Plans Move Forward for Student Housing Near Augusta University's Summerville Campus

Augusta commissioners approve rezoning for potential student housing project in historic Sandhills community.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Augusta commissioners have voted to approve rezoning for a potential student housing project in the historic Sandhills community near Augusta University's Summerville campus. The decision has divided community members, with some supporting revitalization efforts while others express concerns about infrastructure and neighborhood character.

Why it matters

The proposed student housing project aims to provide more housing options for students attending Augusta University's Summerville campus, but it has sparked debate within the Sandhills community about the potential impacts on infrastructure, neighborhood character, and the community's long-standing identity.

The details

The housing project would replace several vacant lots in the Sandhills community with units for students. Some residents, like Veronica Bogans who has lived in the area for 56 years, support the project as a way to revitalize the community and provide housing for future doctors, teachers, and other professionals. However, other residents like Carolyn Robinson express concerns about the project's impact on infrastructure, such as narrow streets and existing issues with vehicle fumes and drug problems in the area.

  • On February 18, 2026, Augusta commissioners voted to approve the rezoning for the potential student housing project.

The players

Veronica Bogans

A 56-year resident of the Sandhills community who supports the student housing project as a way to revitalize the area.

Darryl Mims

A former long-time resident of the Sandhills community who sees potential benefits in the proposed housing project.

Carolyn Robinson

A resident who moved to Augusta at age four and expresses concerns about the project's impact on infrastructure, such as narrow streets and vehicle fumes.

Augusta University

The university whose Summerville campus is located near the proposed student housing project.

Augusta Commissioners

The local government body that voted to approve the rezoning for the potential student housing project.

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What they’re saying

“Being revitalized, I think our community is well overdue for that. Students coming here from AU, Payne College, we need that. We need that. Those are our future doctors, teachers, lawyers, x-ray technicians. We need that.”

— Veronica Bogans, Resident

“It's a little older community, but I think it put a, get a hill, a fresh start. Everybody love the hill. People on the hill have a lot of pride.”

— Darryl Mims, Former Resident

“You have to be very careful when you are traveling and it's just an issue. The streets are in disrepair. You'll have more vehicle fumes. Weed is a dead end St. and that's a problem.”

— Carolyn Robinson, Resident

What’s next

The proposed student housing project will now move forward with further planning and development, pending any additional community feedback or review.

The takeaway

The student housing project near Augusta University's Summerville campus highlights the ongoing tension between revitalization efforts and preserving the character and infrastructure of established communities. As the university seeks to expand housing options, the Sandhills neighborhood must balance progress with the needs and concerns of long-time residents.