News Summary
The Chapin Planning Commission is set to discuss the Brighton multi-use development proposal, aiming to enhance housing and amenities in the area. The project plans for 382 residential units and community spaces including parks and sports facilities. Concerns over density and community impact have been raised, with feedback from residents being taken into account. No formal action will be done until town council support is secured, with potential construction starting soon if approved.
Chapin, SC – The Town of Chapin’s Planning Commission is set to hold a special work session at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, to discuss the Brighton multi-use development proposal, a project aimed at enhancing housing and communal amenities in the area. The development, which spans 161.05 acres off Columbia Avenue near downtown Chapin, is designed to create a diverse range of residential and commercial spaces.
The Brighton development will feature a mix of single-family homes, attached homes, and age-restricted homes for senior living along with designated business areas and green spaces for community enjoyment. Each section within Brighton will adhere to specific covenants set forth by various Property Owners’ Associations (POAs) and Homeowner’s Associations (HOAs) to ensure consistent standards and property management.
The proposed residential units include a total of 382 housing units divided among subcommunities named Vanguard, Magnolia, and Renaissance. To promote an active lifestyle, the development is also expected to include a range of amenities such as walking trails, playgrounds, a dog park, and several pocket parks.
An 8.33-acre Brighton Park is a centerpiece of the proposal, featuring sports facilities including tennis and pickleball courts, as well as multi-sports fields that aim to serve both residents and visitors. The site, which was previously developed as the Chapin Business & Technology Park in 2013, has undergone various discussions within the Planning Commission before arriving at this current proposal.
This year, the Planning Commission has gathered four times to discuss the Brighton project. However, commissioners have voiced frustration regarding the planning process, calling for improved documentation from developers to facilitate decision-making. Proposed changes brought forward during discussions have included increasing the minimum lot sizes for single-family homeowners, reducing density in several areas of the development, and enhancing the range of amenities and walking trails.
Concerns voiced by some commissioners suggest a desire to return to neighborhood designs characterized by larger yards, which could cater to greater residential flexibility. Mixed community sentiment has emerged, with some residents welcoming the new development while others express worries over increased density and its potential to alter the town’s character.
During the meeting, no formal action will be taken regarding the development proposal until further support from the town council is obtained. Developers indicated that if granted approval, construction for the first phase of Brighton could commence as early as October of this year.
Feedback from local residents has highlighted concerns over the proposed density of the new development and the possible implications for local traffic patterns. In response to these concerns, Chapin Mayor Albert Koon has stated that the goal of the Brighton development is to create diverse housing options that can accommodate various community members, including both younger residents and seniors. This proposed project aims to address the growing need for affordable housing and inclusive living arrangements for different demographic groups residing in Chapin.
The upcoming work session represents a critical moment for all stakeholders involved, as discussions around the Brighton multi-use development continue to evolve and community input remains a significant part of the planning process.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Chapin Planning Commission Calls Work Session for Brighton Development
- WIS TV: Town Chapin Plans for Nearly 400 Homes
- The State: Chapin Development Concerns
- WLTX: Details of Chapin Development Taking Shape
- Google Search: Chapin Development
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