development
Additional Resources
- The State: Lexington County Faces Scrutiny Over Avanti Townhomes Development
- WLTX: Gaston Development
- WISTV: New Developments in Lexington County
- Post and Courier: Homes in Lexington County
- The State: Concerns About Growth in Lexington County
- Wikipedia: Lexington County, South Carolina
- Google Search: Lexington County Development
- Google Scholar: Lexington County Development Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Google News: Lexington County 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.
