Exciting Changes Ahead for Irmo: Town Council Approves the ‘Water Walk’ Development
Irmo, S.C. has some thrilling news on the horizon as the Town Council has recently given the green light for a major development project known as the ‘Water Walk’. This venture will reshape a 64-acre piece of land located at the intersection of Dreher Shoals Road, Muskrat Run, and Salem Church Road, paving the way for nearly 550 residential units, commercial spaces, a charming boutique hotel, and much more.
A Thoughtful Approach to Growth
Assistant Irmo Town Administrator Doug Polen expressed enthusiasm about the project’s potential, stating, “This area is going to grow, so by doing this project, we are able to control our destiny on that road. We can ensure that the project is the best possible project for the people that live in that area.” This approach reflects the town’s commitment to planning for the future while keeping local residents’ needs at the forefront.
With the approval under their belts, developers can now move forward with purchasing the land and requesting the necessary permits to kickstart this ambitious undertaking. The Town Council approved two key ordinances on Tuesday. One ordinance centered around a development agreement that lays out how the project will align with specific local needs, while the other focused on zoning changes that would transition the area from general residential, general commercial, and fringe agriculture to a mixed-use development.
Embracing Development
Polen emphasized the importance of welcoming development to the area rather than resisting it. “We might as well be a good location to land rather than a location that’s fighting off people from coming in,” he noted, aligning with the vision for Irmo as a community that thrives alongside growth.
The road to this approval was not without its challenges. The project was presented to the planning commission twice before making its way to the Town Council, where it faced denial back in September. However, the developers from Material Capital Partners were given an opportunity to revise their plans upon receiving constructive feedback. Poland added, “That’s why we have two readings, so that we have multiple chances to catch mistakes and clarify issues. We know this project is going to take 5-10 years to be built, so we want to make sure we have everything in place today.”
Taking Concerns Seriously
Despite the excitement surrounding the project, not everyone is on board. An Irmo resident has filed a lawsuit, alleging that the town broke the law by allowing the developers to revisit their plans after the initial denial. Additionally, concerns have been raised about potential traffic increases due to the new development.
To address these worries, Polen reassured residents that traffic studies would be conducted by the developers, who would also fund necessary road improvements, including road widening. “Developers said they plan to work closely with the town on reviewing those findings,” he shared.
Commitment to Transparency
The developers also pledged to maintain open communication with the community during the building process. “We’ve limited the construction vehicles to certain times of the day and will provide input to the Town and SCDOT from our experience with other communities,” the developers stated. They emphasized their commitment to implementing best practices, including the potential use of roundabouts to handle increased traffic volume effectively.
Looking Ahead
As part of the development agreement, the timeline for annual progress reports on the Water Walk will be established. Polen mentioned that while the project may take several years to complete, ongoing dialogues about its progress will remain vital. “We will begin the site planning and studies and commence the entitlement process with the Town,” he added.
In closing, the developers expressed gratitude for the Council’s approval while recognizing the responsibility to adhere strictly to the Development Agreement established with the Town. “We will provide regular updates on the public project website we built for transparency with the community,” a representative from Material Capital Partners stated.
With this ambitious project in the pipeline, Irmo residents can look forward to the changes coming their way, potentially enhancing both the community’s landscape and economy.
