By Al Dozier
The Irmo Town Council Tuesday gave first reading approval to the controversial $65 million Water Walk development along the shores of Lake Murray.
The council approved a development agreement, and the rezoning of 11 properties totaling 65.12 acres from General Commercial, General Residential and Fringe Agricultural to Mixed Use. The two ordinances will require a second reading for final approval.
The development would occupy land along Dreher Shoals Road and include more than 300 single-family homes and townhouses. Plans also call for 13 acres of commercial space that would include dining and retail options. Developers also hope to have a small boutique hotel with a rooftop patio to provide a venue for community events, weddings and celebrations.
The development plan underwent some revisions after originally being rejected by the council. The revised plan was approved by the Irmo Planning Commission and received a recommendation of approval from the town staff.
The plan continued to come under fire during a public hearing at Tuesday’s meetings, with repeated concerns about the impact the new housing development would have on traffic in the area. Some citizens urged the council to put off any action until a traffic study is completed.
“Muskrat Run can’t handle the traffic,” said a resident who lives on the road.
Another resident said Salem Church Road would also have problems because it only has one entrance and one outlet
But during a discussion before the vote, council members were informed that contract negotiations will address the major concerns about the new development. Town staff will be reviewing the development to make sure it complies with safety rules and regulations.
In an interview with The Irmo News, Assistant Town Administrator Doug Polen said the town recommended approval of the plan after the developer agreed to some changes from the original proposal.
The changes made by developer Material Capital Partners did not affect the major scope of the project. Polen said the developer agreed to requests by town staff to make changes in lot sizes, setbacks for housing, and for the time frame for new business developments.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Bill Danielson said the town will allow the development to move forward, but noted that problems could occur as the undertaking continues. He said everything would be closely monitored.
“We will take all of your feedback,” he told citizens who raised concerns about the project.
The revised plan faced a legal challenge from Irmo resident Adam Raynor who claimed the town can’t reject a development proposal, and then turn around and allow a revised proposal. He described the effort as a “procedural shortcut” that favors the developer.
But in response to Raynor’s request for a restraining order at an August 30 hearing before Judge Daniel Coble, Irmo Attorney William Edwards argued that the town council has the authority to approve or reject the planning commission’s August 12 recommendation, and nothing in the town ordinance or state law prohibits a developer from revising their plans before that process is complete.
Judge Coble sent out a notice September 3 rejecting Raynor’s request. He said a temporary restraining order is “drastic measure” and the plaintiff had not provided enough evidence that it is needed.
Raynor’s initial lawsuit is still pending.
In other action at Tuesday’s meeting, the council approved a contract with The Archer Company for a Classification and Compensation Study for employees in the amount of $16,500. Town officials said the study will help the town with employment challenges during a time of competitive job opportunities.
New In-Town Businesses recognized during the meeting included: South Ground Supply Company,2840 Dreher Shoals Road; Diverse Beauty and Supplies, LLC, 7719 St. Andrews Road Suite C; Massage by Kristi, 10415 Broad River Road Suite I VII.
Wellhaven Home Care was recognized as the September 2024 Small Business of the Month.
