AIKEN, S.C. () – Aiken’s burgeoning neighborhood could soon welcome a new apartment complex.

The proposed development would feature four buildings, housing a total of 84 apartments at the intersection of Rudy Mason Parkway and Wire Road.

The project also includes plans for a retention pond and approximately 140 parking spaces to accommodate residents.

Stuart Bedenbaugh, Aiken City Manager, explained, “During the December Planning Commission meeting, the board considered a proposal to rezone the area from residential single-family RSS 10 to planned residential ER and approved a conceptual plan.”

The currently undeveloped land features a 35-foot slope descending towards Rudy Mason Parkway.

The main driveway would connect to Rudy Mason Parkway. Emergency vehicles would use a secondary entrance from Wire Road.

Planned amenities include a playground, picnic areas, a dog park, and seating areas. The developer requested less recreational space. City rules usually require 20 percent.

“One of the things with having open space or, or space for recreation is it does eliminate a lot of the non pervious surface, which helps with storm water capture and storm water issues, both on adjacent properties and roadways and also on the property itself,” Bedenbaugh said.

Because of the development’s size, a traffic study would be required during design and permitting.

“We are recommending the traffic analysis be done as it relates to the driveway capacity and performs a turn lane review, so that people turning left onto Wire Road off of the bypass won’t conflict with the proposed apartment traffic, turning needs,” Bedenbaugh said.

The area already has multifamily housing, with future commercial development expected. Pedestrian safety is a priority, and the developer must add improvements, including a sidewalk to the Wire Road crosswalk.

City council is expected to take up the new project in January.