AIKEN -- A developer's plan to build a townhome development off Aiken's Wire Road received a negative recommendation and criticism from a city board May 13.

The Aiken Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend Aiken City Council deny Beazley Development Company's annexation and zoning requests and concept plan approval for a 188-unit townhome development near Wire Road's intersection with Gator Lane.

Beazley requested the city annex two properties. One of which it owns and the other of which it is under contract to purchase from Rolando and Ana Aparicio.

The properties are bordered by Crosland Park to the north, Aiken Intermediate and North Aiken Elementary to the west, single-family homes to the east and Wire Road to the south.

Commissioners Sam Erb and Peter Messina said the development was not appropriate for the area.

The area is rural and has lots of horses and farms, said Nancy White, who lives one property to the west of the development.

"It's quiet, it's peaceful," White continued. "This kind of blindsided us... We are facing a significant change in the value of our properties and the quality of our lives."

Erb suggested Beazley rework its plans into one- or two-acre single-family lots.

The properties are zoned Rural Development by Aiken County. Beazley requested the city zone them Planned Residential.

Messina said the intent of the Planned Residential zoning is to allow developers to get creative with potential property uses.

The Beazley proposal is "not a creative plan" and "not worthy of a Planned Residential zoning," Messina continued.

The development would be called Guilford.

The concept plan calls for 188-units, spread across 49 buildings.

Neighbor Carolyn McGovern said she was concerned about the density.

"The density is disturbing," she added. "They are really ugly units."

"Aiken is growing, there's no doubt about that," Erb said. "Do we want this kind of growth? No, not necessarily."

Commissioner Caleb Conner said the concept plan is a great example of what not to do.

"I have a degree in urban planning and this is an example of what makes a horrible development," Conner said. "This is Exhibit A in what you're not supposed to be doing in a Planned Residential community, and it would be a blight on that area."

Messina said the concept plan looked very engineered with lots of straight lines.

The concept plan also calls for one access point on Wire Road and a crash gate off Gator Lane.

"I feel it's imperative that there be two access points," Messina said.

Beazley didn't include an easement allowing the crash gate access from the Aiken County school board, Messina added.

Many neighbors said they were concerned about the added traffic on Wire Road.

Chairman Ryan Reynolds encouraged them to speak to the city and Aiken County about the current traffic problems and potential future ones ahead of any more development.

Beazley's Joseph Gulino said there is a traffic study in progress that could require the company make changes to Wire Road.

"I feel the application is very premature where there are so many outstanding questions," Messina said. "Traffic is a major issue here... The traffic study has not been finalized."

Beazley's plan to provide sewer to the development includes the use of a lift station used by the schools.

Gulino said he had permission from the district to use it.

Pat Kahn said the lift station is in her yard and already very noisy. Any increase could negatively affect her property values, she added.

Messina made the motion to recommend denial.

Erb seconded his motion.

Vice Chairman Charles Matthews did not attend the meeting.

The city council is expected to consider the Planning Commission's recommendation at its June 9 meeting.