AIKEN, SC. ()- 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.

Aiken County Homeless Housing was looking to bring a tiny-home village to the 4-acre property, featuring 39 tiny homes, picnic areas, and a community building.

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. 

“There were certainly concerns brought by adjacent property owners and others. But there was also the management plan, and the ability to have an ongoing workable model. I think that was articulated by members of council, and they weren’t necessarily convinced that was the case,” said 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 one silver bullet. Certainly I believe it could be part of a solution, but I think just getting broad community consensus on an issue such as homelessness or unsheltered is going to be where it needs to go,” Bedenbaugh said.

“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.