Lake Murray Shores Development Sparks Mixed Reactions from Residents

Lake Murray Shores Development Sparks Mixed Reactions from Residents

LAKE MURRAY SHORES, S.C. — Exciting changes may soon be on the way for the picturesque area around Lake Murray as a controversial new development progresses, potentially transforming the landscape with hundreds of homes and commercial properties. The project, dubbed “Water Walk”, has already started to stir feelings of hope, concern, and everything in between among the residents of Irmo.

What’s in the Plan?

The “Water Walk” project is aiming to create a vibrant mixed-use development, with plans for up to 550 residential units. This includes a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, facilities for seniors, as well as spaces for retail and hospitality. All of this is proposed to be situated off Dreher Shoals Road, in a location that many locals are quite familiar with.

Divided Opinions

As with any big development, not everyone is on board with the plan. Resident Theresa Rhoades expressed her concerns, stating, “My first thoughts, they’re cutting down enough trees out here, ya know, and we have wildlife that live in these forest areas. And then there’s enough traffic up here.”

On the flip side, some residents are excited about the potential benefits this development could bring. Ira Lee, another local, shared a more optimistic viewpoint: “I mean I think it’s a great idea overall. The lake is actually bringing more people in for the families and communities, in general, so I think it’s a good idea.”

Moving Forward

In a recent meeting, the Irmo Planning Commission took a significant step by approving a rezoning request for 65 acres from general residential to mixed-use development. Mayor Bill Danielson discussed the implications of this decision: “Without the rezoning, the property could have accommodated up to 700 homes under the original residential zoning. Is that something we would want? No, but we don’t have the power to stop things.”

According to Mayor Danielson, the best course of action was to move forward with a mixed-use plan, explaining that the decision allows developers to conduct vital studies moving forward. “Again, all we’ve done with that zoning is allow the developer to move forward under their contract and to do more due diligence—one is a market study which will cost tens of thousands of dollars, a traffic analysis which will then cost tens of thousands of dollars,” he added.

Next Steps for the Project

The journey isn’t over yet. There will be another public hearing next Tuesday at 6 p.m., along with a council meeting focused on further discussions about the “Water Walk” project. This will provide another opportunity for the community to voice their opinions and for the city to gather feedback from residents.

While “Water Walk” has the potential to revitalize the area with new homes and businesses, it’s clear that the project will continue to spark conversation among locals who care deeply about the future of their community. As the public hearing approaches, it will be interesting to see how residents’ sentiments evolve and whether the potential benefits of the development outweigh the environmental and traffic concerns that have been raised.

A Community in Transition

No matter where one stands on this development, it’s an undeniable fact that Lake Murray Shores is at a crossroads. Change is happening, and with that change comes a mix of opportunity and apprehension. Tune in for updates as this story unfolds and the community continues to engage in discussions about what kind of future they want to build.

The lake is a part of their home, and as they navigate these waters, every voice matters in shaping the landscape of Lake Murray Shores.