Tiny homes plan in Aiken on pause after community reaction
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - The second and final reading for tiny homes has ed in the Aiken County City Council, but what is next for the project looking to help people experiencing homelessness get back on their feet?
News 12’s last update was in February when we learned a planned community called Arbor Ridge would be built on Dyches Road — but the project has hit a snag.
First, the project is expected to be done in three phases — the first phase will start with 11 homes and then they will progress to phases two and three.
While many view the project as a lifeline rather than a risk — others say it could bring more problems than solutions.
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In a quiet patch off Dyches Road — a bold idea is taking shape, tiny homes for the homeless.
“Regardless of their abilities, they deserve the dignity of having a space to live,” Michele Arana-Jimenez, who lives in Aiken, says.
Robert Cota lives steps away from the proposed area; he says the plan is moving too fast and too close to home.
“We don’t have the infrastructure, sidewalks, streetlights, pedestrian crossings,” he explains. “With an additional 75 people, we have concerns about it for our safety.”
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Gary McGuire, the Vice President of Aiken Homeless Housing, says they have been eyeing Dyches Road for three years, explaining, “It’s right next to Aiken, Center Aiken, Barnwell, mental Health, Christ Central.”
Cota says his concerns aren’t about heartlessness — they’re about readiness.
“I have empathy for them, but with that being said, how are they going to handle all that? How is it going to be managed?”
To help manage the community — they’ve brought in Aiken Transition Management.
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“They have a very complicated task of establishing what the rules are and ensuring that we’re good neighbors,” McGuire explains.
The entire site will have a six-foot fence and security cameras.
Their plan requires Arbor Ridge residents to complete the program in at least two years.
But after hearing concerns from the community, the project is on pause.
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“We heard there’s some residents that would like to have the opportunity to have some input, so, we want to embrace that,” McGuire says.
Others say they worry about the cost of inaction.
“You know, not that we need to jump the gun into things, but also at the same time, I think not wasting time is important,” Arana-Jimenez says.
But for now, Arbor Ridge remains in limbo — caught between a vision and approval.
Developers say they hope to restart conversations and resubmit their proposal in the near future — and neighbors say they’re waiting — for answers and maybe even compromise.
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