North Augusta Approves 68-Acre Annexation at Exit 1 in Largest Land Addition Since 2022

The North Augusta City Council approved annexing 68 acres at Exit 1 on Nov. 17. This marks the biggest land addition in over three years. The site will house more than 90 single-family homes.

The Hammond property sits wedged between Savannah Barony, The Rapids, and the future Wrenfield at Chanticleer. This tract was what officials call a donut hole — county land encircled by city boundaries.

Mayor Briton Williams and councilmen Robert Freitas, John Felak, and Kevin Toole voted yes. Councilmen David Buck and Dennis Briatico voted no on both readings. Councilwoman Pat Carpenter recused herself.

"To me, there's too many unknowns going forward with this particular development to vote 'yes' on the annexation," Buck said, according to Post and Courier.

A concept shows 93 single-family homes on lots of about a third of an acre each. No formal application has been submitted yet. Wil Kacos said multiple builders have shown interest in constructing houses here, priced in the mid-$500,000s.

Residents raised concerns about infrastructure capacity and tree loss during meetings. Sharon Melton mentioned the city's declining sewer capacity. She asked that parameters be placed on any development. "I don't feel like things are occurring or being approved — this is my personal opinion — as they should be. More information needs to be given," Melton said.

Briatico said his vote against the annexation stemmed from uncertainty about handling more development. Citizens have expressed weariness about growth, he explained.

Williams said a work session on sewer and wastewater systems would take place by year's end. The tract will go through the standard approval process, including review by engineering and stormwater departments.