AIKEN, S.C. () – The project that would bring tiny homes to Aiken has suffered a setback.
In a narrow 4-3 vote, Aiken City Council members have rejected the ordinance to bring tiny homes to this plot of land on Dyches Road.
This after city leaders heard from community members about the project for more than 3 hours during public comment.
“We were disappointed for sure. But like I said, it’s one step in the process,” said Gary McGuire, vice president for Aiken County Homeless Housing.
The Aiken County Homeless Housing initiative aimed to establish a tiny-home village on a 4-acre site, consisting of 39 small homes, picnic spots, and a central community center.
Aiken County Homeless Housing also heard from concerned neighbors at a town hall meeting last month.
But after the ordinance was brought to city council members this week, city leaders were divided.
“Concerns were definitely raised by nearby property owners and others. However, the focus was also on the management plan and the feasibility of maintaining an effective ongoing model. Council members voiced these issues, and they weren’t fully convinced of its viability,” explained Aiken City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh.
McGuire says from here, the organization will go back to the drawing board.
He and city leaders say they want to come to the best solution to help the homeless.
“We’ll have to talk it over, make some refinements, make some adjustments, and go from there,” McGuire said.
City leaders say while there won’t be a second reading for this ordinance, the tiny home conversation isn’t over.
“There’s no single solution to the problem. I believe it can certainly be part of a broader solution, but achieving wide community agreement on matters like homelessness or people living without shelter is where our efforts should be directed,” stated Bedenbaugh.
“It’s a new concept, we understand that. But, it’s something we believe can fit into the overall plan,” said McGuire.
Aiken Homeless Housing says they’re planning to meet within the next few days to discuss next steps, and a possible new plan.
