News Summary
Meritage Homes has proposed a new residential subdivision in Lexington, SC, featuring 308 single-family homes on 191 acres near Barr Road. The Lexington Planning Commission will vote on the proposal amidst community concerns over traffic and local road safety. The development aims to include amenities such as sidewalks and pickleball courts, while also designating significant open space. Residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming public meeting to discuss potential impacts.
Lexington, South Carolina – Meritage Homes has proposed a residential subdivision that aims to develop 308 single-family homes on approximately 191 acres near the 300 block of Barr Road, situated just outside the town limits of Lexington. This new development has garnered mixed reactions from the local community, prompting heightened attention as the Lexington Planning Commission prepares for a crucial vote on the proposal during a public meeting scheduled for Wednesday at 8 a.m. at Town Hall.
The planned residential area is strategically located in proximity to several notable landmarks, including the Barr Road Sports Complex, Lexington Presbyterian Church, and the Lexington school bus lot. If approved, the project will feature an array of amenities designed to foster community engagement, such as sidewalks, pickleball courts, a clubhouse, fire pits, and a multi-use trail that will connect to the town’s planned greenway system.
According to Jessica Lybrand, the Director of Planning and Building for the Town of Lexington, the development aligns with the town’s comprehensive land-use plan geared towards suburban residential areas. The plans designate over 70 acres of the land as open space, which is more than double the legal minimum requirement, further enhancing the project’s appeal to potential residents and promoting environmental considerations.
Despite the anticipated benefits, the proposal has incited concerns among nearby residents. One of the primary worries centers on the potential for increased traffic and safety issues on local roads. Residents fear that the additional homes could exacerbate congestion in an already busy area. Issues related to current traffic patterns have been highlighted by community members, with some individuals describing the situation as dangerous, particularly around Barr Road.
Don Parker, Facilities Manager for Lexington Presbyterian Church, has expressed concern about the current congestion levels. The community’s apprehension indicates a critical need for thorough discussions on traffic implications, which will be addressed in an upcoming traffic impact study required before any construction can commence. Additionally, land disturbance permits will need to be acquired, representing another regulatory hurdle that must be navigated.
The approval of the plan is contingent upon the annexation of the property into the Town of Lexington, a topic that will be taken up in the council’s August work session. This annexation is vital for the development to move forward, ensuring that the new homes will be integrated within the town’s jurisdiction and infrastructure.
The subdivision plans detail an average lot size of 1,746 square feet for the proposed homes. Residents will benefit from publicly maintained roads, including sidewalks. However, there are potential complications regarding the acceptance of roads built over existing pond dams, which may not be maintained by Lexington County.
This upcoming meeting of the Lexington Planning Commission will address the sketch plan for the new subdivision. With such significant implications for the community, residents are encouraged to engage in the discussion, as the outcomes of the meeting may shape the area’s future development landscape.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Barr Residential Development – Mixed Reaction
- Wikipedia: Lexington, South Carolina
- The State: Proposed Residential Development in Lexington
- Google Search: Lexington South Carolina development
- WISTV: Midlands Housing Community for Those with Autism
- Google Scholar: Lexington community development
- Cola Daily: Lexington Community Backs Grocery Store Initiative
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Development
- WACH: Community Rallies for Midlands Teen
- Google News: Traffic Concerns Lexington South Carolina
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.
