Irmo Town Council Advances Controversial Water Walk Development Amid Community Concerns

Irmo Town Council Moves Forward with Controversial Water Walk Development

In a recent meeting, the Irmo Town Council took a significant step towards approving the Water Walk development, a plan that has stirred up quite a bit of discussion among residents. This mixed-use residential project aims to bring up to 550 housing units to a 65-acre property located along the shores of Lake Murray, specifically at 2947 Dreher Shoals Road/S.C. 6. While this initial approval is just a step in the process, the council members are resolute in their belief that this development is essential for managing the town’s growth.

Why is Everyone Talking About Water Walk?

Residents have voiced their concerns quite passionately at recent council meetings. The primary issues voiced include traffic congestion, especially on the already busy Dreher Shoals Road, and the potential strain on narrow residential streets in the vicinity of the new development. Environmental impacts also have folks worried; people are keen to know if there will be adequate buffers to separate Water Walk from surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, what kind of housing mix will be offered? Some neighbors are uneasy about the ratio of rental units compared to those for sale.

Previous Zoning Complications

The council has pointed out an important fact: the property was previously designated for general residential use, meaning that without this new proposal, the land could have been developed into 700 apartment units with little oversight from the town. Mayor Bill Danielson expressed his frustration by saying, “I wish I was here on Town Council in 2007, 2008. I would like to think it wouldn’t have happened. But here we are, and we’re tightening it up.” This shows the responsibility the council feels in tackling the challenge of strong residential growth.

What Will Water Walk Look Like?

So what exactly is the plan? The proposed development includes about 280 single-family homes and townhomes, along with 220 senior-living units. Not stopping there, the developers plan to include commercial spaces for dining and retail, as well as a quaint boutique hotel with a cap of 75 rooms. Under the current proposal, around 145 of the new housing units would be rentals, while discussions continue over the balance of rental versus for-sale homes.

Addressing Concerns

During the meeting, council members emphasized that approving Water Walk allows them to retain some control over the aesthetics and structure of the project. They believe that while change is coming to Irmo, it’s crucial to ensure it aligns with the town’s vision. Councilman Erik Sickinger pointed out, “We have the ability to dictate parameters, to set thresholds and ceilings and hold the developer accountable.” The expectation is that the development will feature various house plans, walking trails, and other amenities while confirming that it maintains the property’s natural slope leading to the lake.

Next Steps and Additional Hurdles

There is still much to be finalized before Water Walk can move forward. A traffic study is necessary, as well as approvals from the South Carolina Department of Transportation and other infrastructure-related considerations. Mayor Danielson also highlighted that the development might lead to the long-awaited widening of Dreher Shoals Road, something locals have been hoping for over the years.

The Community’s Voice

The council is taking to heart the feedback from homeowners, with questions on rental ratios being a hot topic. Councilwoman Phyllis Coleman expressed concerns about ensuring a favorable balance, but staff noted that the planned senior-living units’ operation might differentiate them from traditional rentals, which could lead to an approximately equally divided market.

Final Thoughts

While this initial approval has sparked a mixture of excitement and anxiety within the community, it sets the stage for a pivotal decision next month when the council will reconvene to discuss the project further. During this time, residents are encouraged to continue sharing their opinions, concerns, and hopes for how Irmo should grow as development unfolds.